Waqt

Article Updated 23 April, 2005 11:57:25 AM IST

Waqt

The film is the story of a man, Ishwar Chandra (Amitabh Bachchan), owner of Archies, a toy manufacturing company. He is also extremely generous and lives with his wife Sumi (Shefali Shah) and son, Aditya (Akshay Kumar). Ishwar's life seems picture perfect. Ishwar Chandra has little time on hand owing to a terminal illness. His pampered son refuses to shoulder responsibilities and dreams of becoming a huge film star. Obviously his father provides for him.

Aditya is in love with Pooja (Priyanka Chopra), the daughter of Nattubhai (Boman Irani). The two get married without bothering to take consent or even inform their parents. Ishwar hopes that the marriage will make Aditya a more responsible man, but he is disappointed. His efforts to turn Aditya into a responsible individual fail.

One day suddenly Ishwar decides to throw Aditya out of the house. Pooja follows. Aditya is shocked to see his otherwise doting father behaving like a tyrant.

Gradually there is a turnaround and Aditya takes it upon himself to handle his responsibilities. He starts working as a stuntman and is also preparing for a star hunt contest. How filmi! The rift between the father and son widens. The climax reminds one of 'Jhankar Beats' where the pregnant wife delivers and the final round of the contest takes a backseat. There is a melodramatic father-son reunion and wifey is rushed to hospital. All's well that ends well.

Based on the Gujarati play, 'Aavjo Vhala Fari Malishu', 'Waqt' is a complete family entertainer. It is a welcome relief after the deluge of successive disasters that were churned out in the name of cinema. There is one scene where Aditya actually accuses his father of spoiling him and making him irresponsible. He even adds that had he been in his place, he would have given his son enough time to mend his ways and assume responsibility. This should be an eye-opener for doting parents.

But on the flip side, the film is painfully long. It could have done with at least 30 minutes of snipping including the Holi song. The latter has been undoubtedly added for that extra appeal in the interiors. The climax is too melodramatic and long. Also one is confused whether the focus of the film is the father's terminal illness or Aditya's ambition to become a film star. Wish the film had dealt with just the latter, it would have made for a better film. The former issue would have been too clichéd! The music is lively but at least two songs could be done away with. It has a typical Anu Mallik flavour. It's nice to see Anu doubling up as a DJ in one song. Great cinematography.

Now for the performances. Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar give brilliant performances. The latter is soon emerging as an actor of substance. Boman Irani and Rajpal Yadav are superb. Boman and Mr. Bachchan's lively banter in the first half is truly amusing. Bachchan and Akshay share a great father-son screen chemistry. Shefali Shah is effective. Priyanka Chopra doesn't have much scope in this male-dominated film. Nonetheless the film is enjoyable in the first half and drags a bit in the second half. But it looks like a sure success at the box office. It has all the right ingredients.

*** (THREE STARS)
*poor; **average; ***good; ****very good; *****excellent

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