Can Abhishek Bachchan steal Shah Rukh's thunder?
09th Aug 2006 22.00 IST
Although Shah Rukh Khan is being hailed as the USP of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna , Abhishek Bachchan's performance in the film can make the superstar look a bit pale.
It is a forgone conclusion that Shah Rukh will hog the footage in any Karan Johar film, and KANK is not an exception. But the melodramatic character that SRK plays in the film may get overshadowed by the simmering intensity of Abhishek Bachan.
The promos of the movie show SRK longingly ruing the lack of love in his marriage with Preity Zinta . On the other hand, Abhishek is shown as a temperamental guy whose marriage with Rani Mukherjee is full of self-doubt and discontentment. Some scenes from the film show Abhishek as an angry man.
From what appears in the promos, SRK's dramatic performance – with trembling lips, lofty brow and tearful eyes – reminds of his previous portrayals of similar characters. This I say without any intention of detracting from the King Khan's reputation.
Those who have seen the film at the special screening held by Karan Johar, say that SRK and Rani are the chief players of the story. Abhishek and Preity, although not relegated to the sidelines, have comparatively lesser footage.
However, Abhishek has left his mark in some scenes in the film. The first half shows him as an easy-going, suave guy. In the second half, he transforms into a serious man who is disturbed by the fact that his wife is in love with another man.
In an interview earlier, Preity categorically stated that Abhishek's performance in the film is one of the best in his career so far.
Karan Johar, on the other hand, acknowledges Abhishek's performance, but believes it is SRK who will walk away with the accolades.
KANK releases this Friday.
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