I saw this movie yesterday on cable TV and not when it was released. Hence this very, very, late review. One had heard that Yash Chopra had thought of casting Ajay Devgan as Rahul, the manic lover in Darr. Shahrukh was not the first choice. In fact, he got the role that other stars like Ajay Devgan and Aamir Khan had refused. And the rest is history.
Watching Deewangee one feels that Ajay Devgan had erred in rejecting the role. He lends dignity and polish to a role that post-Darr, has been done to death. A subtle, under-playing of emotions can often leave an impact that over the top performances are never able to match. This fact has been, from time to time, been displayed by actors like Aamir Khan and Ajay Devgan.
The story goes like this. Ajay Devgan is a struggling music director who is accused of brutally murdering music baron Vijayendra Ghatge. His protégée, Urmila convinces lover-lawyer Akshaye Khanna to take up Devgan’s case. Akshaye too is convinced of Devgan’s innocence, and despite all odds, manages to win the case. At interval comes the twist in the story. Post-interval the story concentrates on Ajay Devgan’s obsession with Urmila and the cat and mouse game played by the two male protagonists.
The movie, which has moved full steam towards the interval point suddenly goes into a narrative high and makes the audience gasp in surprise.
However, here’s a warning. If you’re expecting anything great post-interval, then simply forget it. Anees Bazmi, the writer-director loses grip and delves into Darrish territory. If the first half had you yelping in delight, the second half yawns your time away.
All in all, Deewangee is ok stuff, elevated by a ballistic performance by Ajay Devgan, who is ably supported by Akshaye Khanna. Urmila Matondkar is luke-warm and predictable. As far as the music is concerned … well, people are asking themselves this question … ‘Can Ismail Darbar make real melody only when working with Sanjay ‘Devdas’ Bhansali?’ I know that this review is very short. That is because I have still not recovered completely from viral and am very weak but the thought of writing a review on MS was irresitable. I hope you liked it. Please do comment on it.