Abhay is possibly the most misunderstood and underrated cinematic venture to come out of India. Costing a remarkable $7 million to produce and barely managing a business of 1% of the production costs, Abhay is possibly the biggest box office disaster in history. But where exactly does Abhay falter?
The human genome is a fascinating concept, and even more fascinating is how identical twins with the exactly same DNA can be extremely different and yet extremely alike. Abhay explores this philosophy, but in a more dramatized and dangerous setting. One twin kills for profession; one twin kills for enjoyment; One is a commando; one has escaped from a mental institute. Abhay delves deep into the double helix paradigm and into the psychology of a killer, and does what Tarsem Singh’s, ’’The Cell’’, or Rakesh Mehra’s, ’’Aks-the reflection’’ could not do.
Abhay(Kamal Hassan) is the journey of a schizophrenic and fearless brother, whose past has wronged him and embedded its mark deep into his soul, creating a personal hell inside Abhay; a hell in which Abhay is living; a hell that haunts him every passing second and with every breath he takes.
Movies of this genre and caliber are rarely produced in the huge dream factories of Bollywood. However, earlier on in the year of 2001, we had ’’Aks the reflection’’ another instalment from Bollywood on the psychological genre. Unfortunately Aks left me with a lot to be desired and left me totally drained. Abhay however, managed to delve deep into the core of me and engage me, fascinate me and overwhelm me with its sheer sophistication and ingenuity, while keeping me anticipating the next scenes.
Kamal Hassan’s story and screenplay is very intelligent; very well paced; innovative; engaging and perfectly developed(Aside from one or two logical errors)
The story unfolds in a flowing manner. This is screenwriting reaching a pinnacle of perfection. Every scene is perfectly linked e.g. Abhay’s doctor is explaining that the psycho is addicted to drugs that were administered to him at the asylum and he cannot possibly live without them, therefore he will definitely return - cut to - Abhay buying drugs. Another example. Abhay summons a manifestation of his mother and complains to her, ’’I don’t like anything here mom, I dont feel well’’ and the manifestation of his mother responds with, ’’What is wrong? You don’t need me, ’’you need -(and whilst still talking transmutates into his doctor seated cross-legged on a wooden chair) - the doctor’’.
Every event in the screenplay is meaningful and the meaning becomes clear as the film progresses - Like Abhay’s unusual behavioural patterns; one initially would think this is how Kamal Hassan has executed Abhay’s character, however as the film progresses, we learn Abhay’s behavioural patterns are derived from his childhood E.g. Abhay curls up into a ball when he lies down. Later on in the film when we see him as a child, we see children in a play ground mocking him and pushing him, leaving him lying on the ground in a curled up ball. Another example is how he was greatly influenced by cartoons in his childhood - explaining how he views his surrounding as animations sometimes. Abhay’s frequently used tune, is also derived from his childhood, where he leant it from a tribal people.
Aside from this - the most impressive aspects of Abhay, is how Abhay explores the dual mind of a psychopath. Something that is rarely found in movies of this type. Only Tarsem Singh’s ’’The Cell’’ attempted to exploit the dual mind of a killer, but made a complete mess of a serious issue, I felt. Abhay does just, what the Cell could not do. It shows how Abhay functions, how Abhay see’s things and why Abhay does this. It gives a perfect understanding of Abhay and one begins to see that Abhay is not only the villain, but the hero; not only the hunter, but the hunted.
Suresh Krissna’s direction is par excellence, he has managed to execute each scene in a path-breaking and seamless way. The most impressive is how he shows the flash-backs of Abhay’s childhood in the 2nd half of movies and Abhay’s vision when he is influenced by drugs.
Technically: Abhay looks every dollar spent on it. Abhay is full of technical wizardry, 25 min of spectacular visual effects and animation executed marvellously by Total infotainment limited(India) and Cutting Edge(Australia). This is the one of the few instances in Indian cinema, where visual effects are used to drive their scenes as they are utilised by the American film industry. Some scenes worthy of mention:
A Scene where Abhay bites out a chunk of a brick and then spits it out at Tejashvari, is a scene not to be missed! The computer generated brick, partially stained with Abhay’s blood - leaves Abhay’s mouth in a slowed down real time, that will have you on the edge of the seat, and then breaks into two parts when hitting the bars of the cell.
Action and stunts by Vikram Dharma are stunning and well choreographed. Abhay has some very adrenaline pumping executed sequences and some very dangerous stunts. The most notable action sequences are in the climax sequences, which involves a long vehicle chase sequence, a hazardous bungie jump from atop a 50 story building, a jump from atop the same building onto a balloon suspended in the air, and then a fantastically choreographed fight sequence between Abhay and Vijay.
Edting by M.U Kasi is rapid fire. S.Tirru’s cinematography is sleek and surreal. He manages to capture the atmosphere very effectively and use some very advanced camera wizardry(motion control) to add to the visual splendour of Abhay. Particularly impressive is how Tirru has used green lighting when Abhay is under the influence of drugs. C. Sunders background scores are also brilliant and very atmospheric. Sound engineering is a very strong point of Abhay, the sound effects are once again atmospheric. Make up and S. Chandra’s art direction are good.
Shankar, Ehaan and Loys music score is well-composed, appropriate and well suited to Abhay. Each song has been tightly knit into the narrative. Although none of the songs are outstanding, they do not marr the narative and do add some light moments to the film.
Kamal Hassan play’s both the main character Abhay and Vijay. Kamal Hasaan performs the role of Abhay with excellence and absolute dedication. He has managed to seep deep into the character of Abhay and shows he has a complete grasp of the antics and and behaviors of a psychopath. Vijay’s character, shows a completely different shade of Kamal Haasan, though lacks the punch and depth of Abhay’s character.
On the whole; If you have had your fill of regular masala movies and want to see something different and innovative from Bollywood - then do not write Abhay off! Forget the box office; dismiss the negative reviews; go and watch Abhay and decide for yourself. There are several reasons to watch Abhay:
A mind-blowing performance from Kamal Hassan
A well developed and innovative script
Spectacular visual effects
Stunning action and cinematography
Peppy musical score
Abhay not only sets the standards of this genre for Indian films, but also shows up movies like ’’Aks the reflection’’, ’’The Cell’’, ’’Face off’’ and in a few years will be looked back on as a classic of modern Indian cinema. Unfortunately Abhay can only be understood by few , and is evidently out of the comprehension of those that have been brought up on sweet and simple Bollywood candy floss. Move forward in time; give Abhay a chance!
I welcome any comments on this review.