Introduction
One of the best of 2006 - I don't understand why everyone seemed to
hate this...for once, a mature realistic love story that for some
possibly is too much so. Everything about this film is nearly
wonderful...the script is smart and witty (the best li...(read more)nes
are reserved for SRK and Amitabh), the music is gorgeous, song picturization/choreography is very good (The best...Rock N Roll Soniye, Mitwa) and the
cinematography is beautiful and hued subtly for moods in the film (For songs as well...Tumhi Dekho Naa, Title Song) making a large use of blues and reds. New York is captured beautifully. I will not go into a plot outline for this review, as their are hundreds more which cover it in detail.
Acting
The acting is first-rate: SRK pulls a career
best with a double act: Part of his character harkens back to his more
aggressive/psycho roles in Darr and Baazigar, the other half is the
candyfloss Khan that we regularly see in 99% of his other movies. On
one hand, you hate him for being such an egotistical bitter man,
but than Khan's charm oozes through, and you cant help but love his
character...no matter how absurd his beliefs and intentions are.
Amitabh manages to steal the show from all others with his presence
alone...he could win accolades for not saying a damn thing. But he
does...and the best lines are reserved for him. Like SRK, half his
character is wacky and zany, and the other is serious and somber...he
does incredible with both. His moving speech near the beginning of the
film, the mix-up that occurs between the two families, the dinner
scene, and his death scene were all incredible. He keeps this movie
alive.
The rest of the cast perform credibly and lend ample support:
Abhi exudes confidence and is comfortable in his supporting role as the
doting loving husband. His scenes with Amitabh are some of the best in
the movie. Preity is the best of the females as SRK's wife, she is very
good, as usual. The scene where SRK confesses to her about his cheating
is very good. She exudes a more restrained mature performance in this
film than the typical bubbly roles she is seen in. Kiron Kher is the
second-best, her scenes with Amitabh are hilarious. Lastly, Rani is her
typical annoying self...her performace dosen't call for much besides
crying...but when she does speak, she still sounds whiny and like she
has a coal stuck in her throat. She gets the best wardrobe...but her
performance is strictly average. A far cry from Black. Arjun Rampal is
good, as always, in a small supporting role. Overall, this large
ensemble cast does very well...though besides the two superstars, the
rest are left in the shadows.
Direction
Direction by Karan Johar
is immaculate, his writing is also superb. This is his best work yet -
far more interesting and mature than Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Negatives
The only negatives in this
film, as far as I can see, is the idiotic behavior and hurtful actions
SRK and Rani partake in throughout the movie. Their is not much depth
to their 'affair' story at all. When their spouses love them so much,
they go about constantly degrading them. Why is SRK always mad...why
the hell doesn't he get a job..its not like he lost his leg...go back
to school dude. And Rani is depressed throughout the movie, about what?
Very selfish/ignorant characters. Its only near the climax that the
'affair' story gains some credibility and these two characters feel
more 'human' as they feel remorse for their actions. Overall, that and
the funny, though unnecessary 'Black Beast' scene are the only
negatives of this otherwise very good movie.
Verdict
A mature love story with considerable depth and emotion, if you can forgive some sketchy/over the top characterization and unneeded plot points, you may be pleasantly surprised.
