I went to see this flick first day, first show.And guess what???The print had not arrived.The 12PM show started at around 12-45.The public started getting restless but in the end it was worth it.The movie is good value for money.At least I recommend it for a viewing, which says more than for today’s movies.This is director Shankar’s first foray into hindi movies and he performs quite well.
Anil Kapoor has been a favorite of mine and very rarely has he let me down.His performances have always been from the heart and here also he gives a sincere performance.The story is somewhat novel for a hindi movie.Shivaji Rao(Anil Kapoor)is a TV News photographer.He is a silent spectator to all the injustices that the common man goes through in India.One day during a violent riot he sees a student become the victim of a beating and saves him from certain death.The riot becomes a highly politicised event which really burgeones into a political circus of sorts.He is deemed a savior for saving the student and receives a promotion to that of a news reporter by his TV Channel.
Now he has the chance to host his own show and guess what?The first guest on his show is none other than the Chief Minister responsible for the riot.Upon questioning the Minister, the esteemed guest throws a challenge at the interviewer, whether he would like to become a Chief Minister for a day?It seems that this is possible by passing a ordinance in the Indian Constitution.Voila, Mr.Shivaji becomes the Minister for a day and then the trouble starts.He becomes the victim of the cruel and unforgiving world of politics.He becomes the darling of the public and the media overnight because he has suspended almost all the persons responsible for the damages done to our country in some form or the other.
So naturally he has to choose whether he wants to enter politics or to lead the life of an ordinary man.He even has to forsake his lady love because her father will not settle for a politician son-in-law.He has to give a lot of sacrifices.This would classify as a political thriller but at the same time it has some wry humor in the form of Paresh Raval.He is the right hand of the Chief Minister who has some clever lines to say in the movie.There was the ocassional clap from the audience.
The hero here is in top form.He has performed very well.Rani Mukherjee is very pretty to look at and she is pictured well by the cameraman.A.R.Rehman’s music does not disappoint.Shakalaka baby is a zingy number picturised on Sushmita Sen and I must say she looks gorgeous.The cinematography is excellent.It is a pity I do not know the name of the chap.The fight scenes reek of the Matrix.Suddenly everyone wants to try out fight scenes using strings and levers.
See this movie without expecting too much and you will be in for a pleasant surprise.One more thing, the special effects are really good.Note the song sequence with the snakes and ladders.The sets for the songs are also stupendous.The art director goes one up on the Madras pot scenario.Do you remember seeing the Madras movies of the eighties starring Sridevi and Jeetendra? You will see what I mean.See the song sequence to believe it.At least you have to appreciate the trouble they went to, to create such stupendous sets.Well, here’s wishing you a good time at the movies.There are certain scenes which make an impression on you.Few persons might think this movie to be a rabble rouser’s platform because in some parts it becomes too sensationalistic.But it is definitely worth a watch.