Ever wondered how it would be to be only son of Amitabh Bachan? The mere thought of it generates curiousity, interest and excitement. However, when you enter a field where your father is the Sovereign figure, expectations are sky high and comparisons are inevitable.
It has been a long and hard struggle for the senior Bachan, and it looked as if he was never going to charge his way into the creme de la creme of the industry. Even when he did, he was in the search for a hit at the box office which was looking less and less likely. My review will briefly comment on his movies and Abishek's contribution in the movies.
Humble Beginnings: The Debut - Refugee
His debut movie directed by JP Dutta, which also starred another newcomer Kareena Kapoor. This movie did more for Kareena than it did for Abhishek. Abhishek did not show huge promise at this stage and his role was of a conventional hero and did not offer something special. However, he did have a presence which was a force to be reckoned with. The movie was somewhat of a disappointment and did not have the usual JP Dutta stamp. The only memorable element of the movie was the national award winning music by Anu Malik flourished with rich https://lyrics.
A Trilogy of Defeats - Tera Jadoo..., Dhai Akshar..., Bas Itna Sa...
Exectations were high from his next movie Tera Jadoo Chal Gaya. To put it in laymans terms, it sucked. The movie was poorly scripted, and even poorly executed. Abhishek's adequate performance was overshadowed by the numerous flaws in the movie. He had become a more emotive actor and he showed how he could portray various expressions.
Dhai Akshar Prem Ke and Bas Itna Sa Khwab Hai were again poor choices. His performance in Dhai Akshar was slightly better than in Bas Itna Sa, but both movies were terrible. So far four movies, four flops, 3 decent peformances and 1 in BISKH, which was nothing to boast about. The new Bachan on the block was fading.
Haan Maine Bhi Pyar Kiya
Soulful music, a competent director and succesful co stars. Everyone thought that this was it. Finally, his first hit movie had arrived. However, after it released this movie was slaughtered by the critics and somewhat rightfully so. A very weak script and not handled with the sensitivity that it deserved. However, this movie chartered a change in Abhishek’s performance. This was an excellent performance and by this time more and more people were sitting up and taking account of him. However, this movie too had bombed at the box office.
Om Jai Jagdish & Shararat
Starring alongside Anil Kapoor and Fardeen Khan, his role did not demand much and he saled through it with a convincing if not brilliant performance. In Shararat he played the role of a mischievous trouble maker with a required cheekiness. This was a very loving performance despite the movie being a weak fare.
Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon
He was in a supporting role to Hrithik Roshan. His controlled mature and implosive performance was applaud worthy. However, he did not have enough scope for performance to prove his talent further. He even overshadowed Hrithik in the scenes that he had with him. This movie, in India was a flop and did not manage to live up to the expectations.
Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost and Kuch Na Kaho
Both these movies flopped…again. In both these movies his performances were adequate and nothing extraordinary and the promise which he was showing earlier did not translate across in these movies.
Zameen and LOC
Although an Ajay Devgan movie, Abhishek Bachan shined as the ex-army officer, and current police officer fighting his inner demons and struggling to come to terms with his exit from the army on the cause of cowardice. This was a brilliant performance and although the movie was not a hit, it did average business.
He was the heart and soul of LOC. With so many actors in this war epic, he was one of the few that stood out. His witty lines and his final death scene won the hearts of the audience. It would be fair to say that the most memorable line of the 4hr plus movie was “Yeh Dil Maange More” – said by Abhishek Bachan on his success at capturing a certain Mountain Peak.
Run
A rubbish movie with two good factors – Himmesh Reshammiya’s light hearted music and Abhishek’s sincere performance. His dialogue delivery had definetly improved and this saw the emergence of a truly brilliant actor. Irrespective of the fate of this movie at the box office, this will remain a half turning point in his career.
Yuva
Lallan. Given the best role in the movie by Mani Ratnam, Abhishek did full justice to it. His presence of pure evil was even charismatic in a noir sense. His portrayal of the youth gone wrong was simply superb. A rebel without a cause living for money, Abhishek’s performance was the perfect combination of a dark persona and evil presence.
Although this movie failed at the box office, this proved to be a major turning point in his career. His best performance till then, Abhishek Bachan had truly arrived and how.
Dhoom and Phir Milenge
He followed up his performance in Yuva equally brilliantly in Phir Milenge and Dhoom. As the cautious lawyer with a cynical view of aids who transforms into a trusting and dynamic friend, Abhishek Bachan delivered a remarkable performance.
In Dhoom he was the cool and laid back cop. However, his characterisation was weaker developed than the other two. Nevertheless, it was a sincere performance and Dhoom became his first hit, actually his first superhit. The wait was over and ironically Dhoom, which was a multi starrer with a somewhat poor script, became a superhit.
The Item Boy – Rakht
The first male to attempt an item number and the country was on fire. He must have trebled his female fan following after the One Love number. His charisma and personality shined through this upbeat tune in an otherwise and disappointing movie.
Bunty Aur Babli
Failed by the circumstances around him and a hope to become successful, Abhishek Bachan resorted to conning in this movie. His naughtiness manner and his electrifying chemistry with Rani Mukherji worked bigtime. Despite their being massive hype about this movie being this first with his father, there was not much substance in the scenes these two shared.
Godfather Jnr – Sarkar
Here is another side of Abhishek Bachan. Emotive expressions say what words need not to do. His conserved yet fiery performance was amazing. He proved that he was capable enough to stand along with his father in the same frame. His scenes with his father were excellent, his every scene was excellent.
Seven, Eight, Nine, - Dus
From 10 excuses to watch the movie, I give you one – Abhishek Bachan. Along with Sanjay Dutt, Pankaj Kapoor and Shilpa Shetty, Abhishek Bachan gave a very likeable performance. His stylish moves in the title track were mindblowing and consolidated his status as well as increasing the growing number of female fans.
Abhishek Bachan has proved himself time and time again, and has delivered exceptional performances. This is only the tip of the iceberg as it can be assured that he has many tricks up his sleeve.
Look Out For…
His upcoming movies include, Antar Mahal, Dhoom 2, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna.
His female fan following is such that here on MouthShut girls argue over him. In fact a war has already started between Ankita and Chandra as they pursue one cause – Abhishek Bachan.
Look out for the forthcoming release, “Hum Tum aur Woh – The Other Woman” starring Abhishek Bachan, Ankita and Chandra.
Aapka Yuvay
