Why do Directors have to resort to formulas when embarking on projects? Is it insecurity, paucity of talent, lack of innovativeness, greed for another hit at all costs, or all the above? Most probably the last option. If ever there was an example in recent times of a maker hammering on his ’luck by chance hit’ after Sooraj Barjatya, pre Vivaah, its Ravi Chopra in Baabul
One had almost guessed the story from the start . What one was however expecting was perhaps an innovative slant, a fresh approach, a mind blowing drama to the oft beaten track.
Was I disappointed!! I mean, what more could one ask for as far as star cast goes> The cost of his cast itself must be the budget of a couple of movies..and yet whats churned out is an old as the hills treatment and a close to imposssible, forced set of circumstances, to justify the heroism of Baabul.
The only saving grace wa Salman, the ease with which he performed and the contribution he made by his presence even in dull, lifeless, boringly written dialogues and scenes. To give you an example..to dig in the point of a ’buddy relationship between father and son, the pa Mr. Bacachan, on return of his son Salman after 7 years from Usa, dares him to a race on the streets of mumbai right at the airport, ..perhaps the doting dad had aslo converted the left hand drive system of States to synchronise with Indian rule of right hand so that his son can play race- race with him on return. This, if anything is only an example of lack of progressive and creative writing. Surely there could have been a zillion other ways to express the same.. Such lapses carry on throughout..nothing fresh..hackneyed stuff.
Widow re-mariage as a concept had been brilliantly brought out by our legendary Raj kapoor in ’Prem Rog" and with complete logistics. This was only a watered, hurried harried , dull adaptation...not of the film but the core element.
Not that I did not cry.. but then I cry even with an Eddie Murphy flic sometimes..the subject has to touch a raw nerve..and a death is always painful. But after the film is over, there is no hangover, It leaves you unmoved, and with a feeling of having spent time wastefully.
Only aspect worth the mention was the cinematography by Barun Mukherji. It was such an enhancer. It lifted the otherwised inane film from being a total wash out.
Here one can mention, in the pluses I mean, Ranis costumes..absolutely divine..Sabyasachi mukherji colors..
Choreography was soooo unimaginative. Gosh what stops these dancers from earning their livelihood sincerely? Show some involvement baby.
Of the performances, Ab and Rani, did their usual..though one got the feeling they were bored as hell..smart guys..they knew this one was a goner.l It was definitely Hema malinis worst ever.Looking great for your age is great Maam..but when will you act it!
John Abraham has never been on my list of favourites. I have always felt that he got more than he deserved..he looks pathetic and acts like a zombie..without fire and conviction..Ravi Chopra sure does not get his actors to perform..he relied too much on their personal take and let it go..his contribution was nil..he looked in awe of his cast.
All in all.. avoidable..just baa..baa..ing about nothing