Anil Sharma fans are requested to excuse my profanations, but I now
have the courage to say that Anil Sharma’s ’’ Gadar’’ was a fluke.... and
that’s putting it very mildly. Personally I never liked Gadar and till date am
surprised over its commercial success. The theme (Indo-Pak hatred)
perhaps was more contributing to the films success, than the story or
direction. Sunny Deol’s powerful screen presence was another factor that might
have contributed to Gadar’s success. Failure of ’’ The Hero’’ and now insipid
ATHWS substantiates my argument of calling ’’Gadar’’ a fluke.
Presence of mind and sensitivity to the changing environment (audience)
are two qualities that differentiate good directors from ordinary ones.
Will someone explain Anil Sharma that Indo-Pak hatred theme is passé now? By
premising an anti Pak movie as ’’ First movie on Indo-Pak friendship’’,
Anil Sharma has realized the same, but a trifle late. Perversely enough,
unlike the claim, this is a purely anti-pak movie minus the profanities.
(Further for readers info, there have been movies on Indo-Pak
friendship earlier (so this cannot be the first one.. in any case), Main Hoon Na,
being a recent example.
A run-of the mill movie, starring Bobby Deol in a double role, first as
Naval Captain Vikramjeet singh (father) and later as Kunal (son).
Despite bagging cock-a-hoop role in the movie, Bobby Deol has flattered to
deceive.
After impressing in minuscule role as a Naval captain, Bobby hasn’t
done anything extraordinary in potentially superior role of the spoilt brat,
who undergoes transformation on the battlefield (any resemblance to
Hrithik ’’Lakshya’’ is purely incidental :-)).
The movie starts with 1971 Indo-Pak war (viewers, prima facie gets
to know that this is no Indo-Pak theme, but alas they have already spent
the money on the ticket and few bags of overpriced popcorn). Coming
back to the story ...or rather 1971 war, Captain Vikramjeet Singh (Bobby)
looses his life while saving the lives of a Major and his army, after his ship is
hit by ammunition from a Paki submarine. The major played by the Big AB
himself, also happens to be the captain’s father. The captain sacrifices his
life for the nation, hoping his son Kunal will pursue the family tradition of
audacity and serve the nation like him and his grandfather.
Phew, just ten minutes into the movie and the main protagonist is dead?
Just when you feel that this movie will go in further flashback (how else
can you have bobby jumping and dancing all over the promos, when he is dead
already?), Anil Sharma throws in a surprise. Enter Bobby Deol (again???),
this time as son (Kunal), a spoilt brat, who believes in cutoffs to success.
He is shown in army (by grandfather’s influence?? or cheating in
exams...not sure!). In the same batch are shown Doctor Sakshi (Sandali Sharma),
TrilokSingh (newcomer Kapil Sharma), Vivek Shauq ( Sirohi) and others.
This portion of the movie, beautifully shot in Jaisalmair (I know I
have spelt it wrong...please correct me), impresses as far as the
cinematography goes.
Sakshi is a silent lover and quite obviously ’’ best friend’’ of Kunal ,
who has disdain both for her and the army. He however falls for a girl
Shweta (newcomer Devya Khosla) , whom he spots in the festival. Shweta (Devya)
introduces another character Rajiv singh ( Akshaye Kumar), as her hubby who lost
his life in a indo-pak war ( Indo-pak friendship....huh) Flashback
again... a very poetic Rajiv proposes Shweta at a army function and they get
married.
The poetical repartee shown between the two at the army functions,
brings cheers from the crowd...for a change. Call in J.P. dutta’s Border...
call from the camp for Rajiv, at the marriage function itself. Poor Akshay
has to leave, not lucky enough even to celebrate his Suhaag Raat. He fights
with valor and forfeits his life in the war (or did he??).
Now that Rajiv is not there and after suasion from her family Shweta
reluctantly agrees to Kunal’s proposal for marriage, who promises to be
back after another paki intrusion in Kashmir (phew..not again).
’’Wait a moment..Rajiv is back!’’. My friend shouted
from behind, as I was rushing down to fetch some more popcorn. He isn’t
dead but was captured by Paki army chief Ashfaaq khan (Danny) and somehow
managed to dodge them, to serve his country yet again..
Problems for the poor young lady ( Shweta).
In the meantime, while re-capturing a post from the pakis, captain
Trilok (Kapil) Sharma looses his life (well...who cares...?). However Kunal
gets the Sena medal for Trilok’s endeavor. This shakes him up and he finds
his Lakshya of his life ( a la Hrithik).
Meanwhile, military advisor Amarjeet singh ( Amitabh) and his troupe
have the responsibility to make the holy Amarnath yatra, a success. While
talks with neighbors were on, Paki general Sikander ( Ashutosh Rana) planned
to sabotage the yatra, by being a part of it. Only signs of indo-pak
friendship come late in the movie in the form of Ashfaaq Khan (Danny), who
sacrifices his life to save Akshay. However the transformation of Danny from being
an anti Indian to neighbor loving army man is not explained.
The climax is shot amidst the Amarnath yatra and lots of hoo-ha, and
thedirector has managed to do well there.
Since I am not supposed to reveal the entire story, here are few
open ended questions for those who are willing to watch the movie ( Who gets
the girl ( Devya khosla)? what happens to Sandali Sharma? What is the fate
of Ashutosh Rana? What is Vivek Shauq doing in the movie? and finally How
to stay young , by eating camel dung? Well, if these questions do not
generate your interest enough to watch the movie, please don’t blame me.
Screenplay is good; Dialogues lacks punch you normally expect in an
Anil Sharma’s movie, Weak and disjointed storyline (specially the comedy
seems totally inapposite) makes the movie a below average fare.
In the acting department, Amitabh is towering as ever. Bobby (with his
receding hairline) gets a meaty role, but fails to live up to its
potential.
Ashutosh Rana, Danny, Nagma (as Kunal’s mother) are decent.
After Aitraaz, Akshay, has made a habit of sleep walking through his
roles.Just mouthing ill-written shayari is what he has done in the movie.
The less said about Kapil Sharma is the better, except for the war
scene, where is face is ’’Cherry wax’’ polished, he potrays the same expressions
throughout his role. Bulging eyes and pouted lips, as if a young boy
has just seen a toy dumper truck at a shop.
The other newcomer, Devya Khosla has impressed, primarily by her visage
and by not getting intimidated by the presence of big stars around her.
And the music...well lets just not talk about anything obnoxious after
taking about cute Devya Khosla.
Final advice for Mr. Anil Sharma: ’’ Sir, kindly think twice before
even envisaging such audacious escapades in future’’.
IF YOU FIND THE ABOVE WORTH ANNOTATING, PLEASE DO COMMENT.