phoenix1861-1
I didn't like this film initially, because it IS rather violent in the second half. The only thing I did like from the start was the "Badi Mushkil Hai" song, which is absolutely great. And the unpredictable ending. I didn't like it per se, story-wise, just the fact that there are all these twists. I was kinda hoping for redemption and stuff... though I knew that it would have been implausible after everything that had happened.I re-watched the film and it strangely grew on me. It's now among my favorites because of its complexity. It's really interesting from the psychological point of view. Did Vijay love Shivani or was it pure whim? I think the latter... Was Vijay really nuts and psychotic or just spoiled rotten? Shivani insists that he's just an idiot but Shahrukh definitely played him as not quite normal. How is it that he manages to evoke sympathy even for such a diabolical character? Was Shivani at least partly to be blamed for what happened to her? I'd never think so (the "blame the victim" attitude) but the lyrics in the "Chane Ke Khet Mein" song are a bit strange. And then those words she says to her sister at the beginning of the film: "Don't blame the fate. Sometimes a person can lose their life because of one wrong step". (don't remember the correct phrasing) I basically think it was the combination of unfortunate circumstances and her "no-nonsense, stand up for oneself" character.The film is full of foreshadowing, subtext, and I liked its stance on the position of women.So... SRK is brilliant, Madhuri is brilliant, songs are great, there aren't many unnecessary scenes (I actually love Johnny Lever here, ... singing "Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein" from Baazigar). It's a really interesting and powerful movie.
jrbleau
If this movie is rated 6.6, I can only suppose that Indian movies are rated on their own scale, as their viewers' demographic is different. On the same scale by which Deliverance is rated 7.2, however, this movie would not rate higher than 3.The suspension of disbelief is staggering. The fight scenes, a major weak point in the several Indian movies I have seen, are worse than those in cheap '60s TV productions in the West (yet, Oriental expertise in staging fight scenes is right at their doorstep Bollywood: use that resource and master it). Except for the somewhat inconsistent Shivani, the cast is a bunch of one-note caricatures. Events are opportunistic plot-wise, (for example, fires springing up according to the needs of the story rather than as a consequence of previous events, or an antagonist being inexplicably alone and helpless so that the protagonist can wreak revenge), and I can't for the life of me understand what the transvestites have to do with the story.I guess all the above can be explained away as serving the needs of symbolism, that the movie is not to be taken literally, etc, but that is a lazy way out. A little more realism and consistency is a matter of better writing. This laughable production is one of the worst movies I've ever seen. Though I'm tempted to give it 2 stars, I'm giving it 3 because it overturns one of the conventions in Indian movies.Anyone wanting an introduction to Indian movies will swear off the whole genre if he begins with this one. Try the excellent Dil Se.. instead.
Kaptaan
anjaam- move over charles bronson, you've got nothing on the heroine in this film. I won't give the story away, but the way the heroine gets even is just beautiful. you will never forget the ending. the Western World isn't ready for this film just yet.
zorch-2
This is a movie of extremes. I don't think any moviemaker here would dare to make this baby. It is a real hoot where everyone with a speaking part snuffs it with the exception of four. I can only assume they fled the set or they ran out of film. Filmed in cliche-ville rather than Bombay, this is a film that is past parody , as if done by Saturday Night Live & Mad TV together. The acting is first rate, the dancing of the best, and the plot is unforgettable {or unforgivable} Rush to your nearest Indian grocery and rent this baby ,and squat down and watch this beauty because it is one of a kind. Must be seen to believe such a film could exist. The out-takes of this film should be worth a million R.s as no one could have had a straight face and I bet they were laughing totally. If you think this movie is bad, rent "Madam X" (The Indian magazine 'Stardust' voted it the worst movie ever made} It was the only film in history where they didn't use a takeup reel{as it ran through the projector, they just let it flutter to the floor.
AD
