"Delivers good performance ... Perfect:" Indicine

Director duo of Abbas and Mustan (Baazigar, Humraaz, Ajnabee) are back with their new thriller titled Naqaab. Their previous venture 36 China Town was a disappoinment. So, with the Humraaz combo of Bobby Deol and Akshaye Khanna in the lead, have the Masters of Thrillers succeeded in thrilling the audience?
Naqaab revolves around the central character of Sophie (Urvashi Sharma), a sweet and confident young girl from a middle class family. Sophie is engaged to a multi-millionaire Karan Khanna (Bobby Deol). One night she comes in contact with Vicky Malhotra (Akshaye Khanna), who is a struggling actor. She feels for him almost instantly. This change in affections cause a rift in the relationship between Sophie and Karan Khanna.
Who will Sophie decide to marry? Is Vicky actually as straight forward as he looks? Is there some mystery behind the multi-millionaire Karan Khanna? Or is there some different story altogether which Sophie isn’t aware of?
Director Duo of Abbas-Mustan succeed in surprising and shocking the viewers. The movie moves at such a fast pace in the second half, especially the last 30 mins, with all the twists and turns that it takes a bit of time for the viewers to grasp and come to terms with the ongoings. Although the first half has some light moments, it disappoints to a certain extent. The songs form a part of the movie and blend well with the narration. The song that stays with you after the movie is ‘Ek Din Teri Raahon Mein’. The cinematography is good, while the dialogues are brilliant.
Some scenes in the movie that make an impact
- Akshaye Khanna’s date with Urvashi at the restaurant.- The scene between Urvashi and Akshaye, at his house. Fantastic.- The last 20 mins, when the mystery is solved, is very well executed.
A few negatives
- The scene wherein Akshaye Khanna steals food from Hyaat, has been ripped off from Vikram Bhatt’s Life Mein Kabhie Khabie.- The background music gets irritating, especially when the hidden camera is capturing the action in the movie.
Akshaye Khanna delivers a good performance, although he is getting repetitive with his facial expressions. His dialogue delivery and comic timing is perfect. Bobby Deol is excellent in a few scenes while strictly average in others. Debutante Urvashi Sharma is confident in front of the camera. She has a good screen presence and looks extremely attractive. Her body language and style somewhat resembles Sushmita Sen. Vikas Kalantri (Nayee Padosan) is average. Vishal Malhotra (Ishq Vishq, Dor) is good.
Overall, with a run time of exactly 2 hours, Naqaab partially succeeds as a thriller. But unfortunately, the thriller is not as convincing as it should have ideally been. Not in the league of a Baazigar, Ajnabee or a Humraaz, but better than most recent thrillers that have been churned out by Bollywood

"Better than the script"--Khaid Mohammed

Note the point, she works in a burger joint, lives in a Dubai villa bigger than the Lal Quila and doesn’t know whether to love the poor man or the rich man. Meanwhile flash, cuts, zips, zaps, toinks and boinks hint at some eerie events from the past and future. Everyone is Dubai seems to be either unreal or surreal. Eesh.
In fact, throughout Abbas-Mustan’s Naqaab, you even keep wondering if you’ve turned into a Daliesque tangdi kabaab? With possibly the most insane whodunwhat made in world cinema, the duo even pay their belated homage to Satyajit Ray’s Pather Panchali. Being watched on DVD, the classic prompts someone to exclaim, “Arre wah, Ray saab made the real so very real.”
Really, this happens out here. Like it or not, Abbas-Mustan have lost the plot. Result: the right royal headache of the year!
Come on, the directors and their story-screenplay writer Shiraz Ahmed, have merely lifted a Hollywood turnip called Dot the I, which is about as adaptable to our milieu as an igloo is to the tropiocs.
Strange sights-`n’-sounds abound. Collapse! Everyone even trots off to the Cannes film festival to win the Palme D’Or (can’t reveal why but merde!), an Egyptian dancer organises mating sessions at a cabaret palace, and a beach dance jigaloo is performed by Akshaye Khanna as if were trying to outclass Himesh Reshammiya’s surroor. Mr Khanna is a competent actor but would he please stop going off his limborockers?
Of the performances, Khanna despite his odd wardrobe, has his better-than-the-script moments. Bobby Deol – except for a solitary solo piece of dialogue – is criminally wasted. And imagine, that too by Abbas-Mustan! As puzzling as Sudoku, he goes around video-graphing Urvashi Sharma (new mystery-history-geography girl, it seems) when she’s sipping champagne. Bubbly boo. He thinks she’s chilli capsicum, she thinks he’s a kobe sizzler. Trouble bubbles. Urvashiji is already engaged to the richest dude in the world, aka Bobby Deol, who sits with a gang of executives at a table discussing business over a bowl of apples and lemons. Going bananas or what?
Anyway Urvashi runs out of her church wedding to the Fruit Dude, scaring the daylights out of a couple of little girls who had just told the bride, “You look so beautiful.” Debatable. But hang on, there are miles to go before you sleep (at home that is).
Next: Akshaye, Bobby and Urvi talk as expertly as Ashok Mehta and Santosh Sivan about the rapid strides in video technology. So boring. Theatre actor Ganesh Yadav shows up as a cop to look menacingly at a couple of irritating nerds who hang all around the place like Chinese lanterns. Yet nothing is more comical than Akshaye Khanna (given yards and yards of footage) in the wardrobe of either a schoolboy’s or of Jeetendra’s.
To be sure, the editing chops by Hussain Burmawallah are snazzy but why an abruptly short first- half followed by lumbering post-intermission antics? Pritam’s music score is a snoozer.
Of the performances, Khanna despite his odd wardrobe, has his better-than-the-script moments. Bobby Deol – except for a solitary solo piece of dialogue – is criminally wasted. And imagine, that too by Abbas-Mustan! As for Urvashi Sharma, well, she is obviously dubbed. And despite the camera going ga-ga-ga over her, she doesn’t display any USP.

Hindustan Times

"Akshaye is good" --MTV India

Karan (Bobby Deol) is in love with Sophia (Urvashi Sharma - my new girlfriend). She works at Burger King but stays with Karan. They plan to get married soon. Enter Vicky (Akshaye Khanna) and our Burger King wali falls in love with him. Oh Oh. The thing is that Akshaye always has a handycam with him, so that looks a bit creepy. Apart from Raj Zutshi that is! What is he doing there? You'll have to watch the film for that. But then even if you don't, you're not missing anything.REVIEW: Watch it for Urvashi Sharma - they show her in a bikini. Wow! I'm liking already. As for the thriller part, there's not much interesting there. The first half of the movie plays like a typical love triangle and things start unfolding in the second half albeit in an unintentinonally comical manner. Out of the cast, Akshaye is good while Bobby gets lost in the same rich-boy-long-hair role. Reality cinema.. ooops!!!BOTTOMLINE: Thrilling? Ummm.. not really!

Midday Review (Spoilers)

What’s it about: It’s not one thing. It’s many. Anyway, here’s a start: Karan’s rich, Sophie’s poor. He tells her he loves her, wants to marry her. She agrees. At an engagement party for her friends, she senses a kindred spirit in Vicky, a wannabe actor. The two revel in each other’s company even as Karan’s still besotted with Sophie. It turns out Vicky was employed to bait Sophie into falling for him by a shadowy voice named Rohit Shroff. Things get ugly as Sophie leaves Karan high and dry at the altar and runs straight into Vicky’s arms and his bed. The next morning, Sophie goes to meet Karan to say she’s sorry. He tells her to get out. Minutes (or is it hours, in screen time) later, Karan blows his brains out. End of story? What’s that!What’s hot: It’s an Abbas-Mustan film. Which probably is the film’s USP as well as its undoing. You expect to be entertained. You expect the twists and turns. The cloak-and-dagger stuff that’s now stuff of legend. You expect too much. The film delivers, to a point. And then they go and throw elements of a black comedy at you. Hmmm....What’s not: It’s all about the digicam. As in most of Abbas-Mustan’s work, there’s always a Holy Grail and this digicam is no less. The soundtrack by Pritam doesn’t really set the pace. The track that plays during the opening credits goes on and on, I’m assuming to tell the world that Urvashi is eye candy. Not that they needed to try so hard. The loud and irritating extras get too much screen time. Vikaas Kalantri’s extended performance speaks volumes on why he’s getting so few film roles. Oddly enough, Raj Zutshi is only left holding a digicam for all the time that he’s up on the screen. Naqaab only picks up in the second half, which is when all the mysteries unravel. In a move probably inspired by most Hollywood blockbusters this year, the flick has a faux climax, immediately followed by the actual climax followed by an epilogue of sorts. What’s that? Karan’s described as a billionaire, millionaire, and a multi- millionaire by different faces throughout the film. Can’t they make up their minds? Or is his financial status as rocky as the share market tends to be? A million here, a billion there... the film’s writers really don’t seem to care.What to do: You have to watch this film to figure out why I haven’t stopped laughing since.

"Impressive but typecasted"--Martin D'Souza Spoilers in this review

Two assistants in prison for the murder of their boss, Bobby Deol acts like schoolboys on a picnic which dilutes whatever impact the weak script manages to bring about. Vikas Kalantri and Vishal Malhotra, who find themselves behind bars, are trying to figure out what emotions to give the camera and in the bargain goof up the scene. NAQAAB does not live up to the director duo Abbas-Mustan’s forte of making thrillers. The duo who have given hits like BAZIGAAR and DARAAR fail to revive the magic of HUMRAAZ, even though the cast still has Bobby Deol and Akshaye Khanna, the two stars of the last-named flick. So what’s wrong? For starters, the script is very weak and that’s where the story ends. What unfolds next is struggling actor Akshaye Khanna and private detective Raj Zutshi’s handycam work that is being filmed as a reality movie. The only surprise element here is that both don’t know to what extent they are being used. Also, debutante Urvashi Sharma, who is engaged to millionaire Bobby Deol, knows not what her boyfriend is upto.
Akshaye Khanna is once again impressive, but the roles he is getting are typecasting this talented actor. Bobby Deol is passable but what really spoils the plot is the inclusion of Vikas Kalantri and Vishal Malhotra whose roles are neither clearly defined, nor is their acting upto the mark. In short, it’s like an eyesore every time they come on screen. Whatever little intensity is built up goes kaput when they open their mouths. Clearly, a case of bad casting. One scene is a repeat of LIFE MEIN KABHIE KABHIE when Akshaye and Urvashi go to a five-star hotel for lunch. Aftab Shivdasani treats Koel Purie to a five-star lunch using room service and request for the food to be kept outside a door that has a ‘Do Not Disturb Sign’. Akshaye does ditto. Urvashi Sharma is confident for a newcomer. She carries off her scenes with ease and is as comfortable in a bikini as she is in a sari. All she needs to take care of is certain camera angles, which does not do justice to her looks. Music by Pritam is what keeps the film together.

glamsham.com

Rajeev Masand doesn't like the film either

From prolific filmmaker duo Abbas-Mustan comes this week's brand new release Naqaab.
In this film that's set in Dubai, newcomer Urvashi Sharma and Bobby Deol play a young couple engaged to be married. It’s another thing he's a multi-millionaire with a home the size of a palace, and she works at Burger King and pays him rent to live under his roof.
Just days before her marriage to Bobby, she meets and strikes up a friendship with an aspiring actor played by Akshaye Khanna. Sparks fly between the two, but on Urvashi's insistence their friendship is kept strictly platonic. On D-Day, however, just moments before she exchanges marriage vows with Bobby, Urvashi has a change of heart.
Up until this stage, the film made perfect sense to me, but it's from this point onwards that Naqaab turns truly bizarre. It would be unfair to reveal any more of the plot because that would give away the surprise element of the film. But believe me, you'd never have guessed where this film was going anyway, because it's so ridiculous and unimaginable. Now you're probably wondering why I'm complaining if the film is unpredictable, because unpredictable is a good thing, right? Well, there a difference between unpredictable and ridiculous, and the thing about the twists and turns in Naqaab is that they're absolutely ridiculous.
For years Abbas-Mustan have ripped off popular films from Hollywood and delivered successful Hindi remakes: Khiladi, Baazigar, Daraar, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Ajnabee, Humraaz and Aitraaz.
But with Naqaab they've hit their weakest note because it's a thriller without any thrills if you ask me. There's none of that nail-biting tension, no suspense and an anti-climax to top it all. I could pick a hundred holes in the screenplay but I don't even want to bother, because that would still mean putting in more effort than the writers and the directors have.
You know one's willing to suspend disbelief if your script can convince me to make that leap of faith. And Abbas-Mustan know that better than anyone else. We've happily gone along with their stories of mistaken identities, reincarnations, double roles, death-avenging relatives, and murderous spouses.
But with Naqaab they come up with something so bizarre that's it's really difficult to digest. In all honesty, I was so stunned by the banality of the plot that I was convinced this couldn't be a rip-off. It had to be some amateur writer's amateurish effort which Abbas-Mustan decided to direct.
But to my surprise I discovered that Naqaab is not only a bad script, it's also not an original script. Go to the internet and look up a film called Dot the I starring Gael Garcia Bernal. The directors of Naqaab have plundered, lock stock and barrel from that obscure American film. It's not just the plot and the premise of that film that's been borrowed, even dialogues from that film have been directly translated into Hindi and shamelessly used.
When a film's not working for you, you can usually find a million things to not like in it. As far as Naqaab is concerned, I have to ask if the costume designer of the film was smoking pot while at work. How else do you explain the horrifying clothes that she's draped most of the actors in—red lace gloves for the leading lady, pink satin shirt with a matching pink waistcoat for Bobby, and double-layered clothes for Akshaye. Hell, why? Also what's with all those ugly sets? From the outside Bobby's home looks like the Queen of England's holiday home, but the interiors are the kind of tasteless sets they used to construct at Hyderabad's Banjara Hills for those B-grade family dramas in the eighties. There's little one can say about the three actors in this film, they perform adequately but fail to make much of an impression and it's hardly their fault given the kind of material they're working with.
I'm going to go with one out of five and a thumbs down for Abbas-Mustan's Naqaab--it's far-fetched and illogical and there's hardly anything to like about it. The film's promos very correctly describe it as the most shocking thriller you'll see this year—honestly I still haven't recovered!

CNN-IBN

"Great in parts" -- Sanjay Ram

Does it have the twist and turns? Sure it does. Is it the most shocking thriller of the year? Well of course; especially because you walk in seeking thrill and you end up laughing your guts out (isn't that shocking enough?). Holding you attention through the first half, having you anticipate for the thrill, the film spills hilarity in the second half until the end.
The premise for the thrill is the intermingled life of three characters. Sophie (Urvashi Sharma) shifts base from India to live in Dubai. She lives in with Karan (Bobby Deol), a multi millionaire, who is soon to be her beau. In a pre wedding festivity, dancing with Vicky (Akshaye Khanna), she realizes her affinity towards him. Soon they begin going out on occasional dates, but this distressed damsel cannot seem to forget her multi millionaire innocent fiancée, who is waiting for her back home. On the D day, walking the aisle, dressed in white she realizes things are not right. She speeds away, without any explanations, only to return to Karan the following day to provide a loose one.
A distressed and traumatized Karan, with no place to turn to, befriends death. What follows is the questioning of belief, sentiments, emotions and a startling truth.
Now the basic plot is simple, but the frivolous details are beyond belief. The gasp comes at not what is revealed but the fact that it could be something as banal as what they say. Once the major clue is thrown at you, it really isn't difficult to pick up the pieces and put two and two together. The climax in particular is perhaps something you would have figured out as soon as the characters begin spilling the beans.
The one aspect that could have made the film a good watch would have been the dialogues. Sadly they are they are precisely what you end up chuckling at. The shallow explanations hit you hard and this is probably what shocks the most.
A few other shocks are the partially developed characters, while some have a background. We are led to believe the rest have no other work in life than to be excited in frivolous indulgences, mainly a handy cam.
What saves the film is the well shot locales and the Dubai excursion. The camerawork and cinematography is good. Even the editing is well done. The film though not filled with the thrill you would have wanted it to contain, flows cohesively without tangents that take it into another realm. Though the music plays a significant role, it really does not do much for the film, the excitement it could have brought seems absent.
Shocks don't just stop with what is told. Even the characters don't fail to distress with their performances. Debutant Sharma sobs and laughs, but fails to deliver any impact. After the good acts in Apne and Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Deol's depthless character has him deliver a bitter performance. Khanna is great in parts and OK in a few others. The additional characters that have nothing much to do, manage to disappoint well. Kalantri, Malhotra and Zutshi in their minute odd roles do nothing for the story.
Barring the sour shocks, this film has nothing much offer. Its Box office do cannot be expected to be great. This film might just about manage to do fair business in certain centers, but nothing shocking per se.
Naqaab is shocking and the disguised intentions will have you sniggering.

Business of Cinema

Filmfare slams Naqaab

In spite of being touted as the ‘most shocking thriller of the year’, (corniest tag line ever!) I would never say my expectations were sky high but they weren’t below the ground level either! To be frank, Naqaab, is in fact the ‘most disappointing thriller of the year so far’. The film's impact deteriorates as the time passes... from bad to worse to plainly absurd, illogical and seriously insane!

To get things straight, Abbas Mustan’s ‘Naqaab’ is loosely based on ‘Humraaz’ and highly inspired from Sting’s smash hit song ‘I’ll be watching you’ and thus you get to see truckloads of cameras aimed at our petite, forever caked up ‘Ameesha Patel-esque’ waitress Sophia (Urvashi Sharma) who by the way loves to wear bikinis and ride her scooter to work (which supposedly shows her poverty!) The poor girl is engaged to a millionaire Karan (Bobby, repeats his ‘Humraaz’ act) who is way too understanding and perfect to be true! Thus our ‘white-skinned’ heroine (has she by ever chance used a ‘white’ foundation on her face!) gets bored with the Richie rich and falls for a flirt, Vicky (Akshaye, over-weight and under-performs).

But things are not what they seem like. Sophia’s proximity with Vicky develops cracks in her relationship with Karan and all hell breaks loose, making one of the trio kill the other!

Who commits murder, who is the planner, who is spying on Sophia and for what reason... all your questions are answered, unfortunately none of them justify any of the events that take place earlier and thus as the suspense unfolds, it surprises you with its insanity and absurdity. In an attempt to make the climax highly unpredictable, the director goofs it up further making it even sillier and confusing!

Also, the problem with ‘Naqaab’ is the fact that it has tracks which have absolutely no relevance to the story. Also unnecessary characters come out of no where and disappear equally miraculously! Songs are forgettable but so are the film and the star performances! Urvashi is okay, but displays no chemistry with either of her co-stars. If not acting, loads of skin show will take this girl places. Bobby, it’s high time you get out of your ‘Humraaz’ meets ‘Shakalaka Boom Boom’ roles and Akshaye, what’s with the paunch, we wonder. Also before wearing those low necks, we wish you’d have gotten rid of your ample chest hair! The dress designer of Bobby and Akshaye needs to go back to his fashion designing school as their clothes are absolutely hideous! Sparing one or two funny scenes between Urvashi and Akshaye (that too inspired from Hollywood films) there is nothing worth watching in this film. Stay away from Naqaab as far as possible.

Well, you can't please anyone.

"In fine form" -- Mayank Shankar

Since over two decades now, the Burmawalla siblings, a curious twosome in the Tinsel Town north of Bandra, have amusingly shared their parents, the director's seat, and their suit-length to make films together.


A still from Naqaab

Of over a dozen in their filmography, quite a few were noticeably impressive for their times; and almost all reveal two hard-boiled commercial Bollywood directors that the twins are.

I use the word Bollywood as much as a pejorative, a masala rehash of Hollywood fare, as the song-and-dance movie projects that it's come to signify now.

Almost all known Abbas-Mustan movies somehow find their way to an American pot-boiler of the past, the plot sufficiently curried to suit mainstream Hindi audience tastes: Baazigar (A Kiss Before Dying), Humraaz (The Perfect Murder), Aitraaz (Disclosure), Badshah (Nick Of Time), Ajnabee (Consenting Adults)…

Viewed purely from the perspective of a film trade punter, each preliminarily works at the level of a "proposal", usually a two-hero-one-heroine or two-heroine-one-hero service contract to light up posters.

The pivotal moment in almost each film is the "twist", or the "kahaani mein twist, hee haa haa" (in the end, or at the interval) that turns an entire plot of unfaithful love on its head into a clever ploy, and nearly every character reveals itself as an unforgiving picture of deceit. Naqaab is at best a valuable addition to that formula's library.

One heroine (Urvashi), almost instantly falls for the first hero (Khanna, in fine form), a failed actor. She is engaged to the second hero (Deol), a rich millionaire. Of course this isn't the plot. And a problem with a picture hinged entirely on a twist in the tail is neither can you reveal the premise, nor discuss a film without pointing out its obvious holes.

Especially as the twists — some of them inspired from films that shall remain unnamed, so as not to serve as spoilers — just do not add up. This one has not one but at least five twists packed in a matter of a never-ending final 30 minutes. The effort to shock and please appears evident. But in this unrestrained disorder, you aren't sure if the tail wags the dog, or dog the tail. So you just twist and turn until it's all over, and you can stop questioning, or thinking backwards.

If it's any consolation, it's pleasant to watch Abbas-Mustan back at their game after a brief, bizarre deviation of the recent past (36 China Town, Tarzan: The Wonder Car). I'd recommend they curb their enthusiasm still. Two decades into a business, you may expect two creative people ahead on the learning curve. Their film treatment pretty much belongs to the early '90s: very passable stuff now.


Mumbai Mirror

Akshaye opens Geetanjali Jewellers

Dizzying heights

Son of illustrious actor Vinod Khanna, who ruled the roost in 70s and 80s, Akshaye Khanna began his journey in Bollywood with 'Himalyaputra' almost a decade ago. Facing several ups and downs, Akshaye has risen to dizzying heights today.

Having done a variety of roles from action to comedy to serious to romantic, he surprised everyone with his negative role in the Abbas Mustan directed 'Humraaz'. After 'Humraaz' and '36 Chinatown', he is back with the masters of suspense/thrillers Abbas Mustan in 'Naqaab', which releases this week.

Over to Akshaye to unmask his forthcoming films and much more.

Tell us about 'Naqaab' and your character in it

'Naqaab' is a suspense thriller directed by Abbas and Mustan, who are known as masters of this genre and I play Karan in it. The story can't be told in words. You have to see the film to understand its complexity.

After 'Humraaz' and '36 China Town', this is your third film with Abbas and Mustan, how is it working with them?

Abbas and Mustan are more like family to me and they know how to extract the best from me. The same goes for me, as I understand what they want me to deliver.

And working with Bobby and newcomer Urvashi Sharma?
I have worked with Bobby in 'Humraaz' and both of us are good friends. Bobby is a great human being. Urvashi is a sincere and intelligent girl and she has done a good job in her first film.

You haven't signed any film with Priyadarshan after 'Hungama' and 'Hulchul', any film in offering?

As of now no, maybe in the near future
Tell us something about your forthcoming 'Race Shooting'.
The film is on and will be released in 2008. Nothing much can be said about the film right now.

You have been appreciated for your comic timings, any comedy films in near future?

I haven't signed any comedy films but if I come across a good script I will definitely go for it.

Does your comparison with your father Vinod Khanna affect you?

No, it is natural thing for a kin to be compared with parents.

How is it working with Madhuri Dixit after a long time in Yash Raj's 'Aaja Nach Le'?

I am doing a guest appearance in it. Madhuri is the same as she was during 'Mohabbat' - beautiful, stunning and spontaneous. We were happy to work together again after 10 years.

Your upcoming projects ...

'Gandhi-My Father', 'Race', 'Shortcut' and 'Tashan'. The shooting of 'Tashan' is on. 'Shortcut' is starting in October. 'Gandhi-My Father', releasing in August is Anil Kapoor's film. It is about Gandhiji and his relationship with his eldest son. I'm playing his son Harilal.

Is 'Gandhi My Father' based on the play 'Mahatma versus Gandhi'?

Not exactly, but we have picked up a few parts from it in the movie.

Are you happy with the way things are happening in your career?

Of course (smiles)

Bollyvista

"I do not want to be imprisoned in a relationship" -- Akshaye

“I have quite a few good films of mine being lined up for release this year. Like Abbas Mustan’s ‘Naqab’ and ‘Race’, Feroz Abbas Khan’s ‘Gandhi My Father’ and Neeraj Vohra’s ‘Short Cut’”, quips Akshaye Khanna as we settle down for this tête-à-tête in his make up suite, when Abbas –Mustan declare a break in between the shoot of ‘Race’ at Yashraj Studios.

What is your role in ‘Naqab’?
I am excited about the script of ‘Naqab’. However, I am sorry about not being in a position to reveal even a line about the story. It is a romantic thriller. It is a very unusual situation to be in for an actor. ‘Naqab’, which is being directed by Abbas- Mustan is perhaps the first script in my life about which I cannot talk. Because it will let out the plot of the film even if I give one line narration of the film. All that I can say about my role in ‘Naqab’ is that I am playing the role of a struggling actor in the film, though it is not a film industry focused picture. ‘Naqab’ is a very fast-paced film and unlike ‘Salaam E Ishq’, which had a running time of three and a half hours, ‘Naqab’ is a slick youth oriented film, which has a duration of less than two hours.

How was the experience of working in ‘Naqab’?
It was fun working with Bobby Deol after a long hiatus after ‘Humraaz’, also directed by Abbas and Mustan who are directing ‘Naqab’, which has Bobby and newcomer Urvashi as my co-stars. I rarely go gaga over my co-star. However, Urvashi is an exception to the rule. Very rarely does a new comer bag a role like the one Urvashi has done in ‘Naqab’. She has delivered the goods. Urvashi is the apt choice for the role of the heroine of the film because we needed a fresh face without any image.”

You seem to have opened up in a big way though you had gone off media for some time?
“Yes. It is true that I have opened up with the media. I had decided to stop talking to the media because after a point of time, I felt that giving interviews was nothing but a waste of time because I realized that all that I was doing was constantly defending myself and it became boring and uninteresting.”

Are you an instinctive actor?
I am instinctive about my choice of roles as an actor. I do not think too much. If I like a script, I do it. I do not intellectualize much. My decisions come from my heart. I am choosy as an actor. Which actor does twelve films at a time today? Today the bigger an actor is, the lesser is the number of films that he does. Today you just cannot afford to be not choosy, because it takes no time for you to be out if you do bad films.

What is your role in ‘Gandhi My Father’?
I am emotionally attached to is Anil Kapoor’s ‘Gandhi My Father’ directed by Feroz Abbas Khan. The film went on the floors only after research was done for six years after meeting up with all the members of the Gandhi family besides historians. It is for the first time that I have acted in a period film. I play Harilal Gandhi, the son of Mahatma Gandhi in ‘Gandhi My Father’. It is a film, which sets out to depict the intricacies and nuances of the relationship between a father and a son.

What do you think is the USP of ‘Gandhi My Father’?
It is intriguing to know that though today the whole world knows everything about Gandhiji and Kasturba, eight out of ten are not even aware that Gandhiji had children. ‘Gandhiji My Father’ deals with the relationship of Gandhi with his children. Today, among all the grandsons of Gandhiji, only Tushar Gandhi is alive. It is an absolutely 100% script which is based on fact and nothing is made up in the film. Care has been taken to ensure that no one tomorrow can possibly say anything against the script.

What attracted you about ‘Gandhi My Father’?
It was the script and not I as the actor who pushed the envelope as far as ‘Gandhi My Father’ is concerned. As an actor, I realized that the script as well as the story was very challenging. The script pushed me as an actor. Perhaps for the first time in my career, I am fortunate enough to have been able to bag a role, which requires me to play a character whose age ranges from 18 to 60. I have become a better actor after working in a film like ‘Gandhi My Father’. I had to work a lot on prosthetics and make up.

How is Feroz Abbas Khan as a director?
Feroz Abbas Khan has a tremendous understanding of the craft of acting since he himself is an actor of repute as far as the Gujarati stage is concerned. His sense of aesthetics is very strong, almost close to that of mine. Shefali Chhaya is playing the role of Kasturba Gandhi. I have no qualms at all to go on record that her performance in ‘Gandhi My Father’ is one of the best female performances ever on the Indian screen, if not the best.

To what extent were you disturbed as a person after Gandhi My Father was complete?
My role as Harilal Gandhi in ‘My Father Gandhi’ did not disturb me at all in any way as a person. Till date, not a single role that I have done has disturbed me after pack up. I find it very strange when an actor says that he is depressed after pack up. I feel it is very silly because let’s face facts, at the end of the day, you are being paid for acting.

In what way are you different today as an actor?
I had started too young as an actor when I was just 19. I was very immature then and hence very arrogant too. I did not understand my responsibilities at that stage of time. I have always been rebellious because I hate authority of any kind. Even today, I am rebellious by nature but I have mellowed down to a large extent.

Which according to you are your five best films as an actor?
The five best films of mine till date are ‘Border’, ‘Salaam- E- Ishq’, ‘Dil Chahta Hai, ‘Humraaz’ and ‘Gandhi My Father’.

How would you evaluate your growth as an actor?
After having been in the film industry as an actor for the last thirteen years ever since I had made my debut with my father Vinod Khanna’s own home production ‘Himalay Putra’ with Punkaj Parasher as the director, I have now become more comfortable with myself as an actor. Though with time I have gained more confidence, I feel that I have quite a long way to go as an actor. I am of the opinion that there is still a hell of a difference between where I want to go as an actor and where I see myself now as an actor. Zameen aasmaan ka farak hai.

Can you elucidate on this?
I’d like to think that I have matured a little as an actor. Today if you do exactly what is written on paper when you face the camera there is absolutely no point. I try to focus on what more can I add, as an actor with my own inputs to what has been given to me on paper. When you start out as an actor, you cannot do much on that count but experience teaches you to deliver more than what your director desires.

After you broke off with Tara Sharma, are you in any serious relationship now?
I do not want to be in a relationship as of now. Unless and until I meet the right person, I do not want to be imprisoned in a relationship. I have a whole life ahead of me and am now blissfully enjoying my status as one of the eligible bachelor boys of the industry today.

What is your ambition as an actor now?
To continue working for the rest of my life is my ambition now. I hope that people will continue to offer me good roles till I die. I do not want to be out of work at any stage of my life because I love acting, though people ask me whether I plan to take up direction. I do not think I’d be good at direction, though you never know ten years down the lane, I may even take it up. Right now
I am not inclined towards taking up direction at all.

"Stands out prominently"-- Nikhil Kumar

To call Naqaab ‘The Most Shocking Thriller Of The Year’ (as its tagline says) would be a gross overstatement. Without exaggeration, the movie can be described as an engaging romantic thriller revolving around characters with disguised intentions.

For years, director duo Abbas-Mastan have honed their skills of making thrillers through movies like Baazigar, Ajnabee and Humraaz . Their latest work, ‘Naqaab’ is nowhere near their previous thrillers in which suspense came out like a bolt from the blue.




In ‘Naqaab’, one part of the suspense is not hard to guess. But there are many twists and turns before the film’s climax. The unmasking of the secret is indeed unexpected, but it lacks enough conviction. If the movie’s plot has ample knots and tangles, it also has its holes.

To cut to the chase, ‘Naqaab’ isn’t exactly a nail-biting, edge-of-the-seat experience. It is a fairly decent thriller you wouldn’t mind watching once.

The movie brings together the ‘Humraaz’ team of Akshaye Khanna and Bobby Deol .

Bobby plays a millionaire, Karan, in love with a middle-class girl Sophie ( Urvashi Sharma ) who, despite her rich boyfriend, works in a burger joint. Enters Vicky (Akshaye Khanna), a struggling actor out of work. Vicky’s charm, charisma and eloquence wins the affection of Sophie. Sparks fly, and the two find getting drawn towards each other.

Hidden from all this, there is someone who is watching and filming the three characters.

As the love story gets more complex and contrived, hidden intentions of the characters are unmasked.

The first half of the movie is breezy but clichéd. Story picks up just before the interval and from there on it develops in the second half. There are surprising revelations and interesting bends in the plot. The director duo have tried to add the shock element with force, rather than wit. And there is too much beating around the bush before coming to the point in the climax.

Among performances, Akshaye Khanna’s stands out most prominently. His chemistry with Urvashi is superb. Bobby Deol manages his part well but offers nothing impressionable. Newcomer Urvashi Sharma acts as if she has the experience of many films behind her. She is comfortable and confident in playing her part before the camera.

The film’s cinematography is gripping and its editing is slick. Pritam’s music is passable.

Abbas-Mastan’s direction is tight and there are indeed sequences in the film that pump your adrenalin. But the director duo fail to create the hard-hitting impact in the second half, despite the twists and turns.

To sum it up, ‘Naqaab’ doesn’t turn out to be a riveting thriller, but it is engaging enough to be seen once.

"First-rate" --Ashok nayak

Director Abbas Mustan have churned out thrillers like 'Baazigar', 'Ajnabee', 'Humraaz', 'Aitraaz' to name a few.They are the masters when it comes to thrillers. 'Naqaab' is another romantic thriller from the stable of this director duo. After 'Humraaz', Abbas Mustan, Akshay Khanna and Bobby Deol team up again, also introducing model Urvashi Sharma as an actress.

'Naqaab' is not just another love triangle, but a twisted thrilling love story. The movie does have a lot of suspense in it but does the movie actually stand up to being the most thrilling love story of the year? Well, not quite.

This is how the story goes...
Karan (Bobby Deol) is a multi millionaire who falls in love with a middle-class gorgeous girl Sophie (Urvashi Sharma). Sophie, a girl of self-will, in spite of being the love of Karan's life works at a burger house to earn her living. Being with Karan, Sophie had love, happiness, riches and glamour that she never dreamt of possessing. Here we are introduced to our second hero Vicky (Akshaye Khanna). Vicky a middle-class charming young man aims to become an actor, but fails and is out of work. He meets Sophie at a beach resort. A dance at the resort sweeps both of them off their feet . Despite being engaged, Sophie starts falling in love with Vicky because of his witty and winning talks and actions. Karan is unaware of the relationship that is blossoming between Sophie and Vikram.

Well this sounds like a usual love triangle, a girl trapped between two men. But that's not all what 'Naqaab' has in store for us. Besides all this, there is a fourth person who is monitoring all the three characters. There is something that creates turmoil in the lives of the three. Slowly the story is unmasked and the true faces come to limelight. Is Vicky the only reason behind the split of Karan and Sophie? Is he the only baddie? Is Karan the right man for Sophie? Are the characters the same as they appear? 'Naqaab' conceals different intentions.

The concept chosen by Abbas-Mustan for Naqaab is excellent but the execution fails. The story is dealt in an unusual way, something unique but feeble. The first half of the movie has almost nothing unique or thrilling, most of the sequences are completely predictable. The movie provokes no emotions. The beep that is heard every time the fourth person shoots the activities of these characters is annoying. One could also easily guess the man behind all the suspense, but the intention remained unknown. The ending was different but not convincing. The repeated twists in reaching the ultimate climax has probably never been employed in any Bollywood film before. The approach is interesting but the result not convincing. The setting of the award ceremony evidently appeared unrealistic. And when did human blood become thinner like water and the color so light?

Cinematography is excellent. The locales of Dubai have been captured well. Music was satisfactory.

Bobby Deol looks the character he's been asked to portray but he is not spontaneous. Overall Bobby is good but his expression seems forced. Akshay Khanna's acting is first-rate. The chemistry that he shares with Urvashi is electric. Urvashi is confident throughout. She looks gorgeous and her performance is exceptional for a debutant. She still needs to work on her dialogue delivery. Some homework will increase her chances of pushing towards the top league.

Raj Zutshi is wasted. Vikas Kalantri and Vishal Malhotra are alright.

Overall, 'Naqaab' breaks the promise of being the most thrilling love story of the year. With an interesting and unique theme, the movie fails to be captivating.



Nowrunning.com

"Perfectly charming" -- Indu Mirani

On a good day the Burmawala brothers a.k.a. director duo Abbas-Mustan can be counted on to keep you engaged in their film as they hoodwink you into believing something while something totally different is going on. They play with deceit and intrigue the way other directors play with emotions and there is always another corner to be turned before you can unravel the last clue. The good news is that today is a fine day in the world of the brothers.

Not quite so though in the lives of the three main characters Karan Oberoi (Bobby Deol, a multimillionaire in Dubai), Sophia D'costa ( Urvashi Sharma, Karan's fiancée) and Vicky Malhotra (Akshaye Khanna, an actor). Trouble is brewing and with everyone wearing not just one mask but several, the story has more twists and turns than a roller coaster has curves.

Abbas-Mustan keep the proceedings light even laughing at conventional filmy scenes. When one of the characters is unmasked, he exclaims that his parents had no time for him, making him a money chasing maniac with no time for the finer emotions. Just when you are about to say "et tu Abbashai-Mustanbhai" the character smirks and says that wasn't the way it is, he chases money because he loves money.

The directors set up the plot with finesse and with what is essential in a thriller… loose ends all tied up. Nowhere do they falter with characterisation (some things may look strange when happening, but it all adds up in the end). They very wisely set it all up in the shorter first half and then relentlessly surprise you with a fast-paced second half. There is a certain precision demanded by thrillers and the directors get the timing just right.

Not surprisingly, acting by all the characters is very good. While Bobby Deol (is success going to his waistline?) and Akshaye Khanna are perfectly charming, it is newcomer Urvashi Sharma who catches your eye with a surprisingly competent performance, given that it is a complex role and this is her first film.

The technical team deserves praise. Ravi Yadav's visuals are eye catching and Raju Khan's choreography deserves compliments. Music by Pritam is good too but the real heroes of this involved and complex yet hugely entertaining film are writer Shiraz Ahmed and the men in white, directors Abbas-Mustan.

Daily News & Analysis

Raja Sen, detestable as always

The best thing about Naqaab is that it's just two hours long.


The incredible thing, though, is that it still manages to overstay its welcome -- with a climax lathered on and on, the final twists merely being the facts that the film isn't over yet. Or yet. Or yet. Sigh.


For all that, Abbas-Mustan (credited in the film's titles as Director Duo) have done their fair share of contrived countertwisting. The proceedings are breezy and while nobody really cries bloody murder -- this isn't really a thriller -- the film is never tedious and the actress is pretty.


So yeah, it's watchable.


Not that it's original, of course. A friend nudged me in the direction of Matthew Parkhill's 2003 film, Dot The I, starring Gael Garcia Bernal. The plot synopsis reads quite the same, so while our Director Duo seem to have faithfully filched a decent thriller, the problem lies in the reworking. Not in the adaptation itself, but in the tone, the film's pitch.


This is a cheeky concept, and would have worked very nicely to raise the audience's eyebrows mildly, while amusing them with its cleverness. Where Abbas-Mustan miscalculate awfully is with their decisions to keep the film Bollywoody, playing the big twists for intensity rather than wit, and falling into the very same clich�s the film's main character rallies against.


Naqaab begins with fisheye lenses prowling zippily across the shelves of our villain, unsurprisingly revealing that someone whose shelves contain DVDs of Kabhie Alvida Naa Kehna and Fanaa [Images] is most likely to also have a gun lying around. Anyway, just as we're getting used to the refreshing editing cuts, the scene shifts spasmodically to our heroine, and turns into a music video.


Urvashi Sharma plays Sophia, a girl who works at Burger King by day and comes home to sleep in a posh pad where her bedroom folds out of her shower. How so? Well, she's hooked herself a multimillionaire boyfriend, Karan (Bobby Deol [Images], sensitive to the annoying hilt). So while Karan raves over Satyajit Ray, wears his pink shirts and makes his ladylove breakfast, Sophia agrees blissfully to marry him.


Meanwhile, the brash, awfully dressed Vicky (Akshaye Khanna [Images]) ends up dancing with her after being prompted by an usher who harps about Egyptian traditions before breaking into a conveniently Hindi song. But all's possible in this version of Dubai, where the just-engaged girl shares a tremendously intimate song with the upstart, coming close enough to an actual kiss, before a glass is dropped (no subtlety, it's nearly hurled to the floor) and the spell breaks.


And all this while we hear the telltale whirr of watching cameras. Everything our characters are going through is being filmed, with Akshaye and Bobby and Urvashi constantly being watched. Occasionally, we glimpse a hand with a serpentine tattoo. But that's that, as the tale goes on.


The conceit is 'interesting,' so there should be no giveaways here. It could have been made a lot better, though, but most of the setup scenes have their payoffs (even if grossly elongated) and there isn't much filler -- though the final twist is hammered on and on, with ridiculous condescension towards the audience. Oh, and there's a bizarre nightmare-scar subplot that has no business being in the film.


It's a neatly shot film, Abbas-Mustan finally stepping into the modern day with a slick, urban look and feel. The narrative is fine, and the actors aren't too bad -- considering they haven't been asked to do much in the first place. Bobby gets a considerably meaty role, and there are a couple of moments when he genuinely works the audience. Akshaye hams it up a little, and playing a character he's too old for, doesn't seem to believe in the film. Urvashi's alright, bouncy at first and adequately alarmed when she needs to be.


In all, it's not a film to be recommended, but you probably won't mind sitting through it.

(Rediff)

"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)

Happy Naqaab viewing

Just one day to go!

Naqaab preview

Tour de force

The movie's blog is updated with newspaper clippings. Take a look. Meanwhile, the media continue to shower praises. Can't agree more with the sentiments expressed here

Akshaye interview on B Biz ETV

Highlights of Taran’s chat with Akshaye Khanna

1. On Abbas-Mustan as a director duo?

They always think of their audience while making a film.

2. On the story being different?

It’s a completely fresh subject, plot. Everything’s fresh. It keeps surprising you, shocking you!

3. Bobby Deol as a co-star?

He’s one of the nicest co-actors I’ve had to work with

4. On Urvashi Sharma?

She’s new, but she’s not raw. She’s lived up to my expectations.

5. Naqaab as a film?

Its very faced paced, very energetic.

6. Are you content with your performance in ‘Naqaab’?

For me ‘satisfying’ is being a working actor. Waking up every morning and going to a set, that gives me satisfaction

7. On your upcoming film?

GANDHI, MY FATHER has been the most challenging film for me

Get glued to your couch on 12th July to see your favorite star on your TV screens. Interviewed by internet's favorite punching bag Taran Adarsh.

New ad

Lacks the punch of other ads but still good. Some new clips of Akshaye makes it worthwhile though.

Akshaye's greatness obvious!

It is now becoming obvious that Akshaye Khanna has given a mind-blowing performance in Anil Kapoor's 'Gandhi My Father'. Some of the sequences (being aired), especially the one where Harilal discloses his father's name are stunning.
However, there are still quite a few who think that it has been directed by Fardeen Khan's father, veteran actor-director Feroz Khan. In a bid to put an end to the confusion, the director of the movie, Feroze Khan, has now started using his full name, that is Feroze Abbas Khan.
'Gandhi My Father' is all set to release on August 3rd. (Bollyvista.com)

Akshaye getting great reviews even before the movie releases! Finally.

Akshaye born to play Harilal Gandhi

With 'Gandhi My Father' gearing up for release in a few short weeks, producer Anil Kapoor is all praise for actor Akshaye Khanna.

Akshaye Khanna plays Gandhi's eldest son Harilal Gandhi in the film that deals with the personal and private life of the father of the nation.

And Anil Kapoor, who makes his debut as a producer with this movie, says that the Khanna was definitely the perfect choice for the role.

"He is born to play this role. You have to see it to believe it, the kind of work he has done," Anil Kapoor said.

Kapoor also revealed that he had decided to take up the mantle of producer for this film because he was "really moved" by the script.

"It really moved me. I felt that this film should be made. That's the reason, I have produced this film," he said.

Also starring in the movie alongside Akshaye Khanna will be Bhoomika Chawla, Shefali Shetty and Vinay Jain.

The movie, which hits theatres on August 3, has been directed by Feroze Khan, who also co-wrote the script alongside Chandulal Desai.

I am liking Anil Kapoor more n more. I always respected him as an actor, but as a producer he rocks!

Akshaye, Bobby "unveil" Urvashi

Why the beard? Finally, some cool marketing from Tips! Watch the video here, photos to follow.

The Talented Mr.Khanna

He’s a joy to watch, but a pickle to interview. Akshaye Khanna tells it like it is


Are you between films now or starting on something new?

I have just finished Race with Abbas Mastan — it’s got Anil Kapoor, Saif (Ali Khan), myself, couple of heroines and now I’m busy trying to promote Naqaab and then Gandhi My Father. I’m not shooting for a while, then I’m starting on an Anil Kapoor production called Short Cut. So at the moment, I’m in limbo.

Who’s directing Short Cut?

We’ll talk about that at a later stage.

Saif said that Race is a complete masala movie. It’s another film with Abbas Mastan for you soon after Naqaab.

Yeah, we did two films back to back. I have two thrillers from Abbas Mastan but both are very different. Both, to my mind, were very good scripts (laughs). I completely enjoyed doing them.

Naqaab’s trailer gives you the same feeling as Humraaz.

I can completely understand that response because they’re the same actors, same director, one girl, but I must say it is a completely different film, script, setting. So it’s not doing justice to Naqaab to compare it to that film.

It’s called the most shocking film. Are there shades of A Perfect Murder?

No, I can’t even touch on those aspects because like any good thriller, it would be foolish to reveal the plot. If you know what’s going to happen, then there’s no fun!

When we say it’s the most shocking thriller, that’s the USP of the film. It’s constantly going to keep you guessing. It’s very unpredictable. It’s constantly moving in directions you least expect.

It’s shocking, surprising you. People are looking for that in a thriller. Every director has a forte and this is Abbas Mastan’s.

How is your comfort level with them?

We’ve got a tremendous comfort level because this is my third film and I’ve done Race as well. We like each other on a personal level – our business is a very people’s business.

You’re spending 100, 110 days in each other’s company from morning to night so it’s important at some level to like the people you work with. It’s an added bonus. It’s also important to a team to have success.

If you really enjoy working with each other but keep churning flop after flop, even that’s not going to work. Both our past films have been successes. We bounce off each other really well.

The trailers of Gandhi My Father are out. Have you seen the play?

No I missed it, but many people in my family have seen it.

How did the role of Harilal Gandhi come to you?

(Producer) Anil Kapoor and (director) Feroz Abbas Khan have been working on the script for a long time. It’s something they were very passionate about it and they offered it to me.

What was your reaction to the script?

I was spellbound. I had never experienced writing of this caliber. It was literally a work of genius; the writing was so powerful and beautiful. I had never experienced reading a script like that. It took me by the scruff of my neck and shook me up.

What is your feeling about the character itself?

We’re not here to analyse the character. I have to play the part. In this film, we’re telling a story that’s 100 per cent true about the relationship that Mahatma Gandhi shared with his eldest son Harilal Gandhi.

It’s a very intimate father and son love story. This is how my director calls it. And this is a story that a handful of people are aware of. In fact we know everything about Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi, but we know nothing about their children. So this becomes a very interesting, beautiful story to tell.

This film has nothing to do with history, the freedom struggle or independence. It is about the family of Gandhi. And these are emotions that never become irrelevant or obsolete. They will never die. Everyone has a family so it’s a very universal theme.

Did you feel that Harilal was doomed because he struggled at every turn?

This is a film we really care about. Our entire team came from a place of honesty, of truth, as much as was humanly possible. We just wanted to tell the story as it is, without being judgmental. That was the very essence of our journey. We leave the judging to the audience. Our entire focus was in telling the story.

Apparently, there are some Gandhians protesting over the film’s theme?

I haven’t heard of anything. How can they protest about something they know nothing about? This is the story based on the biography of Harilal Gandhi by Chandulal Dalal.

Wasn’t the film stalled in court over some copyright problems?

No one has a copyright on history. So that doesn’t even arise. The project was never stalled.

After watching the film, how did you feel?

I wouldn’t want to talk about it. It’s so easy to praise yourself, your work, your family. I find it very stupid when people do that. I have loved this film – to me, it’s very special, like all my films are. But for me to sit and praise it without people having seen it, I find very immature and embarrassing. I have loved the film.

There were reports that you, along with the rest of the cast, did an hour of yoga every day while shooting. Is that your usual form of exercise?

I used to practise yoga anyway. I was really into it. It made me feel physically and mentally very good. It was a nice routine that Feroz suggested. I’ve always been athletic since school. I don’t exercise to lose weight. I enjoy it. I feel great after a workout – whether it’s squash, yoga or swimming. You feel so good!

Were you a rebellious son?

As a teenager, right up to when I was 25-26, I was very rebellious. I rebelled against any authority, sometimes even stupidly. That came from immaturity, childishness. Until date, I haven’t been comfortable with authority. Now my rebelliousness is more mature (laughs).

Do you protest quietly?

Yeah, I protest quietly. My rebellious energy is more mature.

What was your relationship like with your own dad? He was a bit of an absentee dad when he became an Osho follower.

(Pauses) I think we were too young to kind of understand anything. I was four or five. So that’s too young. I definitely must have felt the lack of it, but we had such a wonderful family support system.

That’s such a beautiful thing in India. As a child you feel so loved and taken care of. So those feelings were (pauses) balanced by family.

Was his absence ever explained to you?

No.

Did you ever question it?

No.

Any adjustment problems?

I don’t have a distinct memory of it.

Have the Khannas thought of teaming up?

We haven’t got script to team up together. I think Sunny has been working in the industry now for about 25 years? It’s taken him that long to find the right script for his dad, Bobby and him to work together. Give us little more time…

Rahul recently said how you’re often the bossy brother.

Really? I can be a bit bossy sometimes, but he’s bullied me all his life, so if I do it now, once in a while, it’s ok.

A while ago, you said you were lacking in self-confidence.

Self-confidence… it’s like the stock market. It goes up and down. I’ve never analysed why.

Your recent films Aap Ki Khatir and Salaam-e-Ishq were both disappointments.

Yes, I was particularly disappointed with Salaam-e-Ishq. I loved the film. The length proved to be an issue with the film. I completely understand why people felt it was too long, but I expected it to do much better.

At that time, you said the commitment-phobe in Salaam-e-Ishq was a lot like you. Do you still feel like that?

Sometimes. I suppose it’s all about someday meeting that person you can’t resist. That day hasn’t come. That’s the way I see love.

You’re still friends with your ex Tara Sharma — were there commitment problems there?

Yes, we’re friends, but the issue there wasn’t commitment.

And stories of you seeing someone in the US?

Untrue.

What is the status on your love life?

Nonexistent. I’m only 32 yaar. Why does everyone want to get me married? Let me enjoy myself, my freedom. I thoroughly protect and nurture it so it lasts for as long as possible.

On Simi Garewal’s show, you said you were anti-marriage.

(Sighs) I’m for reforms in the institution of marriage. I don’t subscribe to it in its present form. I feel that enough time has past; I think the time has come for changes to be made in the institution. It was not perfect when it was made and it’s still imperfect.

All institutions go through change. Life itself is change. Why shouldn’t marriage change? Let the pandits sit and discuss in forums. I think an overall look has to be taken. We have taken leaps in science and spirituality. Why not improve upon marriage?

Looks like you’ve really thought about this.

No, not really, I’ve never articulated this before. It’s an interesting thought. Most people may take offence to it because they believe marriage is a sacred thing. I apologise to them, but I’m entitled to my opinion.

You’re best friends with Anil Kapoor today. Did it start on the sets of Taal?

It started there definitely, but we lost touch. I met him couple of times a year at parties. But we interacted in such close proximity on this film that it gave us an opportunity to be friends.

Do you look to him for advice — career or personal?

(Laughs) Many times. Well, he is one of the senior most, successful actors. What I enjoy about Anil as a person and friend is his positivity about life. His energy is very positive and creative. He’s like a source of energy. People who meet him sip from that tap – it’s always open. That’s a great quality in a man.

There is an age gap between you two. Do you feel you’re more mature than your years?

I wish! No, I don’t think so. I know a lot of people my age who are much more mature than me.

From Mid-day. Thanks to the commenter who posted the link. You rock!

No movies but Shortcut to go and that won't start for a couple of months. Depressing! It makes me wild to think that there is this incredible actor just sitting at home doing nothing!

All eyes on Akshaye Khanna

Two of India's major newspapers have covered Gandhi--My Father this week (see below), something not achieved by standard Bollywood fare. Something tells me that the buzz around the film is building up. Whatever be its ultiamte commercial fate, this is one epochal movie event waiting to happen. Whatever be the commercial viability as a star, this movie should establish, once and for all, Akshaye's status as one of the major actors in Indian cinema or world cinema for that matter.

Know more about the character Akshaye is about to play

Harilal was Mahatma Gandhi's most inconvenient truth. The universal story of father and son as adversaries is only as old and tired as the institution of the family itself, but in the case of the Gandhi-Harilal contretemps it was clearly an unequal fight, with the odds quite hopelessly stacked against the son. It was one thing to buck an authoritarian father figure, quite another to be up against a political saint whose cast-iron devotion to principle and truth had a whole country in thrall.

With his stubborn morality, sexual abstinence, and faddish lifestyle, Gandhi was a difficult parent. He is perhaps the only upper-middle-class Indian father ever to have sat his four sons down and pointed them to a range of glorious career choices, from farmer and cobbler to weaver and scavenger, and to be deeply disappointed by their bourgeoisie desire to be lawyers and journalists.

The younger sons, Ramdas and Devdas, were indulged chiefly because by the time they had come of age, Gandhi is said to have learned from his earlier mistakes and scaled down the unrealistic levels of expectation. The two older boys, Harilal and Manilal, were in a sense the guinea pigs of his radical world view and this affected them deeply. All his life Harilal struggled against his father's magnificent impartiality and refusal to favour his own children above anyone else's in the settlement. And so a scholarship to study abroad, which might have changed the young man's life, was passed on to a distant nephew. It was a hard blow and the early seeds of discord were sown.

The ill-starred Harilal is back in the news as a result of the soon-to-be-released film, Gandhi — My Father. Director Feroz Khan, who is revisiting a subject that he first tackled with remarkable sensitivity in his play Mahatma Vs Gandhi, once more interrogates this vexed relationship.

The film is based on Chandulal Bhagubhai Dalal's fine book Harilal Gandhi: A Life (Orient Longman), acknowledged as the most authentic documentation of the Mahatma-Harilal relationship. Khan calls it "the Gangotri". The film opens with Harilal's death, him being scraped off the streets in Mumbai and carried to Sion Hospital. He is so far gone that he can barely say his name, and when asked for his father's, can only manage "Bapu". Impatient with his delirium, the doctors tell him Bapu is the whole of India's father. What is your father's name? Ironies of this kind strafe the film.

If khadi was an article of faith for Gandhi, his son hawked foreign cloth. If non-violence was the touchstone of his father's philosophy, Harilal's business at one point depended on the continuance of World War II. Peace brought with it ruination.

Unable to bear that his essentially good-hearted son had fallen among thieves, Gandhi publicly cut ties with him. And when Harilal, whose insolvency made him a prime candidate for being appropriated, crossed briefly to Islam and became Abdullah, his father struck back with an editorial in Harijan, accusing him of converting on specious grounds, of being addicted to the bottle, and of visiting houses of ill-repute. The conversion is said to have broken Kasturba's heart.

That there was some sort of unspoken blacking out of Harilal from Gandhi's daily world is evident from the fact that his faithful secretary Mahadev Desai, meticulous in all else, is almost completely silent on Harilal. Gandhi, too, chose to tear up the letters written to him by his son. Fortunately for us, Harilal preserved his father's numerous missives, which, along with his own letters to his wife Gulab and sister-in-law Balibehn, remain the most valid route to understanding him.

But it is thanks to the first-person account by Mahadev's son Narayan Desai that we are privy to the most gutting encounter between Gandhi, Kasturba and Harilal at Katni station. Harilal has begged for an orange and brought one for his mother. When asked by his Bapu if there is one for him too, he replies, "No, nothing for you. All the greatness you have achieved is only because of Ba. Never forget that." And as the crowd shouts slogans in praise of Gandhi, a quavering, defiant voice is heard above the din, "Kasturba ki jai."

(Times of India)

Dressing up Akshaye Khanna

Period films are tricky. If the protagonist is Mahatma Gandhi, it gets trickier. Hardly anything is left to be known, seen or said about the man etched in every school kid’s memory.

Though touted as the “family tragedy”, it would have been quite a job for the crew of “Gandhi My Father” to stay clear of clichés. It was no different for Sujata Sharma, the costume designer of the film.

Tough assignment

Sujata admits dressing up Gandhi and his family was one of her toughest assignments so far.

“It was definitely one of the most challenging projects,” says the Delhi-based designer. Expectations would be high. Bhanu Athaiya took home the Oscar for costume designing in Richard Attenborough’s “Gandhi” still a vivid memory for film lovers.

But Sujata is not willing to be bogged down by history. “Actually, I never had Attenborough’s “Gandhi” in mind,” she says.

“For me, it was important to go by the period,” adds the designer.

Sujata believes period films can hardly ever be original. So she chose to go by her reference work and the Gandhi in her mind.

“It is about how we take liberties cinematically,” she says. One would have thought options were pretty limited, especially in terms of costume designing, in a film like “Gandhi My Father”. Sujata disagrees.

“Director Feroze Khan wanted my fabrics to bring alive the period,” she says. The challenge for her lay in gently bringing about the change in Gandhi’s clothes as his personality evolved.




Banked on her research and the Gandhi she had in mind to create Mahatma’s costumes.

“I had to cover a time span,” says Sujata. From 1916, when Gandhi, played by Darshan Jariwala, was in South Africa till 1948, when he was assassinated, the way he dressed underwent drastic changes.

From his barrister clothes in South Africa, the “Kathiawari costumes” on his arrival to India and ultimately the loin cloth and drapes, it was a journey in fabric for Sujata to capture.

“For his costumes in South Africa, I researched on the style of the times,” says the designer.

Gandhi’s makeover

“The transition in Gandhi is slow and it had to be brought in gently through his costumes,” says the costume designer for movies like “Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron” and “Amu”.

The dark shades of the barrister and printing press owner gives way to the Kathiawari costumes and turban for Gandhi, newly arrived in India, before pure white and drapes take over.

The costume designer then springs a surprise. “Harilal was more challenging than Gandhi,” she says. “He wanted to be like his father. At times he dressed traditionally and on occasions in formal English style,” adds Sujata, who was the costume supervisor for “Monsoon Wedding” and “City of Joy”.

School uniforms and half-open shirts also make up the wardrobe for Harilal played by Akshaye Khanna.

“I worked for nearly two months to create the costume Harilal wears towards the climax. He is down and out and ruined completely and his clothes needed to have a run down look,” says the costume designer.

For Kasturba, played by Shefali Shah, it is mostly Parsi bordered saris that were supposed to be her favourite. “It was a conscious decision to give her a simple look, saris and thin, coloured, laced blouses with minimal jewellery.”

Keeping the essence of the Gandhi family, Sujata, had made the costumes an all-cotton affair.

Another mammoth task the designing team undertook was to make clothes for 500-odd crowd along with the costumes for the main artistes.

“That was all done during the shooting,” concludes Sujata.

(Hindu)

A truly horrible thought

If the Hindi version is going to release only in India then Anil and Eros are trying to release the English version overseas. I haven't seen any publicity for the English version. Does taht mean it's not goin to release this August and we ahve to wait some more months for it? I won't be able to bear it if I can't watch the movie straight in theatres.

Trailer on website

Gandhi--My Father website is updated with the trailer.

Gandhi--My Father stills

All eyes on Naqaab

bThe two new releases, JOURNEY BOMBAY TO GOA and MY FRIEND GANESHA, didn’t bring cheer. While J.B.T.G. opened to a 20%-25% response, the general feeling is that the film should fare better at small centres / single screens. M.F.G. opened to dull houses, but Saturday and Sunday holds the key. Will the patronage from kids come to its rescue, is to be seen.

Meanwhile, the collections of APNE were rock-steady on Friday, while AAP KAA SURROOR was strong at single screens.

Meanwhile, the industry is optimistic that NAQAAB will fetch an excellent start next Friday. The distributors and exhibitors are hopeful the film will emerge a big success.

From Indiafm.com

Naqaab news conference

Actor Akshaye Khanna is keeping his fingers crossed for his forthcoming release 'Naqaab', a romantic-thriller directed by Abbas-Mustan.
'I'm very passionate about 'Naqaab' and I'm really looking forward to its release,' he said at a news conference here, about the film, which also stars Bobby Deol and newcomer Urvashi Sharma.
The 32-year-old actor, however, did not divulge any more details of the film, much to the disappointment of around 50 journalists and photographers who attended the event for him.
Though his 'Salaam-E-Ishq' opened to lukewarm response, Akshaye has six more films to hit the silver screen.
His other releases include 'Tashan', 'Shortcut', 'When Kiran Met Karen', 'Aaja Nachley', 'Gandhi My Father' and 'Race'.
Akshaye, who made his debut in 1997 with 'Mohabbat', has acted in around 30 films.

Preview of Gandhi--My Father

Filmfare has a nice preview of Gandhi--My father. Snippets:

Writer & Director: Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan on the film:

Gandhi has always been compelling, complex and strangely contemporary. I grew up understanding Gandhi through others; till I discovered a deep wound he carried in his heart. Somewhere in the shadows of this great man lived his son, roaming the streets of India like a beggar. Converting to Islam as a rebellion and re-converting to Hinduism as a penance and finally drinking himself to death.

Mahatma could transform the soul of a nation but could not save the soul of his own son, The unfolding of a personal tragedy against the racial hatred in South Africa and colonial humiliation in India moved me deeply. Finally my search to know the human side of Gandhi took me to South Africa, to different parts of India, libraries, scholars and his immediate family members. I then decided to make a film about a principled father and an unfortunate son. To me, Gandhi became a greater human being as he struggled personally, socially and politically, but always put his principles and quest for human dignity above everything else.


Dear Bapu.
In your laboratory of experiments, unfortunately I am the one truth that has gone wrong….
Yours,
Harilal

“If Harilal wants to marry against my wish, I will have to stop thinking of him as my son.”
-Bapu

“How long can we go on protecting our children even in crime? What kind of a society do we wish to create?”
-Bapu

“All this ‘long live Mahatma Gandhi’…this adulation… it is only because of my mother.”
-Harilal

“You may hang us on the gallows, you may send us to prison, but you will get no co-operation from us… It is the duty of every Indian to boycott foreign cloth…”
-Bapu

“The world war will not stop that soon…
I am selling foreign cloth…made in England.”
-Harilal

Hindu-Muslim unity is the foundation on which we have to build a free India.”
-Bapu

“I accept Islam as my new faith…and I will call myself Abdullah Gandhi.”
-Harilal

“As a mother I cannot disown you, nor can I call you my own.”
-Kasturba Gandhi

“Alcohol kills me and alcohol cures me…”
-Harilal

“The greatest regret of my life… two people I could never convince - my Muslim friend Mohammed Ali Jinnah and my own son Harilal Gandhi.”

Gandhi

Fabulous teacher

Akshaye teaches Urvashi a thing or two!

When newcomer Urvashi Sharma was to give her first shot with Akshaye Khanna for Naqaab , she was quite worked up. Reason? The actress was nervous since she had heard that Akshaye was quite a no-nonsense guy, and wouldn’t stand for a botched scene. And the first shot itself was a heavy duty emotional scene. Urvashi went to directors Abbas Mustan and told them about her predicament. When the directors went up to Akshaye and informed him about this, Akshaye was quite taken aback. So he actually went up to Urvashi and spoke to her to break then ice. What’s more, he actually agreed to rehearse each and every scene with Urvashi till she got it right. “I will never forget how Akshaye went out of his way to help me out,” says a grateful Urvashi who is now learning the tricks of the trade quickly. Only to be expected with such fabulous teachers, right?

(Filmfare)

Music review of Naqaab

Any music album from an Abbas-Mustan movie is definitely a must buy for all music buffs. Most of the music directors who have till now composed for their movies, have given some memorable, classy, breezy and hit music. Be it Jatin-Lalit in ‘Khiladi’, Anu Malik in ‘Baazigar’ and ‘Ajnabee’ or Himesh Reshammiya with his hattrick of hits like ‘Aitraaz’, ‘Humraaz’ or ‘36 China Town’. For this particular album, the Tauranis have entrusted the very lucky music director Pritam with the responsibility, who fresh from the success of ‘Metro’, is the flavour of the season. Let us see if he will be able to repeat the success of the above mentioned composers.
Some superb guitaring commences the delirious romantic number, ‘Ek Din Teri Raahon’. It was evident from the first promo of this song that Pritam has definitely done his homework, as this is an outstanding number with a trademark Abbas-Mustan tune. Javed Ali, who we first heard in the still-rocking ‘Kajra Re’ (’Bunty Aur Babli’), simply excels, both in high-pitched as well as normal singing. Even K.K. who excels in such type of singing, would be proud of Javed. Sameer comes up with some lovely, situational lyrics which sum up the feelings of a person who is unable to express his love ( to the beloved), to perfection - “Ek din teri raahon mein, Baahon mein, Nigahon mein, Aaoonga, Kho jaaoonga, Ek din tera ho jaaoonga, Ye dil to na kah saka jaane-jaana, Ye dil to na kah saka.” Over all an excellent composition first up.
Next up is ‘Ek Din Teri Raahon-Remix, by A-Myth Sharma. It is definitely a good one, with the racier rhythm, speedy background synthesized piece and beats/rhythm. Zubin, whose number ‘Teri Tamanna’ (’The Train’) is still burning the dance floors, adds extra zing to the song with his reverberating vocals and a more sensitive singing.
Soft female whisperings giving the mystery element touch along with croonings, blended with some lovely guitaring, commences ‘Aye Dil Paagal Mere’. There are three versions of this song. One remixed and the original is by Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi sings the second remixed version.
It’s a treat to hear the now selective Sonu once again, after a standout performance in the title track of ‘Apne’. This racy threesome, situational dance track number comes alive with Sonu’s full-of-feelings and innovative rendition. Pritam’s guitaring, just like his recent movies (’Gangster’ and ‘Metro’) is simply mindblasting. In fact, it will not be an overstatement to say that at present Pritam is the best as far as guitar based melodies are concerned. Sameer too is in top form once again with some matter of fact and very fit-to-the-situation lyrics - “Khushi hai to, Ranjhish bhi hai, Milan hai to bandish bhi hai”.
‘Aye Dil Paagal Mere-Remix’, rendered by Sonu, is an ordinary effort with the same heightened pace and beats. Sonu sings in a high pitch throughout and is good as usual.
‘Aye Dil Paagal Mere-Remix’, rendered by the highly versatile Sunidhi is the better than the Sonu version, more due to Sunidhi’s unique singing. Her husky croonings give the song the seductive touch and add to the mystery.
Excellent drummings, Arabic vocals & music, kickstart ‘Aa Dil Se Dil Mila Le’. Another lovely dance track, where Pritam has fused an Arabian tune with the Geeta Dutt classic ‘Aye Dil Mujhe Bata De’('Bhai Bhai’). Lovely musical arrangements adorn this tense, situational dance track. Krishna excels in this track ( his forte) and Alisha Chinai is perfect.
‘Aa Dil Se Dil Mila Le-Remix’ by Jatin Sharma is again racier (thankfully not too much), with some rap sounds, dispersed vocals and added orchestra. The Arabic influence which was omnipresent in the original is lesser here.
As the tag-line of the movie ‘Naqaab’ is - Disguised Intensions, the next track can be classified as the theme number. Superfast rhythm and keyboard sounds commence ‘Disguised Intensions’. The thriller, suspence and edge-of-the-seat element comes across beautifully. The fusion of the track ‘Aye Dil Paagal Mere Dil’ with Latino lyrics and music and the female croonings, set the adrenalin pumping, spicing it with the thriller touch. And one really starts looking forward to the movie.
All in all, Pritam has done a wonderful job here. Though there are just three proper songs but all of them are top-class. Pritam is definitely a worthy successor to those famous music directors like Jatin-Lalit, Anu Malik and Himesh. And manages to convey the feelings of excitement, mystery and thrill through his compositions, the type we look for in an Abbas Mustan movie. The audio sales will pick up significantly (like all Abbas-Mustan movies) once ‘Naqaab’ releases on July 13.

From Bollyvista. Good music can only make it smoother for the movie to work.

Gettin' there!

Beth added me to her blogroll. This blog is gettin' famous now!

IIFA Unveiling

I've posted the garbled video. Here's the nice version. Maybe it's to do with the camera angles.

A stunning promo

Is it because I am fan that I am reacting like this? Or is the movie that good?

Fantastic

Fantastic

Heartbreaking

Protests start!

Anil Kapoor’s film Gandhi My Father is all set to release in August but even before its release the film has pulled controversy towards itself. Gandhi My Father is about Gandhi’s relationship with his eldest son Harilal and the promos of the film have drawn protests from Gandhians in Bihar.

According to the protestors, the film is based on the controversial aspects of the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Therefore, they have requested President APJ Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi to stop the release of the film.

Directed by debutant director Feroz Abbas Khan, Gandhi My Father stars Akshaye Khanna in the role of Harilal. Darshan Jariwala plays Gandhi while Shefali Chhaya plays the role of Kasturba Gandhi in the film.

More protest please. It is only good publicity for the movie. The more the merrier.