'Aitraaz'

Article Updated 13 November, 2004 09:51:04 PM IST

'Aitraaz'

Before we get on with the review, a word of praise for the director duo, Abbas-Mustan, for getting bolder this time. There are a few bold scenes in the film but they go with the flow of the film. This is the first film where Akshay has gone daringly bold in the raunchy scenes with his costar, Priyanka Chopra. But unfortunately the makers chose to cash in on this angle in the promos as well as the hoardings. The result- an ultra cold response by the masses. After all, they’ve had an overdose of sex and passion on the big as well as the small screen. But it is sure to pick up by word of mouth.

Raj Malhotra (Akshay Kumar) is smitten by Pooja (Kareena Kapoor) the minute he sets his eyes on her. It’s love at first sight. We don’t blame him. Kareena does look very attractive. How they meet and how he confesses his love to her provide good laughs to the audience. It’s a case of mistaken identities. Pooja reciprocates his love and there is no further delay. They get married and soon she is even expecting their first kid. Raj has the world at his feet. A doting wife, a great job, and a decently luxurious lifestyle. Enter the other woman, Sonia (Priyanka Chopra), Raj’s new boss. Actually she is his boss’ (Amrish Puri) new wife, but could be easily mistaken to be his daughter or granddaughter. Sonia is, needless to say, a gold-digger. But we wonder why Raj is giving her interested looks discreetly when he seems so smitten by his wife.

There is a twist in the tale here, that we would rather not reveal. But the scheming Sonia traps Raj in a case of sexual harassment fully supported by her husband. The latter forces Raj to give in his resignation to avoid any sort of scandal. Now begins Raj’s struggle to prove himself non-guilty. Pooja supports him. The courtroom drama is very interesting, thanks to Paresh Rawal (in a guest appearance) and Annu Kapoor. The case takes a serious turn and reaches a stage when there is no hope at all for Raj. However, good prevails over bad and Raj finally gets his freedom.

For the performances. Full marks to Priyanka. She looks the devious woman to a T. Her clothes, her body language and expressions suit her character perfectly. She has lost oodles of weight and her toned body goes a long way in making her look the perfect seductress. Kareena is surprisingly different, not just in her dress sense but also in her mannerisms and body language. Gone is the ‘Pooh’ look and attitude. She displays a certain maturity and sincerity that adds conviction to her portrayal of a housewife. She has handled the courtroom scene very well and her caustic dialogues add the required punch to her performance. She seems to be excelling her sister both in the looks and histrionics department. Akshay is restrained and has put in a decent performance. He has finally got the knack of underplaying. Paresh Rawal is brilliant, as usual. He makes an impact even in such a brief role. Music by Himesh Reshamiya is great. Ditto for the choreography. The team has come up with something truly refreshing. This film definitely merits a watch for being a true entertainer. It doesn’t even pretend to be anything else.

Rating: ***

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