All Movie Reviews of Naqaab Here! - Page 2

Thrills in bits only

Rating (2.5/5)
By MovieTalkies.com, 13 July 2007.
Release Date : 13 July 2007

The house of Abbas-Mustan has been known for its expertise with the thriller. With Naqaab as well, they stay true to tradition. The film has its fair share of twists and turns, which again, is very Abbas-Mustan-esque. But somehow, this time, the end lacks the punch of say, an Ajnabee, Aitraaz or a Humraaz for the matter.

Naqaab is a love triangle, but with a twist. The film revolves around the character of Sophia (newcomer Urvashi Sharma), who has a strange arrangement with millionaire Karan (Bobby Deol). She is a paying guest in his mansion, and by day, she works at the local Burger King joint. He is supposedly her friend, and when he suggests marriage, she jumps to say yes. They get engaged. Soon after, Sophia meets Vicky Malhotra, an out-of-work actor, and promptly falls in love with him. She ditches the millionaire at the altar and runs into Vicky's arms. While all this action is taking place, the duo is always under scrutiny. There is a secret camera which is constantly following them around. The raaz behind this is part of the twist that takes place.

Nobody really is who they profess to be, in the best tradition of the thriller. Karan, the millionaire is Rohit Shroff, a film director. Vicky is an out-of-work actor, paid to play out the role of Sophia's lover. This is a reality film being shot and an unsuspecting Sophia is the heroine of the film. Every move of hers has been filmed. The Naqaab is ripped off Karan's face. During the course of events, Vicky actually falls in love with Sophia. The lovers agree to go along with Rohit's plan regarding the film as he promises to put the videotape which captures the two making out, on the internet. The film gets released and wins laurels at Cannes and various other film festivals abroad. At its Indian screening at a festival in Goa, the lovers get their chance to get even. Thereby lies the twist in the tale.

The concept of a reality movie is very interesting. But the director duo is unable to exercise control over their script and screenplay. The first half goes on and on detailing the nuances of the relationship between Karan and Sophia and then Sophia and Vicky. The pace is quite lethargic. Plus the directors pick up on certain motifs, which really have no bearing to the plot. There is a false sense of mystery created over Sophia's past, plausibly to lead the audience into a blind alley. She was attacked by a stalker some years ago and still carries a scar on her arm. There are times during the course of the film, when she feels that she is being followed. Somehow, the directors are not able to build up a palpable sense of fear. And Sophia's fear that it might be her stalker again is a little farfetched, even as a red herring. The bit about the scar too is quite misleading. Another red herring, of course.

The problem with the second half is the first half. The exposition bit takes so long that it leaves the directors with little option but to rush through the second half. Enough ground is not created for the events that follow. In the second half of the film, it becomes quite obvious once Karan's true identity is revealed, who the next victim will be. The 'how' of it is the only thing left to see. To be fair, Abbas-Mustan's Naqaab does provide a twist in the end as well, leaving you with the unexpected. But the twist again veers on the 'how,' and not so much on the 'who'. But it does manage to generate some interest.

Newcomer Urvashi Sharma is truly one of the best things about the movie. She has the looks as well as the ability to act. Her confidence and her uninhibited performance are quite praiseworthy. The two heroes, Bobby and Akshaye, fit their roles to a T. Bobby plays the easygoing, mild Karan as well as the manipulative Rohit Shroff, with ease. Akshaye Khanna is a consummate actor and delivers a decent performance again. Raj Zutshi makes a small appearance as the mysterious photographer, who is following Sophia, but unfortunately has really nothing much to do. The two actors, who form the sidekicks to Rohit, are actually quite irritating.

Even though Pritam's music is quite catchy, it's not quite in the class of previous Abbas-Mustan films. Naqaab has the makings of a classier thriller. It just fails to take off from its premise of a reality film, which is quite interesting. In the final analysis, the film lacks the all-important punch.

RADIOSARGAM REVIEW -

EXCLUSIVE review BY HANUMANT BHANSALI

Naqaab, as a thriller gives quite a handful of shocks to its viewers towards the climax. The suspense unfolds at a rapid pace and is quite surprising. The screenplay did not work for me in the second half and the film looses it points over there. Though, the climax is quite compelling and jerky.

Naqaab is not the run of the mill stock and it is a story to watch out for. The thrilling moments are certainly the reason to call it different. The storyline is unpredictable till the very end and chooses a narrow lane to unveil the secrets. At times though, the objective of one of the central characters is not believable.

The screenplay is let loose in the second half until the climax tightens it back again. Abbas Mustan are known for their different storylines and this time too they manage to pull off a well made Naqaab. The script is not the best one you will witness, but the polished blend of narration, screenplay and script works well.

Editor Hussain Burmawala has done a good job in putting together the best portions of the film. Pritam's music helps in the narration of the plot. Salim Sulaiman's background score is haunting. Choreography of 'Ek Din Teri Raahon Mein' is elegant.

Like in Humraaz, this time too Akshaye Khanna delivers a show stealing performance. Bobby Deol leaves his stylish mark in the second half. Urvashi's character is well crafted and the fresh look on her face is quite appealing and dangerously seductive.
Vikas Kalantri gives a satisfactory performance. And, so does Vishal Malhotra.

On the whole, get some time out of your busy schedule to catch up with a 'surpriseful' Naqaab. The opening is not up to the mark but should improve over the weekend.

Radiosargam Movie Rating: 6.5/10

The reviews are definately mixed for this film, but I still want to watch it

I watched it, and I liked it! It was a good movie! Urvashi made a confident debut, while Akshaye and Bobby were good too. I loved the songs! It is a good time pass film

These journalists who have given it 0 and 2 rating have obvioulsy not been fed by the producer and director, hence they are growling nonsense with empty stomachs.

The movie is perefctly good. A short in length but very captivating and keeps you on the edge. I am personally a big fan of Abbas Mastan and wouldn't like to compare Naqab with his earlier movies. But those who love suspense, will love this movie too. It is definitely not for an audience who likes slap stick toilet comedy but for an audeince which loves mystery movies and serials like Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes, CID etc.

Bobby was too good and so was Urvashi Sharma. Akshaye could do with a revamp of his looks and body shape and tone down on his shriekign decible. In addition I feel that perhaps the love story of Urvashi and Akahsye has actually worked against the script. In reality Akshaye and Urvashi started dating one another during the movies itself and that was damaging for the script which could have been tampered with a little to suit their personal love story.

The ending is pretyy suspenseful and could leave room for a sequel if this movie is not an utter disasater.

Originally posted by: goldenword

These journalists who have given it 0 and 2 rating have obvioulsy not been fed by the producer and director, hence they are growling nonsense with empty stomachs.

😆😆 I loved that comment...

Naqaab is a good movie, Period.

Among the plethora of thrillers the audience is being subjected to now a days, coming up with a refreshing plot in itself gives the film it's first brownie point.

The second is the continuous twists and the surprise turns. Leaving little space for goof - ups...oh there are if you really look close enough - the film manages to keep a tight leash on the audience from start to finish. Like in any good thriller, the audience is kept guessing almost right till the end as to where to expect the surprise from. What really works for the film is that the suspense is held right till the end.

The new comer Urvashi is good, though nothing extraordinary. Akshay Khanna manages to hold his own. Bobby Deol excels. Some of the scenes are extremely well done, and the climax is convincing, though the direction could have been a bit more systematic. Left a lot of loop holes and chances in the plan - what ifs were too many to make the plan (s) sond too convincing. But then, in real life too, many plans are made depending a lot on the variable factors, so that can be over looked. Other than that, the movie is a must watch just for the novelty of the story.

Originally posted by: Minnie

😆😆 I loved that comment...

Naqaab is a good movie, Period.

Among the plethora of thrillers the audience is being subjected to now a days, coming up with a refreshing plot in itself gives the film it's first brownie point.

The second is the continuous twists and the surprise turns. Leaving little space for goof - ups...oh there are if you really look close enough - the film manages to keep a tight leash on the audience from start to finish. Like in any good thriller, the audience is kept guessing almost right till the end as to where to expect the surprise from. What really works for the film is that the suspense is held right till the end.

The new comer Urvashi is good, though nothing extraordinary. Akshay Khanna manages to hold his own. Bobby Deol excels. Some of the scenes are extremely well done, and the climax is convincing, though the direction could have been a bit more systematic. Left a lot of loop holes and chances in the plan - what ifs were too many to make the plan (s) sond too convincing. But then, in real life too, many plans are made depending a lot on the variable factors, so that can be over looked. Other than that, the movie is a must watch just for the novelty of the story.

I agree

Naqaab was good, Bobby and Akshay did well, Bobby is getting better with every movie! In general, the movie was alright, Urvashi's acting is ok and the film's suspense was well done.