Friday, July 13, 2007

"Naqaab belongs to Akshaye"

The most shocking thriller of the year. With a tagline like that, the expectation from Abbas-Mustan's new thriller rises ten-fold. Fortunately, NAQAAB lives up to the hype and hoopla, to an extent.

For any thriller to strike a chord, it ought to follow three simple rules: [a] It should boast of actors who can carry off their parts with dexterity, [b] The twists-n-turns should catch you by complete surprise and [c] The climax, when the veil of secrecy is unveiled, should come as a jolt from the blue.

NAQAAB gets it right on two of the three vital fronts. The only time the film begins to stagnate is in its second hour, when the knots begin to disentangle. The film dips in the second hour, but the climax does a volte face again. The suspense catches you by surprise!

Abbas-Mustan have mastered the art of making thrillers and although NAQAAB isn't as compelling as their earlier products, there's no denying that the highs outnumber the lows in this case. One thing is for sure, the screenplay could've been tighter in the second hour.

To sum up, NAQAAB is a watchable fare with the twists-n-turns being its highpoint. Of course, with an end like the one presented in this film, it's sure to meet with varied opinions, having its share of advocates and adversaries. But what goes in its favor is the fact that it's at least different. Terms like 'predictable' and 'monotonous' are non-applicable in this case!

NAQAAB tells the story of Sophie [Urvashi Sharma], a young girl from a middle-class family. She is engaged to millionaire Karan [Bobby Deol]. When she meets Vicky [Akshaye Khanna], she's attracted to him and problems begin to surface.

The focus of the film also shifts to the past of the three characters, with some unexpected elements thrown in. Who does Urvashi choose?

The general perception is, the story bears a striking similarity to the recently released RAQEEB [which, in turn, was inspired by MURDER BY NATURAL CAUSES [1979] -- a lesser known English film]. Not true! In fact, the concept of NAQAAB is completely fresh.

NAQAAB begins with gusto! The relationships are established at the very outset. The moments between Akshaye and Urvashi are superb, beginning with the song, 'Ek Din Teri Raahon Mein'. The chemistry is sizzling, so vital for sequences that are to follow.

NAQAAB holds your interest in the first hour. You are hooked. But the second half has its share of loose ends. The motive of one of the protagonists isn't too convincing and when the story moves further on this track, it, somehow, doesn't look too convincing.

All this while you're under the impression that this protagonist has a hidden agenda. Or, perhaps, he wants to settle a score. You're led to believe that there's a strong motive behind his actions. And when this character reveals it all, it doesn't hit you like a ton of bricks. In fact, the finale, when the story again takes a U-turn, takes you by surprise.

This may not be Abbas-Mustan's best script, but every sequence bears the stamp of the master storytellers. Stylishly shot with some great moments, the storytellers at least have the courage to walk a seldom-used path. Shiraz Ahmed's screenplay is interesting. He builds up the suspense beautifully, but the post-interval portions could've been tighter.

Pritam's music gels well with the mood of the film. In terms of melody, 'Ek Din Teri Raahon Mein' stands tall on the list. Its picturization is also topnotch. Editing [Hussain Burmawala] is perfect. The film has the right length [16 reels; 2 hours], with no unnecessary moments.

NAQAAB belongs to Akshaye, who delivers yet another powerful performance. He's splendid, the real scene stealer, the soul of the enterprise. Bobby is relegated to the backseat in the first hour, but manages to make his presence felt in the second half. Urvashi Sharma gets a dream launch and she utilizes the golden opportunity completely. A confident debutante, she enacts her part like a seasoned professional. Also, she looks bewitching all through. Vikas Kalantri and Vishal Malhotra are adequate. Raj Zutshi is hardly there.

On the whole, NAQAAB is engrossing in parts, with the suspense really catching you by surprise. At the box-office, the film should find acceptance in big cities mainly. It may've started slow, but it should pick up over the weekend. Overall, a decent fare!

(indiafm.com)

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good to see Akshaye has done well again.

Anonymous said...

Didn't I tell u all? Finally, Akshaye Khanna has won! It happens finally!

Anonymous said...

At last, you've a reason to smile!

Anonymous said...

Still, we have to wait till Tuesday! Yet, I like this movie Naqaab! Full of twists and thrills....Akshaye Khanna ROCKSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Me, I've not seen this movie yet!! =( Dad is not free today!! We'll surely watch it this Sunday!! Mom is Akshaye Khanna's fan too!! Nice to know that Akshaye Khanna "has done well again" and "ROCKSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! " Also, Taran Adarsh says that Naqaab belongs to Akshaye! That's Great!

Anonymous said...

Believe me, Akshaye Khanna is splendid n impressive in Naqaab!! Akshaye Khanna is the one who can carry off his role with dexterity! What are you all waiting for? More Reviews?? Naqaab is a must to watch on large screen! Believe Me!! Both Naqaab and Akshaye Khanna ROCK!

Anonymous said...

The picturization in Naqaab is the most highlighted! Thanks to Abbas Mustan duo! Still, Naqaab belongs to Akshaye Khanna...after all, he's my favourite!

Anonymous said...

Through Naqaab...being the latest movie of Khanna Junior,,, Akshaye Khanna has finally proved that he is a very good and highly versatile actor who has not been given his right due he deserves! Still, I'm happy that Akshaye Khanna's performance is being appreciated in Naqaab!

Anonymous said...

I love the choreography of ‘Ek Din Teri Raahon Mein’ song with Akshaye Khanna and Urvashi Sharma.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, me too! I like it! This choreography of ‘Ek Din Teri Raahon Mein’ is very appealing and seductive. But, that's not a Salsa Dance though! This one is another type of dance! Akshaye Khanna and Urvashi Sharma have showed lots of elegance to this seductive and impressive choreography!!

Anonymous said...

There are some mixed reactions of Naqaab! But, as a viewer, I enjoyed this thriller! It's clean, entertaining, shocking and crisp thriller! The tagline has lived up to my expectations! Akshaye Khanna is fantasting!

Anonymous said...

Please post all reviews of Naqaab here from different sources because there are some mixed reactions! We have to find out why there are some mixed reviews from some critics and viewers?! Though, Akshaye Khanna has done a terrific job in Naqaab!

Anonymous said...

I just saw Naqaab...and I thought it was one of the cleverest films that has come out recently. The masters of thrillers have yet again proven that they have the capacity to deliver much more than what they claim to....this movie was indeed shocking with twists and turns all through the last half hour. Performancewise, Akshaye is excellent, outstanding and superb as always. He steals the show! Urvashi looks gorgeous and acts very well. She has handled an extremely complex character with utmost ease and proven victorious. Bobby Deol comes as a surprise. I like the last scene when Sophie says that Karan is dead and then smiles...she looks really wicked... Its a typical Abbas-Mustan flick.....a type one would like to see from their stable!

Anonymous said...

Movie is getting quite amount of bad reviews. Also the leads are being criticized for having bad clothes.

Anonymous said...

Okay this is off topic, but apparently Akshaye is saying he's doing Taashan under Yashraj- which stars Akshay Kumar, Saif, Kareena, and Anil.

http://www.bollyvista.com/article/a/34/7832

Anonymous said...

Akshaye Khanna's interview with
Taran Adarsh

http://www.indiafm.com/broadband/video/eTC-Zee-Music/par0En33/3/B-Biz-With-Taran-Adarsh-Part-26.html