Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena
Film Review
Ex-rediff staffer and writer Suparn Verma makes his directorial debut. His roster of writings includes Chhal and Karam, definitely not the ‘feel-good’ films. In addition, he also has the dubious claim of scripting the insipid Janasheen. Had I known this background, I would have avoided EKEH at an arm’s length. Anyways, I had the (mis)chance to watch this ‘thriller’ first day (third show) in a nearly empty theater (if this was the state on first day, only a miracle can save this film; and that miracle will not be ‘word-of-mouth’ publicity for sure!).
The film opens on similar lines as Musafir - a conman inadvertently cheats a don’s henchman; and the don gives him a few days to return his money - so what’s the common DVD source for both? Thereafter, the film takes on a path full of turns, leaving at times the audience baffled as whom to believe. In that essence, the film works. Plus, the cons are better written and executed than Bunty aur Bubli. But the end-twist is so contrived, it just does not hold water - especially in light of some events shown previously.
Suparn uses all clichés of the post-modern noir genre (Sanjay Gupta-style); quick cuts; stylish look; rhythmic songs; black humor and dark characters that have no respect for law.
Koena Mitra cannot act. Period. I have yet to come across a face this wooden. The only emotion I noticed was a look of immense smugness (of having crossed the sides) when three item girls (Rakhi Sawant, Mummait Khan and one more) come on to do ‘Ankhiyan na maar bairi’. For all hype revolving this song featuring not one but three item girls, only the song’s ‘mukhda‘ is used.
Fardeen, like the film, is good in patches. But as ever, the delight is Kay Kay - his trademark in the film ‘hey-lo’ will be a hit! I cannot understand Suparn’s obsession to re-create Janasheen’s character Saba Ali Karim into Jahangir Khan and then have an utterly obnoxious Feroze Khan to play the part as well -yet again!!! Thankfully, his part is minor and the irritation is reigned in to a large level! The other supporting cast (Mukul Dev, Gulshan Grover, Sharad Kapoor and Rohit Roy) are adequate.
Pritam’s music is energetic; I don’t understand it, so I will refrain to comment. But pray, what made him lift Top Gun’s theme for the opening sequence?
On my part, I prefer the old Raj Kapoor and Yash Chopra style of story narration. In modern context, only Sanjay Leela Bhansali is following that tradition to the T. Perhaps I should watch the languid but delightfully narrated Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam DVD to counter the jerkiness left by EKEH.
Overall: So-so; strictly for this genre’s afficiondos; please do not take your kids along!
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