It is complex, somewhat innovative and very well-acted. Yet why is it that one does not feel complete satisfaction having finished watching Vikram Bhatt’s Ankahee? If the PNCs’ last production Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena rabbled in asinine immaturity to the zillionth degree, Ankahee conversely gives us no answers to a difficult familial situation. Vikram’s main failure with his latest venture is in commercializing it too much and boy, it does dilute the film’s chances of being taken seriously. Aftab [Doctor]and Amisha are a well-settled and affluent couple with a young daughter. Life takes a turn when miss world Esha Deol begins visiting Aftab at hospital. Sympathizing with Esha’s maternal instincts, Aftab allows her to stay with him for few moments.But life is not so easy for them.... Ankahee relies on uneasily explained character motivation and actions, and that is why it works. The complexity and often real human behaviour of these characters makes the film a pleasure to watch.Esha and Amisha pack the film with a whopper of a positive punch. These are complex, well-etched and both actresses do a commendable job living their roles. It is also great to see Esha try a different role , after her unending barrage of insignificant films[Pyare Mohan , Shaadi No.1]. Here, Esha gives a flawless performance. Amisha is a little loud in one emotionally charged scene yet she continues to astound her acting range.We all know that Atab is excellent in dramatic roles, so there is little to say here.Bhatt plays on the Aftab-Esha natural chemistry though and takes the film dangerously close to condoning the act of adultery. I don’t think it was intentional though. The music is a mixed bag – not great, not bad either. Amongst the tracks, ’ek pal’ and ’aa pas’ stand out for their tunes, while the balance tracks range from quite good to strictly average. Cinematography is first-rate.We have got to hand it to the marvellous performances and complex characters for keeping our interest in Ankahee. They help give the film the base it needs for credibility. If only Vikram had made it a darker and less glamourous product, it would have had phenomenal success with the classes. The masses are certainly going to have a tough time watching, understanding and appreciating this inappropriately packaged flick. Of course, for those of you who like a bit of novelty and acting tour de forces, Ankahee is better than a thousand 36 China Towns and Pyare Mohans combined.