Ajay Devgan Aisa Hi Hai

Article Updated 22 March, 2005 02:52:19 PM IST

Ajay Devgan Aisa Hi Hai

How does one describe an actor who has worked with some of the best directors in the industry in a career spanning 13 years and still continues to surprise audiences with his versatility? He's someone who continues to get the meatiest of roles when one requires an actor of substance. We are talking about Ajay Devgan, who in spite of a few random hiccups over the last few months still commands a standing in the industry with a space of his own. Yes, agreed that 'Parwana', 'Insaan', 'Blackmail' and 'Zameer' are hardly any movies that would make the talented actor grin with pride but then every actor goes through a patch when a string of flicks fail to deliver. Even so when majority of these movies have been in the making for ages. Both 'Parwana' and 'Zameer' with Amisha Patel were stuck in the cans for years and when released obviously had a stale look. Also, not to deny the fact that any of the movies had a single factor in their favor to excite audiences to the box office. But then it cannot be forgotten that these movies were signed at the time when 'masala' movies were the norm and there was not much done 'differently' or 'exceptionally'.

'Blackmail' was a home production that primarily didn't work because the making stretched for a long time. Otherwise it was at least an average entertainer, if not a potential blockbuster. 'Raincoat' was an art house cinema and at the inception stage did sound an exciting preposition with Ash as a co-star and Rituparno Ghosh wearing the director's hat. And what to say about 'Insaan'? Anyone in Devgan's place would have signed a Keshu movie with Akshay Kumar as a co-star and a debutant director recommended by none other than Raj Kumar Santoshi (who happens to be one of Devgan favorites)

Call it sheer misfortune of some bad choices but its nothing more than that. No one can deny the fact that Ajay Devgan is the same actor who could do nothing wrong in 2003 with 'Qayamat' and 'Gangaajal' getting him both commercial and critical success at the box office. Even in 'LOC', that didn't fail as miserably as it has been made out to be, he was one of the three actors (with Chota B and Saif Ali Khan the other two) who stood out amongst the crowd of 30 odd "stars"!

2004 began wonderfully for Ajay as well with big budget 'Khakee' turning out to be an above average success. Yes - Big B, Akshay Kumar and even Tushar Kapoor garnered tremendous appreciation for their intensity, comedy and sincerity respectively, but if everything else in the frame ever came to an absolute halt, it was in Ajay's presence. For all the good in the movie, it was Ajay's evil that complimented it at every step. In fact even in the movie's promos, it were Ajay's shots that provided the twist in the tale. This is why it surprises when even today, at some instances; he is not credited for the movie's success.

If there was one movie where he was completely wasted, it has to be 'Masti' that released a few weeks later (that also turned out to be a fine hit). In a special appearance role, his was the weakest characterization when compared to Vivek Oberoi, Aftab Shivdasani and Ritesh Deshmukh. Then came Mani Ratnam's 'Yuva' where everyone (except for Abhishek Bachchan) suffered due to the unfavorable media the movie got on the first day of release. There was not a wrong foot that either Ajay or any of the other actors had put forth but the damage was already done from which no one could recover. It was one of his better performances, which sadly went unnoticed. Then came a flurry of flicks like 'Raincoat', 'Insaan', 'Blackmail' and 'Zameer' that resulted in obituaries being written.

Why does one forget that none of the above mentioned movies were not trump cards that Ajay Devgan held? The real ones are here to follow in the shape of 'Main Aisa Hi Hoon', 'Kaal' and 'Tango Charlie'. At least 'Main Aisa Hi Hoon' and 'Kaal' sound extremely promising. 'Tango Charlie' being successful at the box office may be a challenge because of three reasons - 1) People still presume that it is an Indo-Pak war movie, which is in fact not the case. The movie is more about battles fought within the country rather than across borders. 2) Mani Shankar's last directorial venture 'Rudraksh' was met with a poor response due to a complex execution. 3) The lead star cast of Bobby Deol, Sunil Shetty and Ajay haven't had box office success for some time now. There are positives like the big banner, a 'different' point of view about wars, Mani Shankar's technical prowess, which if used in right context can do wonders (remember '16 December') and sincere performances (that's a foregone conclusion with the star cast in hand).

'Main Aisa Hi Hoon' appears to be a definite winner with the movie's fresh line of promos suddenly getting exciting with each passing day. Theatre promos have already received a wide appreciation and applause while Devgan's characterization of "A normal man in an abnormal world" touches upon the emotion quotient right from the start. If the movie turns out to be as good as the promos have given a impression, MAHH could be a landmark film in Ajay's career.

This may not be surprising taking into consideration the track record of the films Devgan and director Harry Baweja have done together - 'Dilwale', 'Diljale' and 'Qayamat'. Each of the three movies has had the roles tailor-made for him. Mark my words; the ladies will patronize MAHH in a big way!

Do we really need to say much about 'Kaal'? It doesn't require an Einstein to predict the kind of response the movie is slated to garner when it releases. The combination of Ajay-John-Vivek and a guest appearance by Shahrukh Khan is hardly the stuff a Bollywood moviegoer would want to miss. With promos already projecting Devgan as a central character (apart from the Tiger!) and the song 'Tauba Tauba' vying for a top slot within 4 days of the album release, 'Kaal' is destined to be a sure shot winner.

Is there still some prediction required on Ajay's pull at the box office? Thankfully there has been no question on his talent; otherwise it would have been an altogether different argument. But when it comes to what is in store for Devgan fans, then good news is not far away. He loves to throw surprises at regular intervals. Kya Karein - Ajay Devgan Aisa Hi Hai!!

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