Another clarification. TALAASH is not remotely similar to KAHAANI. A lot of space was devoted to the imaginary tale that TALAASH and KAHAANI were similar in nature. But you realize it's an ill-founded rumor as the reels of TALAASH unfold. It's also alleged that TALAASH borrows from a novella called 'Act Of Providence'. Then there's an assumption that TALAASH borrows from SHUTTER ISLAND...
Similarities apart, TALAASH stands on its feet for the reason that it merges conspiracy, tension and tragedy with dexterousness. Add to it the turn of events, the razor sharp dialogue and of course, the suspense... TALAASH takes the suspense angle to a new altitude altogether, emerging into an exceptionally constructed mystery.
Aamir Khan plays an investigation officer, Inspector Shekhawat, who is informed about the accident and subsequent death of a superstar. The case turns into a life altering chase for Inspector Shekhawat when he is forced to reel under the repercussions of a disturbed married life [Rani Mukherji] and come face to face with his suppressed grief.
Being on his investigative quest, Inspector Shekhawat meets a sex worker [Kareena Kapoor], who further adds shades of mystery to the puzzle. What looks like a simple car accident investigation turns into a haunting mystery as further investigations show many anomalies were stringed to the death of the victim.
TALAASH is dramatic and absorbing, both. Director Reema Kagti takes up an attention-grabbing premise and along with co-writer Zoya Akhtar spins a tale that makes the viewer a participant of sorts. While the cop tries hard to solve the jigsaw puzzle, the spectator, with his mind wide alert by now, gets intrigued by what he observes and perceives and is keen to get to the bottom of the mystery himself/herself. That, in my opinion, is why this suspense drama works. Frankly, it's the sort of film that's extremely tough to pull off, but Reema has a strong control of the material and together with her efficient team pulls off the trick with aplomb and composure.
In addition, Reema creates the right ambiance essential for a suspense drama. The tale is stylishly told and the authentic mood keeps you on the edge of the seat for most part of those two hours. TALAASH is not one of those movies that relies on the been-there-seen-that kind of situations. I'd like to add that though there's a remote possibility that you may solve the mystery before the protagonist gets to it in the finale, you can't help but stay hooked and wrapped to the twisted characters and disturbing situations that TALAASH offers.
The finale, sure enough, is all important in a film of this genre. In this case, it's astonishing, powerful and also heartrending. It ends up as an emotional film that tugs at your heartstrings. The film delves into deep, dark secrets and that makes the conclusion one of the most satisfying wrap ups one has witnessed in a movie of this variety. I could just go on and on about the merits of the film, but I shall not reveal any further and spoil the fun for you. I suggest, experience it yourself!
The production design and the detailing attached to the movie couldn't be more authentic and adds incredible value to the project. Visually too, the frames capture the nervousness and uneasiness of the characters and also the setting with aplomb [DoP: Mohanan]. The music [Ram Sampath] is situational. The songs may not feature on your fav list, but a couple of numbers are fascinating nonetheless. In fact, the songs are well integrated in the narrative, driving the story forward every time they appear. The dialogue [Fahan Akhtar; additional dialogue: Anurag Kashyap] are taut and transfixing.
Though Aamir has portrayed the role of a cop earlier, he brings something new to the table with his spellbinding performance in TALAASH. The earnestness and authenticity with which he enacts his character cannot be expressed in a few sentences. That would be doing gross injustice to the actor's abilities, frankly. He holds the camera in every frame and charges assertively through the film, making you believe in Inspector Shekhawat's journey in entirety. It's a standout piece of acting, unquestionably. That Aamir is the best actor of his generation comes to the fore yet again!
Both Rani and Kareena are given a moment in the sun, despite Aamir dominating the film with a power-packed performance. Rani is superb as the troubled wife, while Kareena is terrific as the hooker. Together the two actresses deliver admirable performances that would definitely merit a mention in award ceremonies next year. The sequences between Aamir and Kareena in particular are simply fantastic!
Nawazuddin Siddiqui sparkles in a significant role, enacting his part with remarkable ease. Raj Kumar Yadav is efficient enough. Shernaz Patel leaves a stunning impact. Every actor in the film -- in a brief role or otherwise -- stays fresh in your memory after the screening has concluded.
On the whole, TALAASH is an outstanding film. A taut psychological thriller that keeps you guessing till the end, it leaves you spellbound, leaves you mesmerized, leaves you with an exclamation, 'Wow!'. An absolute must watch for all movie buffs. You just can't afford to miss this one!
Ratings - * * * * 1/2
Source - www.bollywoodhungama.com
But first things first! The query that continues to consume cineastes ever since Madhur announced the film is, whether or not HEROINE is an extension of FASHION? FASHION itself was alleged to be an extension of PAGE 3, which was based on the lives of socialites, actors, models and members of the media. Sure, HEROINE, like FASHION, envisages the voyage of a woman [an actress here] and the different phases of glory and stardom. Also, like FASHION, there's a gloomy side too thanks to the desperate battle to stay put at the zenith.
Madhur's detractors may accuse him of over-sensationalizing or hyping up episodes to an implausible level, but that's just an individual's perspective. To me, Madhur's take on the Hindi film industry is bona fide and if you are an industry person you would agree that actors, generally, become prisoners of fame and get scared of losing it all one day. I'd go to the extent of stating that HEROINE would act as a revelation to a large number of aspirants who swarm the mega city, hoping to make it big in the world of glitz, without an inkling of the harsh realities that lie ahead.
Mahi [Kareena Kapoor] was a Superstar in every sense of the word. She was beautiful, famous, successful and affluent. Unfortunately, Mahi's inner world was in direct contrast to her outer life. She was prone to intense mood swings, was insecure, unsure and lonely. Mahi's only source of happiness was the all-consuming love for the reigning superstar [Arjun Rampal]. Mahi, unmindful of her career, was only focused on somehow getting her love requited and in her attempt to do that begins a journey spiraling downwards. Her career, her sanity and her life all at once go through a spinning twist.
Madhur treats the theme of HEROINE with extreme simplicity and unfussiness for the avid moviegoer to decipher. I am sure, the viewer would experience explicit contentment to witness the truth behind the made-up faces of the film world, the shadowy secrets that lie behind the enchanting veneer. The lifestyle, the betrayal, the promiscuousness, the inane tittle-tattle… all this and more is what is expected from a plot that covers the movie industry and it's all there in profusion in HEROINE.
Whether it's a sexual or emotional subject matter, Madhur has never cringed from telling the truth the way it is. Like his previous attempts, HEROINE astounds you with its brutal bluntness. Also, the director illustrates the heartrending and lamentable realities of the movie world brilliantly. The party sequence, in the first hour, is simply outstanding. Also, the politics behind casting in films is well illustrated here. The assorted relationships -- between Kareena and the two men in her life, between Kareena and her co-star Shahana Goswami and also between Kareena and her PR manager Divya Dutta -- are attention grabbing. The screenplay [Madhur, Anuradha Tiwari and Manoj Tyagi; additional screenplay: Niranjan Iyengar] is compelling largely.
On the flip side, although the writing borrows from reality and has ample shock value, the writers could've avoided a few episodes in Mahi's story, which seem unimportant. Besides, the track involving Ranvir Shorey and his film is stretched. Also, the writers have tried to cram too many instances/episodes in the screenplay, which only elongates the run time of the film. Moreover, the film focuses more on the lows than the highs. Had the writing depicted her stardom with the same zeal as the downfall, the impact of Mahi's fall from grace would've appeared more persuasive. One more thing: FASHION depicted glamour in abundance and one would expect an encore in HEROINE, since it talks of the movie industry. The emphasis is more on drama here. Yet, despite the hiccups, the writers ensure that the screenplay never loses grip, never loses focus from the core issue. Furthermore, the film gathers steam yet again during the closing stages, with Madhur handling the culmination with adroitness.
The soundtrack of HEROINE compliments the film wonderfully. 'Halkat Jawaani' is hugely popular, but for those who relish soft and soothing tunes, there're a couple of tracks that are well integrated in the narrative. The background score, also by this talented duo, is most effective. The DoP [Mahesh Limaye] captures the varied emotions on Kareena's face and also the glam quotient with dexterity. The dialogue [Niranjan Iyengar] are shocking and forceful, as per the demand of the sequence. The styling, especially Kareena [Manish Malhotra], is striking.
HEROINE is Kareena's film all the way and she delivers an award-worthy performance. It can be said without a shred of doubt, HEROINE is her most valiant effort so far. Apparently motivated by real-life episodes, this is a role not many actresses would have taken the peril of implementing. Kareena arrests the viewer's attention from Scene A to Z. The triumph and disappointment, the innocence and conceit…, every emotion, every sentiment is projected with sheer brilliancy.
The other characters in the movie get less screen space, but they are clearly etched nonetheless. Arjun Rampal is proficient and leaves an impression. Randeep Hooda is incredible in a brief, but significant role. The supporting cast is praiseworthy, but I'd like to make a special mention of Divya Dutta [in terrific form] and Shahana Goswami [very good]. Sanjay Suri is first-rate. Mugdha Godse is decent. Govind Namdev does well. Delnaaz Irani, as the journo, is effectual. Veteran Helen lends grace to the cameo.
On the whole, HEROINE is yet another hard-hitting motion picture from Madhur Bhandarkar. For persistently choosing women-centric themes, for consistently winning national acclaim and most significantly, magnetizing moviegoers in large numbers to view his cinema, the efforts of the maverick film-maker deserve to be lauded. Watch HEROINE for Madhur's imposing direction, for Kareena's superlative performance, watch it also for its fearless, inspiring and enlightening storyline divulging the scandalous realities of the movie industry. Try not to miss it!
Ratings - * * * 1/2
Source - www.bollywoodhungama.com
A source told a leading daily, "Katrina is in her peak period with three big films in her kitty. She also has a major fan following among the youth of the country. Now she has 12 brand endorsements too. The same brand is also being endorsed by Shahrukh Khan. The deal has come through at the right time since her first big film of the year is releasing this Eid. Kat's film with Shahrukh will also release soon after."
Well, it seems that Katrina Kaif is all set to give other actresses sleepless night.
Source - http://entertainment.oneindia.in
We have already seen Heroine's trailer, that shows many intimate, love making scenes between Kareena and Arjun. Cherishing his love making scenes with Bebo, Arjun had recently said, "I can't get over the Kareena effect. I still cherish the love-making scenes. I fact, even today, when I close my eyes, I feel the moments when I'm in a mood."
On being further probed about Saif's comfort zone over such steamy scenes, Rampal told the daily, "Saif and I have mutual respect for each other. So no calls were made."
Now, we wonder if Saif was presumably insecure about his ladylove Bebo, doing hot scenes with her male co-star in Heroine. In fact, sometime back, in a chat show, Saif had clearly stated that he feels like killing anyone who holds his girlfriend, Kareena Kapoor. He further admitted that he gets very upset watching Kareena make love to her male co-stars. So, was Saifu angry over such intimate scenes?
Source - http://entertainment.oneindia.in
Recently, when a leading daily enquired Bebo about her future career, the actress was quick enough to compare herself with the legendary Zohra Sehgal. "I will be like Zohra Sehgal, acting well into my nineties," she said. "Anyway, my shoes are too big for anyone to fill in," Bebo added. Well guys, doesn't that sound like over-confidence?
When she was further enquired if her marriage would affect her career, Kareena said that neither her marriage nor her career would be affected. Also, she adds that the final call on their wedding date would be taken by beau Saif Ali Khan.
Well Bebo, we know that you are one of the top-notch actresses of the tinselville. But, there are many other actresses in the industry too, who are no less than you! So, our suggestion to you is think before you flaunt such high-dose words as your competitors are listening!
Source - http://entertainment.oneindia.in
After scratching our heads for almost an hour, we finally discovered that the Heroine poster is a copy of one of Mariah Carey's promotional photos for her The Emancipation of Mimi album. That's not the end of it. The poster also closely resembles to the cover page of the book The Lost Flamingoes Of Bombay, written by author Siddharth Dhanvant Sanghvi.
The poster shows the glamorous Kareena in a shimmery tank top, lying on a bed, surrounded by glossies and tipped over wine glass. Kareena will seen essaying the role of Mahie Khanna in the movie, one of the most powerful female characters (according to Madhur Bhandarkar) ever written in Bollywood. It is all set to release on September 21, 2012.
Source - http://entertainment.oneindia.in
