Blackmail

Article Updated 29 January, 2005 01:40:36 PM IST

Blackmail

Surprisingly this film is better than what one expected of it. There are various reasons for that. First of all, it has very much in form actors, Ajay Devgan and Suniel Shetty. It also has the action heroes being paired together after almost a decade. The last time one saw them together was in ‘Diljale’ when both were raw and new. They definitely share a chemistry that makes for interesting viewing. Devgan’s wry sense of humour also brings forth a few genuine laughs. The film also has Priyanka Chopra and Dia Mirza who are their love interests.

Now for the film. It has nothing new to offer. Cliched as it sounds, it is old wine in a new bottle! It is predictable but one sort of wants to watch it for the sheer pleasure of watching a typical Bollywood film that is non-pretentious. There are some brilliantly executed action scenes too that could also make the price of your ticket worth.

Shekhar (Ajay Devgan) is rally driver who uses his skills to help prisoners flee from jails. His love interest, Dia Mirza, hopes that her love will reform him some day and he would live an honest life after their marriage. Sadly it doesn’t work that way. ACP Abhay Rathod (Suneil Shetty) is leading a happy man. He has a loving wife (Priyanka Chopra) and son Chirag (Parth Dave).

Their dream world is shattered when Chhota (Mukesh Rishi) hires Shekhar to settle scores with Abhay. He wants revenge for his brother’s death who was gunned down by Abhay. Shekhar is only too happy to oblige Chhota as he too has a personal score to settle with Abhay. Abhay, in an attempt to nab Shekhar, was indirectly responsible for the death of Shekhar's wife in a car accident about nine years ago. There is a twist to the story here that is revealed just before the interval.

The first half of the film is grim with just a couple of songs for relief. But this is the interesting half. Priyanka’s hot number to seduce hubby could have been done away with in this part though. Ditto for the item song in the second bit. The second half of the film is lighter and very predictable. The predictability factor is its downfall. It also drags and is jarring at times. Had this bit been crisp, the chances of the film would have improved considerably.

The second half revolves around the kid, Chirag. It would have helped if he were a cuter and slightly younger kid. The girls are mere show pieces and have nothing much to do or offer. But on second thoughts we have to add that Dia Mirza does stand out in her brief role. The chemistry between Ajay and the kid is very cute. Ajay sure knows how to handle his scenes with ease. Suniel Shetty seems to be at ease as a cop. The film could appeal to the B and C centers.

** (TWO STARS)

*poor; **average; ***good; ****very good; *****excellent

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