Bollywood is seriously becoming of age! New genres are definitely being explored. Those times are gone, when Bollywood only and only produced love stories. Today, films like ?Koi Mil Gaya?, ?Bhoot?, ?Darna Mana Hai? etc. are being made. If you really don`t believe that Bollywood has become of age, then see ?Rudraksh-The Power To Possess?. In the history of Indian cinema, such brilliant special effects have never been used, as in this film. ?Rudraksh?, is the ?Matrix? of Bollywood.
THE FILM:
Karma Entertainments. ?Rudraksh?, produced by Nitin Manmohan and directed by Mani Shankar, stars Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Bipasha Basu, Isha Koppikar and Nigar Khan. Mani Shankar, the director of this film, is someone who goes for something different. His successful film ?16 December?, proved that Mani Shankar is a brilliant director. In 16 December, as well, there were amazing special effects, but with ?Rudraksh?, he goes much further.
THE CHARACTERS AND PERFORMANCES:
1.Varun(Sanjay Dutt): Varun possesses paranormal powers and with his magic, he can even take away anyone`s pain. Varun’s life takes a turn, when he explores a dark power, Rudraksh. Sanjay Dutt, the actor who played an underworld don in several films, does something different, equally well, as much as his performances in ?Vaastav?, or ?Munnabhai M.B.B.S?. His scenes with Suniel Shetty are very good. In fact, from the scene where he enters the movie, he makes an impression on his viewers. Excellent performance!
2.Bhuria (Suniel Shetty):Bhuria wants to own the Rudraksh. He believes that the Rudrkash-holy seed, belongs to him, that is why he is Varun’s arch rival. Suniel Shetty, gives a clapworthy performance, as the odd and strange Bhuria. From his dialogue delivery to his face expressions, he is first rate. If Sanjay Dutt plays the good, excellently, then Suniel Shetty plays the bad as good as Sanjay Dutt. For Suniel Shetty’s fans, this is one such performance which they will love.
3.Dr.Gayatri(Bipasha Basu):Dr.Gayatri is experimenting with voodoo magic and paranormal powers. Being a doctor she does believe in such supernatural things such as magic, etc.Bipasha Basu, after working in crappy films like ?Ishq Hai Tumse? and ?Aetbaar? (Amitabh Bachchan’s performance was the only saving grace of this movie), is back in a film which will bring her successful days, back.As Dr.Gayatri, Bipasha Basu is wonderful. In this film, she looks beautiful, sexy, intelligent and above all, even acts well. She is there in the first half, and in the second half, she doesn’t get much scope, still she acts well.
4.Lali(Isha Koppikar):Lali, is the love interest of Bhuria. She is always there for Bhuria, and that is why Bhuria loves her so much. Isha Koppikar, looks beautiful, and does her job efficiently. Her looks and face expressions are the best thing about her performance, in this film. She makes full use of her abilities of making face expressions. She’s a beauty! (Bhuria has a good choice!)
Nigar Khan (the girl from the video of ?Chadthi Jawaani-Remix?, album aur ek hasina thi), does only one song, ?Ishq Khudaai?, and she looks very smart & sexy. The others, are also good, in supporting roles, but they don’t get much lengthy roles.
THE STORY:
Dr.Gayatri is one such person, who is practicing voodoo magic and is investigating in paranormal powers.Varun is someone who possesses paranormal powers, and have such powers that he can heal, anyone`s pain.American scientist`s are very impressed by his magic and abilities.Dr.Gayatri meets Varun and experiments such powers with Varun`s help.While Dr.Gayatri is experimenting, Varun finds out a hidden, dark power, which is linked to Rudraksh, which belongs to Ravana, the prince of Sri Lanka.Rudraskh is a holy seed, a holy seed which is very powerful.This Rudrkash leads Varun to Ravana`s palaces and the Himalayas.Thus, the adventure starts.Bhuria, is someone very evil, who wants to own this Rudraksh.How will Varun face Bhuria?
THE WORK OF THE CREW:
Mani Shankar`s direction is brilliant.He has dealt with such a different subject, very well.From the very first scene of this film, the viewer will get attentive towards this film.The scenes which can be singled out, are the following:
1.When Dr.Gayatri checks Varun`s brain.
2.Where Gayatri captures Bhuria in her camera.
3.Where Bhuria comes face to face with Varun.
Mani Shankar, has proven that he can handle such a subject with ease.
Screenplay, is gripping, right from the word ?go?, except for lali`s and Bhuria`s crazy characters may confuse.
The designers, have done their job very well.The outfits of the actors are very well made, and the looks which Sanjay Dutt and Suniel Shetty have been given are amazing.Sanjay Dutt, in the first half can be seen with long hair, reminding you of his old days, when he had kept long hair.In the second half Sanjay Dutt, is your normal Sanju, except for you can see his eyes turning green, in some action scenes.Suniel Shetty`s get-up, is also very well done.Even he appears in two looks.He can be seen with long hair as well as with his own look.
Action, is superb!The fight scenes between Sanjay Dutt and Suniel Shetty have been very well executed.
Special effects is the strongest link of this film.In Bollywood, you must have never ever witnessed, such special effects, before.In fact, when the colour of the eyes of the actors turn into green, they didn`t have to wear lenses.It was all done by special effects.
Background music, is at times haunting and at times, exciting, completely matching with each and every scene of the film.
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy`s music for the soundtrack is also brilliant.?Ishq Khudaai Rab Ne Banaai?(a disco number), ?Kya Dard Hai?(where Varun is taking away gayatri`s pain.The song is beautifully picturised) and ?Bole Dole?(A romantic song on Bhuria and Lali), are the best of the lot.
ON THE WHOLE:
?Rudraksh? is obviously, worth your money. It has excellent performances, nice songs, gripping moments and above all amazing special effects. This film can be called ?all in 1?, which contains everything for each and every viewer. The film is too Hollywoodish but something very new for Bollywood. The science fiction genre has not been explored in Bollywood, that much, so for the Bollywood fans who are looking out for something different in Bollywood, this is a treat!