Shakti - The power is a misfortunate example of potential quality cinema that succumbs to commercial pressures and mindless exaggeration. Resulting in a hodgepodge of cinema, that is neither appealing to the masses or the classes.
I am deeply grieved; no, not for Krishna Vamshi(director), who despite over-indulging in over-stylisation and mindless exaggeration, shows promise in certain sequences. And certainly not for Sri Devi Kapoor, Boney Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor. My heart felt condolences go out to S. Sriram, the cinematographer and the post production and visual effects facilities of Prime Focus. Despite a partial treatment from everyone else, S.Sriam abounds the screen with spectacular visuals, capturing the rustic terrains and sand dunes with an array of fast moving(also a credit to Prime Focus) motion camera wizardry. I was simply awe-stricken with every visual, that despite every aberrations in the script, despite the unbearable loudness, I was simply dumbfounded by the time the movie ended. I have not till now, witnessed such fast paced and advanced cinematography being utilised in such abundance. And I am saddened that such remarkable cinematography was not reciprocated with a quality film and this hard work will be forgotten.
The screenplay can be gripping at times, although loses pace rapidly with forced song sequences, comic sequences and over dose of mindless violence. I still am bewildered, as to why a short comic sequence with Shahrukh Khan and the police station was intermixed with the footage of Karisma Kapoor being beaten to a pulp. In such a situation, where one is shocked to see a screaming woman being beaten in public with such brutality, the audience cannot be expected to suddenly shift their emotions to laughter and back to shock. It’s almost as if the beating sequence is just added for the sheer heck of it.
The film suffers significantly due to its bland and boring songs scored by Ismail Darbar. These songs are intrusive and have little relevance to the plot.. Anu Malik’s item number, ’’Ishq Kamina’’ is very blatantly commercial, attempting to capitalise on Shahrukh Khan and Aishwariya Rai’s Devdas combo. This song literally pops up out of nowhere.
There are several guest cameos here, simply inserted in as commercial ingredients; being secondary to the plot. Aishwariya’s item number; Shahrukh Khan, comedians(which thankfully are left behind in the states) and Prabhu Deva. This is a rather cheap exercise. If they are not confident in their work, that they have to overfill it with innuendos to maximise the probability of commercial success - then why make the film in the first place?
Nana Patekar and some of the supporting cast deliver some strong performances. Sanjay Kapoor is wooden. Karisma Kapoor impresses marginally, but is in danger of getting typecasted as an actress that does very little but scream. Shahrukh Khan succeeds in ruining the film more than the songs.
The technical credits are excellent; good visual effects; thrilling scores, good action; good art direction and once again, marvellous cinematography.
Well I have little respect for Shakti the movie, so for the movie, I will not recommend it. For the absolutely superlative cinematography; I do. In fact, I am going to buy a copy of Shakti to study the cinematography. I may not have found a new good film, but I certainly have found a new guru in cinematography. Three cheers for S.Sriram!