The luck of 'K' runs out. Review on Kaal

Never expect too much from anything and never believe in hype,that’s the lesson Kaal has taught me.All the attention-drawing promos,the beautiful,well toned bodies on display(except maybe Vivek Oberoi) and the backing of Shahrukh Khan and Karan Johar led me to assume that this would be a groundbreaking movie,a change from the usual ones at least.But big banners and gorgeous abs and curves mean nothing if your movie is just a lame attempt to ape a Hollywood action cum sci-fi flick.

Kaal’s opening scene with brilliant cinematography dupes you into thinking that the rest of the movie will be as good.But unfortunately……The next 10 minutes are spent displaying John Abraham and Esha Deol’s sculpted bodies.For one particular shot all that was shown was John’s spectacular torso.The film is about six people namely a television actor(Vivek Oberoi),his over-superstitious girlfriend(Lara Dutta),their two friends alongwith a national Geographic researcher(John Abraham) and his photographer wife(Esha Deol).Their paths cross in the Jim Corbett national sanctuary(dubbed Orbit) where they encounter mysterious occurrences.An unusual number of people are becoming victims of man eater tigers.However the deaths are too weird to be credibly caused by a wild animal.After a member of their group dies under mysterious circumstances,all of them decide to leave the jungle.Unfortunately,heavy rains block the main route and they have to seek the aid of the mysterious Kali(Ajay Devgan) who claims to know a way out.An eerie atmosphere pervades throughout maintained by the cryptic utterings of Kali.Finally the harried group realizes that supernatural forces are at the root of all the problems.Running for their life,they somehow manage to escape in the nick of time.But the danger is still alive back in the forest waiting for more unsuspecting prey.

A innovative story idea which could have been a scary,edge of your seat film with better editing,a faster pace and less corny dialogues.But instead it is a tedious,slow and slipshod movie which barely keeps you awake, let alone riveted to the screen.Director Soham should have concentrated more on making his film’s plot less hazy rather than trying to create the impression of a futuristic film.Also,whats with trying to make all the characters look evil at some point or the other in the film?Isn’t there one normal,sane person among them?

The actors(should I call them that?) have nothing much to do in the film.They have a fixed set of emotions and all they do is follow them by rote.Vivek Oberoi has to look arrogant,tough and say dumb stuff like “Cut the crap” and “Jaan se maar doonga.” Believe me,when I heard that for what felt like the hundredth time,I literally felt driving a screwdriver into his skull!John Abraham has to look tender and menacing at the same time.While Esha Deol and Lara Dutta have to just pout and scream at the top of their voices.

The cinematography is good with the forest looking wonderful in all its myriad hues.My favourite scene is the one where all the three tigers come together.It is a breathtaking spectacle and one which leaves you totally speechless with the sheer majesty of the beautiful animals.I think they deserved more screen time than their human costars.

The music is typical of the times.Tunes that you would dance to at a disco but couldn’t bear to actually listen to more than twice,thrice at the most.

I recommend the movie only if you are a big fan(and I mean big!) of any of the actors or if you are really fed up with the run of the mill stuff.But I must say the first 5 minutes are totally worth it.Shahrukh Khan and Malaika set the screen on fire.Chaiyya Chaiyya part 2!Give me more!