For the first time ever, I watched a movie on the first show of the first day of release:). Salman Khan starrer, KICK opened today in a record 5000 plus screens across the world which speaks volumes about the expectations that the superstar has to live up to.
The movie is essentially a remake of a Telugu film with the same name and is about a guy called Devi Lal Singh who is constantly on the search for ‘kicks’ in his life. Devi Lal is essentially quirky and the first half an hour of the film is spent in just establishing this and does not have any real significance. Jacqueline, who plays Shaina, a psychiatrist happens to bump into him and they fall in love. However, Devi Lal keeps job-hopping in search of one that gives him a kick and this irritates Shaina who wants a stable and secure family life and thus, they break-up. A year later, circumstances bring all the protagonists to Poland where the police are in search of Devi Lal who is on a mission to fulfil another of his ‘kicks’ and in the process, finds himself opposite the police, played by Randeep Hooda and an eccentric millionaire, played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
Kick has only three main songs, all of which are already topping the charts. Jacqueline doesn’t have much to do, but still sizzles unexpectedly in a portion of the song ‘Jumme Ki Raat’. Nawazuddin Siddiqui has ventured in a role completely different from what he’s essayed so far and is very effective. Randeep Hooda looks amazing on screen and manages to hold his own, even against the superstar Salman. Mithun Chakraborty and Archana Puran Singh have small roles as Salman’s parents and are quite cute, even though a little over-the-top at times. But, the biggest selling point of KICK is undoubtedly, SALMAN KHAN.
Salman Khan, as the stylish, suave and sophisticated Devil is simply outstanding. After a series of films where he didn’t have to do anything much apart from walk around without his shirt, Kick gives him an opportunity to actually showcase some acting skills and he shows the world why he’s not the audience’s darling for nothing. He even displays an evil streak in parts, which had the entire theatre whistling and rooting for him. The character somehow seems an extension of his real life persona and he fits the bill to the T.
If you’re looking for reality cinema or a great storyline, then Kick is not for you. But if you’re looking for some fun, adrenaline infusing, fast-paced movie, then Kick is a must-watch. In spite of all its shortcomings, I would rate Kick 4 out of 5 for its sheer entertainment value! If you’re a Salman Khan fan, there is no way you can miss this one. And if you’re not, you’ll surely become one!