With 'Kaminey', Vishal Bharadwaj has once again proved that he can deliver a movie that is stylish, intelligent, insane, entertaining, and stimulating, all at once!
Watching the movie last night at a nearby multiplex, I felt that I can count on Vishal Bharadwaj as one of my favorite directors who does exactly what he chooses to do, without compromising (well mostly so, if I can discount the happy ending)!
The basic plot itself is nothing unusual, but the quirky characters, the multiple layers, the ensemble cast, the fast-paced scenario that keeps one glued to the screen, the amazing soundtrack (tracks like Dhan-te-naan, Fataak, Pehli baar, Raat ke... and the background score, are true assets) and the action-packed visuals make 'Kaminey' a total package that one cannot choose to be indifferent to. One must sit up and take note of this brilliant product and acknowledge the sheer potential of its maker.
Even after having given us such wonderful films like 'Maqbool', 'Omkara', 'Makdee' and 'The Blue Umbrella', Vishal Bharadwaj, has not been able to cut ice with a wide section of viewers in country, 'Kaminey' has the promise to change that.
The story is of two brothers, identical twins, who live their own lives but their paths cross in a bizarre manner and it leads to some hard-core action, with a frenzied climax that centres around a drug-stashed guitar. There are gangsters galore, the police, the foreigners (from Angola), double-crossing & wheeling-dealings, and then there is beautiful Priyanka Chopra (in her best performance till date) as Sweety, a role that will not only get her noticed but also remembered for, even in an action-flick like this!
Long after the Bollywood classic 'Sholay', I experienced shivers down my spine yet again in a Hindi film sequence of vicious villainy thanks to the remarkable performance of Amol Gupte as Bhope, a Marathi gangster. The said sequence features Amol Gupte & Chandan Roy Sanyal (as Mikhail). I will not divulge the details here as I am sure many of my readers haven't seen the movie as yet. For the same reason, I am not giving away much of the plot details. The film and its sequences would surely be much talked about in the days to come. I would absolutely recommend 'Kaminey'; it is meant to be watched on the big screen, and make sure that the screening facility includes stereophonic sound, two of R. D. Burman's compositions have become character-like as they have been included in the rich tapestry of sight & sound. Last, but not the least, mention must be made of Shahid Kapoor who has essayed the dual roles of Guddu (who stammers) and Charlie (who lisps) brilliantly, he has tried to give his no-holds-barred best portrayal for both the characters, kudos for the effort.
