After 'Dus', Anubhav Sinha brings you a heist film, 'Cash'. While you watch the film, you will wish "Kaash, Cash mein thoda screenplay bhi hota!"

The film is about a master con artist, Karan (Ajay Devgan), who gets an assignment from Aditi (Dia Mirza) to steal some diamonds. Karan gets three people to help him execute the job, Lucky (Riteish Deshmukh), DJ (Zayed Khan) and Pooja (Esha Deol). Angad (Suniel Shetty) is a gangster, who is the man behind this entire plot. Incidentally, Shania (Shamita Shetty) is the Head of Security and also Karan's love interest! Obviously, she is oblivious to the fact that Karan is a criminal.

Omnipresent in the film are chases, double crossing and lots of cash! The plot is set in South Africa. The film has brilliant action sequences and engaging and funny moments as well. Yet, the screenplay lags once too often, and you start losing interest, but you latch on as soon as an action scene surfaces! There is plenty of animation in the film, which has been used very effectively throughout the story as well. As far as action and style goes, the film is a notch above 'Dhoom 2'. The only missing factors here are the suave Hrithik Roshan and Bipasha in a bikini!

Ajay Devgan seems to be sleepwalking through the film. Shamita Shetty gets the meatiest role of her entire career and does not disappoint. Zayed Khan gives a performance, which is on par with all his previous films – insipid! Sunil Shetty also gives Zayed company in that department! Esha Deol is good. The scene stealer is Ritesh Deshmukh, who performs very well and actually looks cool. Dia Mirza gets a good role, after a long time and she makes the most of it by acting well and also looking good. Ayesha Takia, in a short special appearance leaves her mark.

Ravi Walia's cinematography is good, the editor seems to have gone berserk with the digital platforms provided to him though. The music by Vishal Shekhar is excellent and so is the background score by Ranjit Barot. The screenplay by Yash-Vinay is a disappointment, but the dialogues are good. Action by Anthony Stone is excellent. The mix of 2D & 3D animation by Graphiti is impressive.

Directorially, 'Cash' is a fair attempt by Anubhav Sinha, but all are let down by a faltering screenplay. Nonetheless, 'Cash' is definitely worth your cash and deserves a watch, that is, if you can are not too finicky about looking for a storyline!

(** 1/2) Two and half stars