I am not surprised that 64% of the viewers rating at mouthshut say ’yes’ to the film. I heard of it wile some study was going on thrillers made in India.Frankly, being a student of cinema it is rarely that I have been so impressed with the technique and craftsmanship. It was original in its execution and novel in structure.
Belonging to the genre of ’slasher thriler’ one was mentally prepared for a roller coaster ride, gripes in the tummy and white knuckles. But what I also got was an education on execution of the most brilliantly shot sequences, time and again in the film. To scare, amuse, entertain, again scare, take you on a joy ride all together is no mean task.But it was as if easefully achieved here. I have never laughed as much and screamed as well in the same film.
Some reviews compared it with ’scream’..but frankly similarity of plot or genre is not a comparison..All the scenes were originally executed shots..not seen before.
A story of seven friends who experience a dreadfully horrific experience, interspersed with the hilarity and joy of youthful exuberance, it kept one rivetted and on the edge of the seat..and this was on DVD..I wonder what I might have happened in the theatre.
The shots of the title sequence and song by Sonu nigam was one of the highlights of the film..it set the tone immediately. I find myself humming it now.."kab mera haale dil, poochhoge tum sanam, ab intezaar mein mar hi na jaaye hum’..wonderful..snow peaked mountains..hard unrelenting and harsh backdrop..it was a visual delight .So were the scenes in the island at Bangkok.
This was the same location of ’kaho naa pyaar hai’ I think.. but looked even better. It was akin to watching a painting most of the time. So its as if the maker was showing us paradise but which hid a gruesome tale in its shadows..imaginatively shot.
It had its flaws..for one it was a tad long. Second, the heroine Tanisha, Kajols sister could not quite pull it off, though as a new comer she was bearable. But a heroine like Preity would have created wonders.
I have never liked Dino Morea as much as I liked him in this film.He was at ease and one could see that importance was being given to his close ups and effort put in his performance. The supporting cast was fun and talented lot..Gaurav kapoor was outstanding.
I could not guess the killer till the end..and it was truly jaw dropping..clever. I am extremely fond of thrillers and believe that if a director can make these the other genres are as if a cake walk.
The background score was just right..The music by anu malik was different from his usual stuff..Apart from the title track, the one at the party."Mohabbat mein yeh kya makaam" was romantic and melodious. The song situation helped brng out its relevance.
Details in editing and soundtrack was worth commenting on..the sound of a single gull or birds was mesmerising..waves lashing, branches swaying..truly it was a lesson on cinematic language.
The first half was shot in Manali in the fog and rain and mist..it was stunning..perfect for an eerie murder mystery.
Perhaps a bigger star cast would have given the film a seriousness itdeserved. Audiences normally do not take this genre or this star castwith due focus..sad
All in all a recommended watch..