BOLLYWOOD

Vidya Balan has drummed up a delectable performance in ISHQIYA. She's the widow whose life has suddenly exploded from its shell; a lover; a woman who misses those 'tender' moments and one who is out to exact revenge. A bundle of contradictions who has a deadly secret up her sleeve. You can't help but fall in love with her character, Krishna Verma, delivered with intense finesse. Arshad Warsi is back in the 'circuit' with his powerhouse performance as Babban. A goon, with lust in his eyes who realizes what it is to be in love when he meets Krishna. He also learns the meaning of betrayal when Krishna trains the gun on him. A performance delivered with the accuracy of a lunatic. Naseeruddin Shah as Khalujaan puts life in the character of a pure romantic caught in the cesspool of crime. His careful romancing of Krishna is a pure delight. He draws you to his plight with his reaction when he learns his nephew, Babban, has already scored with her.
So, who's the one Krishna truly loves. Or does she love at all? She's this mysterious woman around whom the movie is cleverly woven. The movie begins with a bang opening with tender moments between Krishna and her husband who is a terror in his village. Verma is an ace at kidnapping business tycoons in Gorakhpur and demanding ransom. She wants him to surrender. He loves his clan more than he loves his wife. There's a blast in their home and she is widowed. Or is she? Khalujaan and Babban are two thieves working for Mushtaq, a don with a soft heart but a tough exterior. At first instance, you fall in love with these two characters with their quirky traits. They loot their boss and are on the run. They land in Gorakhpur to seek shelter in the house of Verma, their old friend. Instead, they meet his wife Krishna. Here is where the cat and mouse game begins. Khalujaan is fond of Krishna and she even responds, but Babban, has other plans where Krishna is concerned.
So, who's the one Krishna truly loves. Or does she love at all? She's this mysterious woman around whom the movie is cleverly woven. The movie begins with a bang opening with tender moments between Krishna and her husband who is a terror in his village. Verma is an ace at kidnapping business tycoons in Gorakhpur and demanding ransom. She wants him to surrender. He loves his clan more than he loves his wife. There's a blast in their home and she is widowed. Or is she? Khalujaan and Babban are two thieves working for Mushtaq, a don with a soft heart but a tough exterior. At first instance, you fall in love with these two characters with their quirky traits. They loot their boss and are on the run. They land in Gorakhpur to seek shelter in the house of Verma, their old friend. Instead, they meet his wife Krishna. Here is where the cat and mouse game begins. Khalujaan is fond of Krishna and she even responds, but Babban, has other plans where Krishna is concerned.

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It takes a brave man to say he'll take the flak if a film fails, and in the same breath mention that it would be to everyone's credit if it succeeds. This is precisely what Salman Khan has gone on record to say about his recent release VEER, the story of which is credited to him as well. It also takes a brave man to dream of a magnum opus such as this. The period, the drama, the grandiose feel of it all and the amount of money pumped in, reportedly Rs 50 Cr.

Set in the 19th century, this period drama is no classic epic, but it has the trappings to keep you glued to your seat. Yes, there are loopholes in the screenplay and script and some silly moments as well, but once you see the brave attempt by the makers you cannot but laud it. Only thing, they could have been more careful about the costumes worn by the lead actors. Difficult yes, but if enough research was done and as much importance given to it as the fight sequences, it could well have been another GADAR. The story told is about Pindaris, a group of tribals, who were true to their word, and who preferred death to betrayal. It's their fight to unite India, to fight the British who ruled then. A very interesting plot thought of by Salman, who plays VEER. The film also has interesting twists even though 'Boy meets girl from enemy camp' remains the central theme. It moves away from the staid formula of parents opposing and lovers uniting against all odds.

Here, Veer wins the heart if his girl in enemy camp and also convinces his tribe to look beyond to the larger picture; that of uniting India in its fight for freedom rather than fighting against one Royal family to exact revenge. The plot has its heart in the right place. Salman Khan as Veer is dashing and dynamic. He takes off from where he left in WANTED and LONDON DREAMS. His raw star power is full on display. Mithun Chakraborty is as solid as ever. Ditto Jackie Shroff. Much has been made of Newcomer Zarine Khan's resemblance to Katrina Kaif. According to me, the girl is a spitting image (healthier version) of Jacqueline Fernandez, who recently debuted in ALADIN.

Someone has rightly said, ''Let the attempt be a failure, but let there be no failure to attempt.'' Like a true Veer, Salman has taken a gamble, it's now left to be seen how the audience reacts to this fight to get the British out of India. Somehow, I get this feeling that the dice is loaded in favour of Veer Salman!

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