I saw ’’Gayab’’ a few days ago primarily because Ram Gopal Varma’s name was attached to it. Little did I know what I was getting myself into when I saw this film. Here then is my review for ’’Gayab’’.
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I should note, straight off the bat, that Tusshar Kapoor ranks among some of the worst actors working in Bollywood today. Throughout his rather uninspiring career, Tusshar Kapoor has been giving one dreadful performance after another. So, it came as a surprise when a filmmaker like Ram Gopal Varma offered Tusshar the lead in ’’Gayab’’. Varma, of course, is solely responsible for resurrecting the likes of Fardeen Khan, Urmila, Antara Mali and other actors back onto the Bollywood scene. In light of that fact, I guess I shouldn’t be all that surprised that Varma opted for an actor like Tusshar. The underdogs seem to be a special preference for Varma. So, does ’’Gayab’’ alter my stance on Tusshar as an actor? Read on folks.
’’Gayab’’ tells the story of Vishnu Prasad (Tusshar Kapoor) - an eternal loser in life and love. Distressed at a rather foolish altercation earlier, Vishnu heads off to the beach one night determined to end his life when he finds an eerie statue and makes a wish - that is to become invisible. Of course, Vishnu isn’t aware he’s making a wish and is shocked when it actually comes to pass. Invisible and with the world in his grasp, Vishnu tries to makes his firm mark in society and his woman’s heart. Saying anymore would ruin the premise of the film but it’s safe to say that ’’Gayab’’ is one of the rare products that Varma’s ’’Factory’’ should never have made.
After an appalling debut with ’’Darna Mana Hai’’, Prawal Raman makes an equally unimpressive venture with ’’Gayab’’ supposedly inspired by ’’The Hollow Man’’. With ’’Darna Mana Hai’’, Raman took up a promising subject and turned it into a routine, dense thriller. Prawal Raman’s ’’Gayab’’ actually fares worse - nearly faltering in every department of filmmaking. Tusshar Kapoor is, well, Tusshar Kapoor. Nothing breathtaking or outstanding here from the young actor though Raman’s film doesn’t really nurture Tusshar’s talent, or should I say, lack of talent.
One of the biggest hurdles that Tusshar Kapoor is yet to overcome as an actor is his complete lack of naturalism. He is unable to emote properly, has poor comic timing, and cannot invoke any kind of authority with his high-pitched voice. In all honesty, I highly doubt that Tusshar, very much like his father, will ever turn into an actor of substance. Antara Mali, shockingly, gives an abysmal performance as Tusshar’s love interest. I expected more from this actress after her stellar act in Ram Gopal Varma’s ’’Company’’. With her Urmila-like mannerisms and her exaggeration of nearly every emotion, however, Antara Mali is a complete letdown in ’’Gayab’’.
The supporting cast, including the disappointing Raghuvir Yadav, put forth performances as ordinary as they come. Technical work (sound, editing, camerawork) is shoddy to say the least - something you don’t expect in a film by Varma. Then again, I didn’t expect Varma to produce dull ventures like ’’Gayab’’. Music by Amar Mohile, after his terrific background score in ’’Ek Hasina Thi’’, is uninspiring. Prawal Raman should think twice before he handles the directorial reins again. Two promising assistants from Varma’s overloaded camp have come in the form of Sriram Raghavan (’’Ek Hasina Thi’’) and Shimit Amin (’’Ab Tak Chappan’’).
They are the future of Varma’s ’’Factory’’. Raman, on the other hand, is easily the weakest director to come out of that stable and Varma should think twice before he gives the greenlight to Raman’s next feature.
’’Gayab’’ could have been an excellent character study had Raman exploited the invisible theme in more detail. As it is, however, ’’Gayab’’ ranks as the worst production Ram Gopal Varma has bestowed upon us to date.