I was tempted by the claims that this is a movie with a difference. When I picked up the movie, I was totally bowled over by the fact that this is a product from the Yash Rajs. Have they repented their sins atlast? After going through the movie I can safely say, although not a perfect product ‘New York’ is a good one.
The good things come first. The movie has a very relevant and original theme. The credit goes to Aditya Chopra. Remember this comes at a time when the film makers are too eager to sensationalize the terrorism, Islamophobia, world policing. Aditya Chopra has taken a very sensible stand which could have been very tricky too. But again I would say the kind of dimensions he gave to the American viewpoint has been over sanitized and towards the end you get a feeling of pro- Americanism. Overall Chopra has avoided the cliché pitfalls and opted for the broad minded path when others opt for the narrow ones.
Unlike the trademark ‘Yash’ products there are only four characters throughout. There are no relatives, buddies or any other forgettable sidekicks. Hence there is no opportunity for tear-jerkers, family saga, bawdy jokes, love triangles. There is no interference with the flow of the story. But again lack of a sub-plot can bore you!
The director is relatively new comer and amateurism shows through at times. But there are brilliant moments as well. The opening is very good. We are pulled to the edge of seat for the first few minutes. Then there is a sudden wilting away of flow which can disappoint you. Again the pace picks itself up. The opening narration gives a ‘forced’ feeling. The police officer asks Neil to narrate his story. To be frank when Neil starts narrating the story it resembles diarrhea. Then again the speed of narration is too fast and depth so narrow that you are left clueless on the inter relationship of the protagonists.
The second part goes on very well until you are left open mouthed at the gaping holes in the script. The speech and stance of Irfan Khan is good to hear, but too unreal and irritant.
Now coming to the acting department- imagine the situation where three out of four actors does the most disappointing piece. No chocolates for guessing, Irfan is the only saving grace. John Abraham, even after being tortured in Guantanamo for months, being fed only in a soaky white semen-like-thing maintains his well-toned body. I have seen three films of Neil and he does the same act with his face throughout in every scene. The guy specializes in sudden shivering /shaking of his head and open mouthed gape. I have no clue what Katrina Kaif was doing in a movie where she really had to do some acting. Sadly there was no opportunity for her specialization-short skirted hip shake.
Now the common problem in all our NRI movies- I have no clue why the firangis don the role of hookers, drunks and biknis clad beach dancers. Don’t they have any prominent role in the life of our NRIs? Or aren’t they good enough as us in acting?
The good things come first. The movie has a very relevant and original theme. The credit goes to Aditya Chopra. Remember this comes at a time when the film makers are too eager to sensationalize the terrorism, Islamophobia, world policing. Aditya Chopra has taken a very sensible stand which could have been very tricky too. But again I would say the kind of dimensions he gave to the American viewpoint has been over sanitized and towards the end you get a feeling of pro- Americanism. Overall Chopra has avoided the cliché pitfalls and opted for the broad minded path when others opt for the narrow ones.
Unlike the trademark ‘Yash’ products there are only four characters throughout. There are no relatives, buddies or any other forgettable sidekicks. Hence there is no opportunity for tear-jerkers, family saga, bawdy jokes, love triangles. There is no interference with the flow of the story. But again lack of a sub-plot can bore you!
The director is relatively new comer and amateurism shows through at times. But there are brilliant moments as well. The opening is very good. We are pulled to the edge of seat for the first few minutes. Then there is a sudden wilting away of flow which can disappoint you. Again the pace picks itself up. The opening narration gives a ‘forced’ feeling. The police officer asks Neil to narrate his story. To be frank when Neil starts narrating the story it resembles diarrhea. Then again the speed of narration is too fast and depth so narrow that you are left clueless on the inter relationship of the protagonists.
The second part goes on very well until you are left open mouthed at the gaping holes in the script. The speech and stance of Irfan Khan is good to hear, but too unreal and irritant.
Now coming to the acting department- imagine the situation where three out of four actors does the most disappointing piece. No chocolates for guessing, Irfan is the only saving grace. John Abraham, even after being tortured in Guantanamo for months, being fed only in a soaky white semen-like-thing maintains his well-toned body. I have seen three films of Neil and he does the same act with his face throughout in every scene. The guy specializes in sudden shivering /shaking of his head and open mouthed gape. I have no clue what Katrina Kaif was doing in a movie where she really had to do some acting. Sadly there was no opportunity for her specialization-short skirted hip shake.
Now the common problem in all our NRI movies- I have no clue why the firangis don the role of hookers, drunks and biknis clad beach dancers. Don’t they have any prominent role in the life of our NRIs? Or aren’t they good enough as us in acting?
1 comment:
Man from a genius of a movie like shirin you are reviewing New York...you have really widened your horizon if you know what I mean
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