SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 (PAGE 4) MOVIE-REVIEW A sure-shot hit Gripping, gut-wrenching HOON BHARI MAANG [1988] -- helmed by Rakesh Hrithik, on a few occasions, take an easy route to depict that scope for the song and dance routine here. ‘Laila Main There’s something about films based on Roshan soon after his directorial debut KHUDGARZ the protagonist has an upper hand. Laila’ and ‘Zaalima’ have already proved to be a favorite K [1987] -- ranks amongst the best vendetta sagas I had The soundtrack [Rajesh Roshan] gels beautifully with the gangsters, criminals and underworld… amongst the audience/listeners. In fact, ‘Laila Main watched in the 1980s. Although one knew what was in store vis- mood of the film. In fact, the film borrows two evergreen com- Laila’ comes at a crucial juncture of the film and carries A majority of films that highlight the lives of crimi- à-vis its plot, Roshan Sr. made sure the storytelling was most positions from the past [‘Saara Zamana’ and ‘Dil Kya Kare’], but the story forward. Background score is effectual, espe- nals/gangsters have a set template vis-à-vis the plotline: effectual and efficient, holding your attention [and breath] till the accomplished composer garnishes them delightfully. The cially the signature tune that has been used generously in An ordinary person takes to crime, becomes a hotshot the penultimate moments of the enterprise. other tracks are harmonious as well, especially the title num- the narrative. criminal, hobnobs with the rich, influential and powerful, Almost three decades later, Roshan Sr.’s production outfit ber and ‘Mon Amour’. Choreography [Ahmed Khan] of ‘Saara but, eventually, the law decides to get even with him. The DoP [K.U. Mohanan] captures the locales won- Filmkraft delivers yet another riveting revenge saga. This time, Zamana’ and ‘Mon Amour’ in particular is fantastic. Back- RAEES follows a similar graph as well… the only differ- derfully on celluloid. Editing [Deepa Bhatia] is taut. Sanjay Gupta is entrusted the responsibility of infusing life into ground score [Salim-Sulaiman] is beautifully integrated in the ence being, this one is more realistic in approach than Dialogue are aimed at the masses. Lines like ‘Baniye Ka characters that appear on screen. Much like the trailers of narrative, enhancing the impact of several pertinent episodes. several films of this genre. Dimaag Aur Miyanbhai Ki Daring’ and ‘Ammi Jaan Kehti KHOON BHARI MAANG then, KAABIL too spells out a bit of Cinematography [Sudeep Chatterjee, Ayananka Bose] is top Director Rahul Dholakia depicts the power play and Thi, Koi Dhanda Chota Nahi Hota Aur Dhande Se Bada its plot in its assorted trailers, with the viewers having a fair notch. The film is visually stunning. Action [Sham Kaushal] the cat and mouse chase idea of what to expect in the film. provides ample exhilarating moments to get the adrenaline between Raees and the Known for technically slick films, Gupta delivers a smart and pumping -- something that the moviegoers relish. Editing [Akiv honest cop Jaideep with enthralling revenge fest in KAABIL. flourish and that, in my The screenplay is beautifully construct- opinion, is the mainstay of ed… the twists and turns are attention the enterprise. Having said grabbing… the nail-biting episodes that, I must admit, what grab you by your throat and you are takes the film notches high- trapped in the goings-on till the final er is the terrific portrayal by credits roll. Actually, you know the plot, SRK and Nawazuddin but what Gupta doesn’t tell you what’s Siddiqui, who breathe fire around the corner. Additionally, KAA- in their respective parts. BIL doesn’t insult one’s intelligence and More on that later! what emerges is a motion picture that’s Here’s the plotline in visceral and intelligent at the same succinct…Set in 1980s, time. Raees [Shah Rukh Khan] is Let’s divulge the gist of the story, trying to beat the system without revealing much… KAABIL nar- and succeed on his terms. rates the story of Rohan [Hrithik His natural flair for entre- Roshan] and Supriya [Yami Gautam]. preneurship and never-say- In each other’s company, they find hap- die determination while piness and joy. Life is a bed of roses for achieving his goals makes the much-in-love couple till tragedy him both loved and feared. strikes. Rohan decides to fight it out, Enter Jaideep [Nawazuddin Siddiqui], a cop, who vows Koi Dharam Nahi Hota’ have found resonance amongst but his opponents are the powerful and to eliminate crime… and Raees’ empire. viewers already. I must draw attention to the lines deliv- influential Madhav [Ronit Roy] and his Recreating the bygone era is a Herculean task, but the ered to Nawazuddin too; they will bring the house down, brother Amit [Rohit Roy]. Will he be toughest part is to involve the present-day audience especially in the first half. Action sequences pack a solid able to settle scores? that’s clueless about the characters and ambience of that punch. The performances in RAEES are consistently Gupta is known for western influences in his films, but in Ali] is sharp for most parts. era. While the production design recreates the atmos- remarkable. Shah Rukh is the scene-stealer as well as the KAABIL, the emphasis tilts heavily towards emotions than the Hrithik Roshan inhabits the part. As a matter of fact, he phere flawlessly, Dholakia and his team of writers [Harit show-stealer. Cast in a character that has grey shades, the color tone or camera angles. KAABIL has compelling emotion- delivers his career-best performance and is the film’s biggest Mehta, Ashish Vashi, Niraj Shukla and Dholakia himself] film brings back memories of his award-worthy acts at al content and the intent is crystal clear as the story advances: strength, no two questions about it. He astounds you on varied ensure that the written material has the power to keep the commencement of his career. Nawazuddin matches the storyteller wants the moviegoer to root for the protagonist occasions, especially when he’s most vulnerable after catastro- the viewer engaged and engrossed. Resultantly, the his co-star’s brilliance and delivers a magnificent per- [Hrithik] and despise the antagonists [Ronit Roy, Rohit Roy]. phe strikes and his life goes topsy-turvy. Yami Gautam is unmis- movie not only brings back memories of the 1980s, but formance. Both, SRK and Nawazuddin’s performances Although the plot may appear conventional, Gupta and writer takably earnest and catches you unaware with a tremendous also gives you the feel of the days gone by thanks to the keep you invested in the storyline as well as the charac- Vijay Kumar Mishra avoid the clichés and standard techniques act. Her innocence and simplicity act as a magnetic charm. characters and episodes highlighted in the narrative. ters. Mahira Khan looks gorgeous and handles her part that you often encounter in movies of this genre to take the sto- Ronit Roy is at his vicious best here. Absolutely menacing as Dholakia is not really known to be a hardcore com- with confidence. ry forward. In KAABIL, the villains are as smart as the hero, but the conniving politician. Rohit Roy is intimidating and leaves mercial film-maker. One look at his body of work and you more merciless, and how the hero overpowers and outsmarts Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub sinks his teeth into a solid role a strong impression. Need to see him more in movies! realize he tilts more towards realism than make-believe. them eventually is its USP. Narendra Jha is first-rate, enacting his part with complete But he does an about-turn with RAEES, for the film mar- [SRK’s confidante] and makes a big impression. Atul KAABIL never fails to involve and entertain the moviegoer Kulkarni makes his presence felt with a committed per- understanding. Girish Kulkarni, seen recently as the coach in ries realism and masala wonderfully. The narrative and if I may say so, it contains enough worthy material to hold DANGAL, is hugely competent. Suresh Menon springs a pleas- moves seamlessly from romance [SRK-Mahira] to the formance. Sheeba Chaddha [SRK’s mother] shines in a the moviegoer’s attention for most of its run time. The emotion- ant surprise in a non-comic character. The actor enacting the game of one-upmanship as the criminal and cop collide. brief role. Narendra Jha [Musa Bhai], Jaideep Ahlawat al component is well balanced with low-key humor, tension- part of Wasim, Ronit Roy’s friend, is commendable. Akhilendra This is a big ticket film with SRK and Dholakia knows [Nawab], Utkarsh Mazumdar [doctor], Pramod Pathak filled moments, energetic action pieces [fist fights, shootouts, Mishra is alright. Urvashi Rautela sparkles in the item number. that the stakes are high. He maintains the realism, [Chief Minister] and Uday Tikekar [Pasha Bhai] are per- explosions] and of course, some razor-sharp and punch-packed On the whole, KAABIL is gripping, gut-wrenching and is like- ensures that the pace and energy seldom dip… but, most fect in their parts. Sunny Leone sizzles in the ‘Laila Main dialogue in dramatic sequences [penned by Sanjay Masoomm]. ly to stay with you for a long time. Now that DANGAL has almost importantly, he makes sure SRK’s legion of fans aren’t Laila’ number. In the end, it’s the emotional journey of the protagonist that exhausted its run at the ticket windows, the box-office is quiet disappointed. He takes a leap as a storyteller, doing jus- On the whole, RAEES is a sure-shot hit. To state that acts as a hook and lingers in your memory.