Film Preview
Jodhaa Akbar
Directed by: Ashutosh Gowariker
Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai
On general release from 15th Feb
When Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai teamed up on screen last time for
Dhoom 2, the film was a huge success and though the film was not one made for
posterity, Roshan and Rai both impressed audiences with their on screen
chemistry. This time, in the hands of the capable Ashutosh Gowariker, (who
directed the Oscar nominated Lagaan and the enjoyable Swades – We The
People) we get to see two of India’s biggest stars in a lavish period film. While
Aishwarya is no stranger to period films (Devdas and Choker Bali are but two
examples), this is the first time Roshan will be seen in such a film and obviously,
expectations are sky high. Also, Rai’s best performances seem to be in period
films and as a director’s actress, her collaboration with Gowariker should prove
rewarding. As well as casting coups, the film also sees Gowariker and AR
Rehman come together again, hopefully rekindling their magical chemistry that is
all too rare in Bollywood these days. Rehman (arguably India’s best music
composer of recent times) has created a sublime musical score that is growing
more and more popular whilst Gowariker is known for pushing the envelope
when it comes to Bollywood cinema and Jodhaa Akbar is no exception.
Gowarkier has made the news many times with the extensive research and time
that he has put into making the film and his attention to detail is often faultless.
Whilst Bollywood has seen many period films in its time, only a small minority
have gone on to become commercial successes and be remembered fondly. As
the first big budget film of 2008 and as a major period drama, it will be
interesting to see whether Jodhaa Akbar will make a history of its own at the box
office.
Check out the official website:
http://www.jodhaaakbar.com/
Film Review
Halla Bol
Directed by: Rajkumar Santoshi
Starring: Ajay Devgan, Pankaj Kapoor, Vidya Balan
On general release
Rajkumar Santoshi is well known in Bollywood for being able to make
entertaining films which also carry a social message without preaching to the
audience. Halla Bol (which literally means ‘to attack’ in the sense of charging to
battle) is indeed an entertainer with a social message, dealing with the familiar
themes of conscience and corruption. Ashfaq (played by Devgan) is a successful
actor who is the flavour of the month – seen at the right places, saying all the
right things, winning all the awards. However, in reaching the top, he has
alienated his wife (Vidya Balan) and his mentor Siddhu (Pankaj Kapoor), a fiery
Sikh man who helped Ashfaq realise his passion through street theatre. At the
top of his game, things are going well for Ashfaq. But this all changes when
Ashfaq witnesses a young girl being murdered by two men in a nightclub. In a bid
to regain the faith of his wife and mentor, Ashfaq agrees to testify against the two
men, only for his world to be turned upside down as the murderers are sons of
corrupt tycoons, who rally to make his life a misery. But armed with the moral
high ground, Ashfaq decides to fight back, leading a battle against his
tormentors.
Halla Bol is not as slick as Santoshi’s previous work – at times it feels outdated
and especially in the first half, the audience do not get a chance to engage with
the supporting characters which makes understanding Ashfaq’s character a little
difficult. But where Santoshi has always scored is getting top notch performances
out his actors and writing superb sequences and dialogues which make the flaws
of the film forgivable. Ajay Devgan is back on form with this film and makes the
role his own with his trademark understated manner. He also shares a wonderful
chemistry with Santoshi. But it is Pankaj Kapoor who steals the show as Siddhu,
channelling all the anger and tension of his character into an electrifying
performance. His delivery of the dialogue is second to none and though his role
is short, he makes his presence felt through the film. Halla Bol reminds one of
Santoshi’s earlier cinema and the unique voice he has in Bollywood. Though it
may not be on par with those earlier films, it certainly shows Santoshi still has a
lot to offer Bollywood and that films with serious ideas can still be entertaining.