Jul 25, 2009 05:06 PM
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Since a couple of years, we are bombarded with adventurous reality shows, where contestants do dangerous stunts or stay for 3 months in an enclosed house equipped with video cameras or spend 2 months in jungle or reveal their deepest secrets in front of the family and also the entire country! The motive of all the participating contestants is to win and take home a big moolah. The film Luck goes a step ahead. No, it isnt a reality show but the setting reminds you of one. Except, that one small mistake by the contestant and he/she is dead! A saga of such an extremely dangerous game of death, Luck entertains and thrills fully! Unfortunately, it comes with its share of flaws too! More on it later!
The story of the film: Muusaa Bhai (Sanjay Dutt) is a big name in the world of gambling and betting. He has come up with the concept of human betting and assembles 15 'lucky' people from all around the world to South Africa. Tamang (Danny Denzogpa) helps Muusaa unearth these 'hidden treasures' who are favoured by luck-Ram Mehra (Imran Khan) is in a debt of Rs. 20 crore, all thanks to his father who is no more. Retd Major Jawar Pratap Singh (Mithun Chakraborthy) urgently needs Rs. 25 lakhs for his wife's treatment. Shortcut (Chitrashi Rawat) is a camel racer in Pakistan who has the ability to win in the race even though her camel has a limp! Serial killer Raghav (Ravi Kishan) wonderfully cheats death. And finally, Ayesha (Shruti Haasan) who has already won in the game of human betting once and is back again. In addition, there are some more from the rest of the world. All of them have one thing in common-they all possess luck. There will be only one winner and survivor in the end who'll go home with 20 crores. Who will that be?
Luckhas everything needed for an exciting action packed adveturous thriller-thrilling background score, top-class sound design, action sequences that are out of the world and outstanding sequences. The first scene of the film sets the mood wonderfully. In fact, the initial scene turns out to be one of the best shot scenes of Indian cinema!
The first hour concentrates mostly on the background of all the characters. There was a possibility that the film would have turned boring at this point. However, the film has some interesting moments in this portion as well. The film takes a turn when the contestants reach South Africa. All the challenges given to them was well executed and keeps the viewers on the edge of the seat. The climax was brilliant and the surprise towards the finale was very interesting and witty!
However, unfortunately, the film has some glithces too, which could had been easily avoided by the screenwriters. The biggest goof was undoubtedly Ravi Kishan being released from the prison. What was funny and nonsensical was the reason behind his release-watch it and you'll feel like hurling a shoe on the screen! Other glitches in the flm:
-Tamang (Danny) in debt of Rs. 3 lakhs on one side and on the other, he is riding in an expensive SUV and daily spending 50 bucks on lottery!
-The real identity of Ayesha-the flashback didnt quite make sense
-The song 'Aazma-Luck is the Key', sung by Shruti Haasan herself, missing from the film!
With so many brilliant performers, it becomes difficult to judge who was the best. Sanjay Dutt rocks with his brilliant performance! He has already an expert in essaying such 'bhai' roles and therefore, performs in Luck with ease. But one wont find him repetitive-everybody would love him for sure! Keep rocking Sanju Baba!
Imran Khan is an actor to watch! He had already proved his worth inJaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na and also in Kidnap, he was brilliant. In case of Luck, he was impressive, especially in the beginning and in the climax where the focus was all on him. Debutant Shruti Haasan is here to stay. Along with good looks and great voice, she has the confidence and capability to carry off even the most challenging roles. She's possibly winning Best Debut (Female) Award this time!
Chitrashi Rawat was a charmer! She had charmed everyone in Chak De! India (and also in Fashion) and now does it again in Luck too! Mithun Chakraborthy is natural as always. Danny Denzogpa turns out to be the scene stealer. He was completely in form and gives in an master performance! He's also going to be seen next in Acid Factory, where he is expected to score another sixer. Danny's back! Ravi Kishan gives a brilliant performance and does a perfect job.
Newcomer Snita Mahey is a perfect lookalike of Angelina Jolie! However, she hardly has anything to do in the film. Same goes for Rati Agnihotri. Others were good.
Salim-Sulaiman's music was catchy but could had been better. The best song was 'Aazma'. 'Khudaya Ve' is also a good composition.
Director Soham Shah hires the same crewman that he had for his debut venture, Kaal-cinematographer Santosh Thundiyil, composers Salim-Sulaiman, action director Allan Amin and sound designer Dwarak Warrier. None of them let Soham down and each of them excel in their departments. Santosh Thundiyil's cinematography was eye-catching. The talented lesnman's last film was Krrish, 3 years back. I wonder where was he all these years! Dwarak Warrier's sound design was electrifying, especially in the initial scene. Allan Amin as expected did a fabulous job. The action scenes were no less than a Hollywood flick! Amar Mohile provided the background score, which hugely added to the thrill.
Soham Shah and Rensil D'Silva wrote the screenplay of the film. The screenplay was gripping at several places and helped in maintaining a steady flaw. But at times, the film also fell, thanks to the screenplay.
Finally, Soham Shah alone wrote the story and the directed the film. Overall, he did a great job. The film uses lots of effects and is loaded with style. And this at times took a toll on the proper execution of the film. But Soham surely has a long way to go!
Some of the best scenes of the film:
The first scene of the film
Ram taking up the 'lighter' challenge (brilliant scene!)
Shortcut and Ayesha's entry
The first challenge
Raghav trying to strike a conversation with Ram and Major
The helicopter and underwater challenge sequence
The last 15 minutes
(CONTINUED IN THE COMMENTS SECTION)
