Catchy song.... Tempting promo......Confused script!
First scene in US with Roshan(Irfaan Khan) as the FBI agent, interrogating Omar (Neil Nitin) reminds you of Slumdog Millionaire. Next scene of a race between Sameer (John Abraham) and a college buddy, across the campus and on the roof....hints of Mai Hoo Naa.
Starts on a short fun filled college life of three friends in New York - Maya(Katrina), Omar and Sameer. Katrina looks naturally beautiful in her simple avataar. A love triangle, where the unsupecting Omar leaves the city and friendship for 7 years. The movie goes on to the tragic 9/11 and how life changes for these three. How innocent Muslim’s are attacked in the US and forced detention with inhuman treatment.
Sameer is a suspect in 9/11 and sent to detention and tortured by the cops. Blood raging treatment with cops pissing on Sameer’s face. Amazing performance by John in this part of the movie. A nude John with tears in his eye is captivated and mistreated for 9 months, only to be released cause of lack of evidence. The agony of Muslim people touch you at this moment.
In this delicate moment, a love song is forced into. Sameer marries Maya and they get a child Danyal. Sameer with revenge in his eyes joins the terrorist cell.
Omar is pushed by the FBI to return to his old friends and find evidence of terrorism plans by Sameer. Unbelievable sequences with the FBI being, too much emotional and talkative. Unneeded Muslim driver scene is forced into. Several questions go unanswered about the FBI and the loose way of doing things through Omar. Neil Nitin looks a stunner throughout the movie and not too bad on the acting front also.
A weak climax further weakened by the dialogue between Omar, Sameer and Maya. Ending with Omar taking care of Danyal is very predictable and uninteresting admist maple leaves. Sensitive and thoughtful subject, should have been less commercialised. Except for Junoon, song’s are not very hummable. Performances by all actors are brilliant. Cinematography is excellent in some portions. The Direction is good, but should have been accompained with a tight script. Inspite of the shortcomings, somewhere the film still compels, the non-muslim viewer to think of Muslim’s in a different light. Not recommended though! Maybe just to kill time!