The problem with films propogating a ’message’ is that they tend to be preachy. ’Kabir Khan’s New York doesn’t do that. It fictionalises the truth behind the bloody aftermath of 9/11 and says things the way they are. There’s no excess of emotions yet there are loose ends in the plot of the film which don’t tie properly. In spite of superb performances of the entire star cast, the slow pace of the film is its biggest drawback.
The colossal dismantling of Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre symbolises loss of innocence for Sameer Sheikh (John Abraham) while Umar (Neil Mukesh) mourns the death of his love for Maya (Katrina Kaif), the same day. Seven years later Umar is forced to rejoin Sam and Maya because of an extraneous circumstance. What happens after, is the story of New York.
Irfan Khan as the tough-n-smooth talking South Asian FBI Agent Roshan tends to be caricaturish. He is a Muslim, who in spite of his religion has been given the responsibility of unearthing a dreaded terrorist operation run by the men of the same religion. And he justifies that "this can happen only in USA". How he turns soft in the later part of the film also defies his earlier hard-nosed stance.
Sam’s hatred is borne out of the illegal detention that he served. The misery he goes through, the animal-like treatment meted out to him somehow justifies the path that he takes. The prison sequences have been canned brilliantly and John Abraham deserves full marks for pouring in gallons of energy in an inspired performance.
The friendship between Sam, Umar and Maya oozes naturalness and that’s a big plus point. They look and behave like friends as if the camera isn’t on. The lighthearted moments of bonding between them are truly special. There’s a scene where Neil sings a song of his grand dad Mukesh to woo Katrina. It is a lump-in-the-throat moment for all those who’ve followed the legend’s works.
In many ways New York will do a world of good to Neil Nitin Mukesh. He has put in a terrific performance and captures attention both in the intense-raw-edged-sequnences as well as the fun scenes. Katrina Kaif is pretty good in the dramatic portions though she doesn’t have too much to do in the film. Irfan Khan as usual is very credible.
Music of the film solely depends on the very hummable Hey Junoon. Tune Jo Na Kaha sung by Mohit Chauhan is likable too. Background score by Julius Packiam is engaging. Aseem Mishra’s cinematography is fantastic. I would say it’s a big highlight of the film. Rameshwar S Bhagat’s editing boasts of simple editing chops which are easy-on-eyes but he should have done something about the length of the film which proves to be a liability.
Kabir Khan’s direction is first rate. It is subtle, well defined and tugs at your emotions without screaming. He conveys the injustices and explains why everyone is right in their own context. The draconian FBI as well as a common man who is forced into terrorism out of sheer outrage. But why doesn’t Maya confront Sam in spite of knowing about his activities? Why does she turn a blind eye? There are several questions that remain unanswered and one feels unrequited.
New York is not your usual bubble gum flick. It provokes and prods you to think. It makes you feel like rediscovering your friends once again. Yes, it doesn’t leave you completely satiated but it’s definitely worth a watch. Once at least.