Aishwarya is the Movie. Review on Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna

This is not a review as such rather a critical recall. I will not outline the story as by now it is quite obvious.

The Movie is a visual treat, what with the superb cinematography, artwork and acting.

However at times the facial contortions of Shah Rukh tend to get you. I am wondering what The Great Indian Comedy Show will do to Dev! Be ready to have some fun there.

The extramarital situation appears forced. In the end Shah Rukh and Rani end up ‘paying up for their sins' as Shahrukh proposes to Rani, “ Kya main Jindagi ki Saja tumhare sath Kaat sakta hoon?" If the message was that infidelity does not pay, what was the point? This is not a bold picture. The protagonist ended up carrying the cross. Though this movie appears to be bold, in the end it reinforces the institution of marriage and deifies the faith between husband and wife. Good.

Moreover, there was no compelling reason for the duo to end up spending night together at that juncture and the passion seemed to be all forced.

The face off between Rani and AB is mind blowing. The passion of AB simply blows you away. And the slap by Rani on SRK takes one off guard. However the unforgiving attitude of the two was too much to digest and the ease an agility with which AB remarries was not in line with his love for Rani. This movie is no Arth. Not even Silsila as there is no Magic of Shiv Hari here.

However, the visuals feel of the movie is world class, comparable with the best of Hollywood movies. Preity Zinta looks exquisite. And acts well too. In contrast Rani looked jaded, except for the Mitawa Song. The ‘Silsila’ scene where Shah Rukh presents the bouquets meant for Rani to Preity is beautifully done.

The comic relief brought in by Amitabh and Kiron is welcome. Someone said in the first review after release, that Amitabh mouthed jokes not fit for a family viewing! Sorry, but I found them pretty harmless. Sample: Abhishek asks him what he wants the party girls to wear? Amit deadpans: nothing! And his scenes with Kiron Kher were too good. Though too few and FIB. I have read in a couple of revs that ultimately the elders took charge of the situation. No it never happens. In fact the elders are cut off from the point of taking charge. People would have loved to see them bring about a happier ending. The end would distance people from the movie.

BO Bottom-line is that it is the families, which make or mar a movie. And in a movie, which ends in an un-happy ending from a family perspective, families’ interest will not outlive the initial curiosity factor. People endear a warm movie, which brings a smile at their faces in the end. The film is opening to good initials because of the banner, the star cast and the publicity blitzkrieg.

The Music is good, if mind-blowing. The title song by Sonu is the song that will stand up to Mere haath mein. or KHNH. Where is the Party … is too formulaic, though it will rock the parties for a while

The Picturisation of Song Mitawa (if it is the clourful one) stands apart. The Choreographer and art directors are to be complimented for such a beautiful song. Not to say the composition and singing in this song is world class. I do not remember any other song. However, I would request Shankar to Stick to composition and backing vocals only. People call HR and KS nasal, but to me the ultimate nasal is Shankar, notwithstanding his range, virtuosity and ‘breathless’ - ness in singing.

The publicity blitzkrieg is enormous. The well made ‘Making of…’ program at NDTV will pull more people to theatre. The timing of release is good what with the holidays on 15 and 16. Many offices have declared extended weekend from 12th to 16th Aug here in NCR.

So much for the guest appearances of Kajol and John. You blinked and they were gone!

The movie is the public perception of Ash- Great Body, Little Soul.

Thanks for reading.

PS: Changed the rating to Good.

Edit: I am learning that I have hurt peoples' sensibilities by comparing Ashwarya with the movie. I do not mind that as 1 I did not pass my own judgement on aishwarya rai, I only alluded to her public image at large 2 I compared ash to a Mega Buck movie, which was a compliment to both as far as appearance is concerned. This was not an Aish review. So chill guys. I standby by my review on this regard. As much as I treasure VU and U ratings, I am least bothered by your NU or SU ratings, especially by the kind of guys who rate a review by its title!