Ankahee

Article Updated 19 May, 2006 11:37:11 PM IST

Ankahee

'Ankahee' is Mahesh Bhatt's 'Arth' repackaged in a new bottle! But unfortunately, unlike its predecessor it lacks gripping power.

While 'Arth' moved one to tears, probably it was the power packed performances of brilliant actresses like Shabhana Azmi and Smita Patil, this one bores you.

Of course, it would be unfair to blame it on the actors in this film, for they have given off their best but somehow the fire is missing.

To begin with, there's no chemistry between Esha Deol and Aftaab Shivdasani. Although Amisha has given a controlled performance, one doesn't end up feeling sorry for her.

The story. Shekhar Saxena (Aftab Shivdasani) is a doctor and married to Nandita (Amisha Patel). They have a daughter, Sheena, whom they dote on.

Their world seems perfect until Miss World and Bollywood star, Kavya Krishna (Esha Deol), is brought to the hospital with a slit wrist. Shekhar is treating her. Kavya is mentally unstable and Shekhar becomes the anchor of her life. He's the only person in the world who can make her happy.

Kavya is beautiful and Shekhar falls in love with her. He leaves his wife and kid and moves in with her.

One day, she forces Shekhar to make a choice between his wife and her. He chooses her. But it's not as easy as is sounds for Kavya.

There's an emotional outburst from Shekhar which makes her shoot herself. It's even worse when a calm and composed Nandita slams the door on Shekhar's face when he comes home.

The end is a little clichéd. But there are some brilliant scenes; Nandita confronting Shekhar after the affair is out in the open, Sheena asking Shekhar if he's really having an affair with Kavya, and Nandita going to Kavya's house and pleading her case, are all handled in a very sensitive manner. But what really goes against the film is its slow pace. Some of the dialogues seem too filmy.

The performances. Esha proves yet again that she's an actor with depth and not just a glam doll. Aftab is convincing. Amisha is controlled. But don't expect the film to be a box office success. It has limited audience and might just about do average business.

** (Two stars)

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

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