I had heard about his being on the ?Footpath? earlier, but never thought things would come to the point of ?Murder?. Yes, guys, I?m talking about a certain new actor, Emraan Hashmi, who is going to sound the death knell of many Bollywood newcomers ? provided of course he plays his cards correctly. He looks good, is talented, performs confidently and has a strong screen presence. As Sunny, the possessive and passionate lover, he steals the show from under the noses of his co-stars. This Mahesh Bhatt-produced and Anurag Basu-directed erotic thriller should endow Emraan with a spring-leap into the big league.
Now, before anyone starts thinking Emraan Hashmi is my uncle, let me stop and get on to talking about the film.
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Story
The central character of the plot is Simran (Mallika Sherawat) who lives unhappily in Bangkok with busy hubby Sudhir (Ashmit Patel) and kiddo. Turns out the kid is not hers, but her elder sister Sonia?s. Apparently, Sonia had taken Simran?s place in a Bangalore-borne flight which crashed and killed her. Ridden by the guilt, Simran decides to take Sonia?s place in order to seek salvation for herself and security for the infant left behind by sis. Unfortunately, Sudhir hasn?t come to terms with this replacement and even after 5 years of strained relationship, Simran finds herself very lonely.
At this stage, she bumps into Sunny (Emraan Hashmi) who was her college date and had landed in jail because he bashed up an eve-teaser who had been bugging Simran. Now Sunny has made a fresh start and makes a living as a DJ in a Bangkok pub. After some initial resistance, Simran succumbs to the amorous advances of Sunny and goes whole hog into a passionate yet adulterous relationship. She now looks much more happier and contented, despite moments of guilt sneaking in at times. Hubby Sudhir suspects something is amiss and hires a private eye to get some dope on his wife?s activities. Then comes the confrontation scenes and a revelation that Sunny is an extremely possessive character unwilling to let go of Simran, a trait which eventually leads to his murder. I think that is a spoiler enough, and if I go any further, then there won?t be any need for you to watch this movie!
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Some well-handled scenes:
After Simran returns home from the first day of a fulfilling afternoon with her old flame, a slightly remorseful Sudhir attempts to get intimate with her, but has to face rejection. The first shadow of doubt is cast!
The murderer dragging the wrapped up body of the victim from the apartment upto the car through a crowded street is quite interesting.
The cross questioning of two suspects in adjoining rooms when one can see the other, but not vice versa due to a one-way glass. The expressions brought out are quite innovative.
And finally, what you were all waiting for?.mmmm?.the sex scenes! Usually in Bollywood, we restrict love-making to err?shall we say? making-out. But ?Murder? goes several steps ahead and actually has sex scenes. Simulated they may be, but bold nevertheless. And they are tastefully done. Of course it depends upon your sensibilities whether you regard these as vulgar or not. Just make sure your kids don?t watch these. But if you are in the quiet company of your partner, the visuals as well as the music is certain to kindle some fires. Need I say more?.!
Music:
A lot of controversy regarding plagiarism has arisen in the case of ?Bheege Honth Tere?. Frankly I couldn?t care less. The song is one of the best I?ve heard from Anu?s stable for some time. I don?t really know who the singer is, but whoever he is, has done an excellent job. The song matches the visuals in terms of erotic intensity and is sure to lead you to the nearest CD store.
The other good number is ?Kaho na kaho? which has been picturised on Sunny & Simran during their flashback college days. Again an unusual rhythm and picturisation, this melody is memorable.
The rest of the songs are passable, including one which has Kashmira Shah crooning a OP Nayyarish tune.
Technical aspects:
The cinematography is just superb and Bangkok looks quite tempting. (For that matter, the cameraman even makes our Bandra-Kurla complex look quite good). The locations are beautiful including the lovely house in which Simran & Sudhir reside. In comparison, Sunny?s rundown apartment in the center of a bustling street is a stark contrast. Director Anurag Basu has his job cut out. With just three characterizations to be etched, he manages to weave eroticism with intrigue through some tightly written screenplay and razor edge editing. Mahesh Bhat is all set to claim the title of Bollywood’s smut king. Overall, it?s a good job done. Not a classic, but a good representative flick in this genre.
Performances:
Ashmit Patel has a thankless job of trying to convey both restraint as well as frustration, which he does quite competently. He has classic handsome features and looks quite good, despite an uncanny resemblance to his yucky elder sibling. Mallika Sherawat, a pro in the skin-show department, is less verbose than in real-life, which is not saying much. But she does have talent and that shows through her performance. Good show! Raj Zutshi as a Sardarji cop in Bangkok (?!!) is okay. Have I left anyone out? Oh yes, so I was telling you about Mr. Hashmi ?gag...mmpphhh?.mmpphh?.gasp?.koff?kofff?