Article Updated 12 December, 2005 09:11:07 AM IST   Ek Ajnabee By Prema K. ©2005 Bollyvista.com   The role of a bodyguard ever ready to shoot at the slightest hint of danger fits Mr. Bachchan like a glove. This could easily be one of his best roles and performance in recent times. He is the mainstay of the film. Otherwise the film falls in the post-interval after an interesting and promising start. The second half seems very clichéd until there's a twist in the tale. Although inspired by the Hollywood 'Man On Fire', it is well adapted to suit Indian standards. But the film is not without its flaws. For instance why doesn't the kid run back to her piano teacher's house when she knows that the kidnappers are around. There are many clichéd situations and some surprises too that make the film interesting and gripping. The story. Suryaveer Singh (Amitabh Bachchan) was a Colonel in the army but today he drinks to rid himself of ghosts in his past. Shekhar (Arjun Rampal) worked with him in the army and invites Suryaveer to Bangkok where he owns a security firm. He gives Suryaveer a job as a bodyguard. The Job: Suryaveer has to protect an 8-year-old girl, Anamika (Rucha Vaidya), the only daughter of an ultra rich couple (Vikram Chatwal and Perizaad Zorabian). Suryaveer slowly bonds with Anamika and she gives his life a new meaning. But life deals him a nasty blow when Anamika is kidnapped and subsequently shot dead. A heartbroken Suryaveer wants to avenge her death and tackles the kidnappers one by one. The way he does this is superb. There is a surprise towards the climax that perks up the film once more. This entire revenge drama would have fallen flat had it not been for Mr. B. He goes about the revenge drama in a cool, classy manner, never going over the top even once! Now for the performances. The other delight, after Bachchan, is Rucha. She matches up to him. She's really cute and a brilliant actress; someone to watch out for. Her scenes with Surya are the highs of the film especially when she extends her hand of friendship to him in the car and her withdrawal at his refusal is first rate. Arjun Rampal looks good and is at ease with his character. Perizaad Zorabian is a complete natural. Couldn't imagine anyone else playing the character of Anamika's mother although she does look slightly mature. Vikram Chatwal doesn't have much to do and is okay. Abhishek Bachchan and Lara Dutta appear in the last sequence to add star value to the film. The film has just two songs but 'Ek Ajnabee, Mama Told Me' rocks big time! Even Arjun rocks in it. The Sanjay Dutt track, placed at the end (as is so trendy now) wasn't really needed. Brilliant cinematography. Some of the dialogues are excellent. This would have been a kickass film hadn't it been for the second setting it back. But still it is watchable. Let's wait for the box office verdict. *** (Three stars) *poor; **average; ***good; ****very good; *****excellent   close   Print this Article http://www.bollyvista.com   http://www.bollyvista.com/article/a/29/5950