Enter the world of unbelievables which will leave you puzzled at many times, a story which is different but seems to be impossible. The story is also not entirely new or different but still away from the hundred times tested hindi films formulas.
Earlier similar film Sajaye-Kala-paani had been made by Priyadarshan in which Indian freedom fighters are sent to Andman Nicobar (Kala-pani) before India?s independence but that film was far superior than this in terms of credibility and several other aspects. Second film near to this was Gadar in which a larger than life hero tries to bring his wife from Pakistan fighting with the whole Pakistani army alone. Even Mahesh Bhatt has made his heroes run in his most of the films by underground drainage system.
This film is also goes on similar lines where a sun tries to bring his father who is an Indian army man under custody of Pak army illegally. It is a very filmi film having all ?masalas? like an item song, a lot of blood and testosterone, heroic and jingoistic dialogues, a lot of incredible action and many illogical sequences. Especially Akshay Khanna’s character seems to be come from Pluto, who has no military training or so but he kills several Policeman and army men in Pakistan like a commando. It is perfect product for front-benchers and even middle-benchers which give them an opportunity to shout and applaud and give form to there own aspirations of heroism. Amitabh is till angry-young (old) man for today?s youth and Sanjay Dutt adds to the flavor.
But apart from all this, thanks to the excellent performances by most of the actors, cinematography and the inherent thrill that the film is watchable. Amitabh is just superb. Most of the times he just speaks by his eyes. And this eye speaking business is not limited to him only but every actor seems to have achieved in this film and that makes it beautiful. Amitabh?s team comprises of all refined actors. Main villain from Pak army also did job well. He looks like a silent and tactful villain.
But others actors are waste. Amrita Rao is just a show-piece and filler element. She looks cute but apart from that nothing to say. So as Tanuja was wasted in a underdeveloped and negligible role.
Background music by Aadesh srivastava is good, but songs are not good. A dance-number picturised on Amrita Rao is choreographed well by Saroj-Khan.
Cinematography is excellent. The sets and natural locations are all managed well.
This film addresses an important issue i.e. condition of soldiers as who are imprisoned by foreign army. They got inhuman treatment all over the world and the news can?t leak out and when it leaks it can become a big news as we saw Iraqi?s prisoners in Anu-Gharib prison by American soldiers. But this is only tip of the iceberg. Actual situations are much horrible.
It also just touches the issue of pitiable conditions of Hindus and other minorities in Pak (and Bangladesh as well, not showed in film). To a less degree the condition is bad in other countries for minorities based on religion, language, color etc.
But it addresses the issues in an unrealistic manner. You can only watch this film if you leave your left brain(logical brain ) at home.
Several questions will remain unanswered like:-
Why Akshay roams in Pak without disguise and good home-work to look like Pakistani ?
How he is not caught even after doing all kind of nuisances there. He is seen by a bunch of people who can identify him and help pak police to get his photo based on memory.
Why he lefts his love affair and a girl whose father is killed and no-one to support her and in addition to her identity is announced in TV as a criminal?s companion. Wouldn?t be she caught after akshay leaves her ?
Indian prisoners are wearing there same army uniform from 33 years ?????
Amitabh?s son Akshay whom he left when he must be at least 3 years old should be at least 36 years old which he does not look like.
A long list of loopholes is there. So its not much recommended to watch, but still it can be watched for some good elements. Don?t expect much and film is entertaining if u can sustain on performances and adventure.