Not the Showman's Movie. Review on Kisna

There was an air of expectations before the film started and the first 15 minutes built the expectations only to fizz out during the next 2 hours 40 minutes. People, this is what happens if one tries to get into another's shoes. Subhash Ghai is a brilliant film maker, a show man, great writer. But, he probably did not bother to think much while making this film.

The story is a simple and good one. Treatment was bad. This is a story of a poet rescuing his child hood friend and a brit officers daughter from the villains, falling in love in the process. Lot of actors were wasted with under developed characters. Prime examples are Amrish Puri and Om Puri. There was a justification of Amrish Puri's character, but it was not developed properly. I simply could not understand why Om Puri was playing the gay part in the movie, that too half heartedly.

The worst part, Kisna was publicised as a Warrior Poet. But, no where the poetic brilliance was shown. It is only in parts that the poetic prowess of Kisna was elated. The dialogues were not in sync with what his character was. Music was at best ordinary.

Coming to the actors, I think Vivek was alright as a warrior poet (I wonder if he really had the dialogues to that affect). The young brit was good, actually the best part of the movie. Isha was simply amazing in the dances, her flexibility is truely amazing. But, even her character was ill potrayed. The way her agony was shown in the form of dance was bit too loud. Where Mr. Ghai showed his true colors was in the climax where he dared to move away from the stereo type and give a climax which was sensible.

All in all a good story which could have been a great film was made half heartedly. Probably Mr. Ghai should make films his own way, not compete with others.

I thought there was a telugu film Okkadu, which had a similar story line though it was of the current period.