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Aryan : Movie Review
15th Dec 2006 22.30 IST
By Neha Kewal

Sohail Khan-starrer Aryan is not just a movie about boxing. It also explores human emotions.

As its tagline states, 'Aryan' is about the UNBREAKABLE spirit of a man not willing to give up. It is the story of a boxer for whom winning is not everything, it is the only thing.

Parallel to boxing, the movie shows relationship between two lovers and the upheavals in their lives after their marriage.

Actor-turned-director Abhishek Kapoor has done a fine job in his directorial debut. Considering the fact that 'Aryan' is his first attempt in filmmaking, he has proved his abilities to establish himself as a director.

Sohail Khan plays Aryan, a boxing champ who is born to fight. Aryan is moulded from tough to tougher by his hard trainer Ranveer Singh (Puneet Issar), who inspires Aryan to win the national championship one day. Aryan's love Neha ( Sneha Ullal ) is his companion and his moral support.

Love takes precedence over boxing and Aryan chooses to settle down with Neha. He puts his dream of winning the nationals on the backburner, hangs up his gloves and decides to be a sports commentator instead.

But life doesn't turn out easy for him. He faces lots of lows in his personal and professional life. The girl who was his support system leaves him and Aryan is completely shattered.

Then, one day his coach encourages him to return to the boxing ring again and fulfill his dreams. But he is not the same Aryan without his love, Neha. As Aryan braces up for the toughest fight of his life, he is determined not to throw in the towel. The climax will give you the answer whether Aryan wins or loses and also whether Neha returns to him?

'Aryan' is a nice combination of sports and emotions. Music of the film is worth humming, especially the track 'Jaaneman' which will rule the hearts of people in love.

Sohail Khan gives a brilliant performance. He handles all the parts beautifully: the fighter, the husband and a frustrated man. Although Sneha Ullal seems to have matured since her acting debut, she still leaves a lot to be desired in her performance.

Puneet Issar has an imposing screen presence. Satish Shah plays his part well. Fardeen Khan is charming in a special appearance.

In a nutshell, 'Aryan' is a decent attempt by a debutant director. It has style, it has emotions, it has fights and a high decibel conclusion to the story. Although the movie is no great shakes, it still leaves a punch.

https://apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20061215-3.html

i like the music, hope the movie will be good 😊

Movie Review: Aryan

By Taran Adarsh, December 15, 2006 - 15:40 IST



More than a decade ago, Sohail Khan was planning to turn director with a script that would star Jeetendra's nephew Abhishek Kapoor in the lead. The project didn't materialize; Sohail made his directorial debut with AUZAAR [Salman Khan, Sanjay Kapoor], Abhishek too got launched as an actor by someone else. Now, Sohail and Abhishek team up in different roles: Sohail is the actor, Abhishek the director.

Let's face it! On face value, ARYAN doesn't generate curiosity, like one of those biggies around the corner. But the film, starring Sohail Khan in the lead and directed by actor turned director Abhishek Kapoor, takes you by complete surprise as the reels unfold.

If the promos of ARYAN give an impression that the film is all about boxing, you're partly right. Boxing is an integral part of the storyline, but the film has much more to offer. It's also about the relationship between a husband-wife and the ups and downs in their relationship.

In most cases, you do notice some raw edges when you watch a film directed by a first-timer. But Abhishek Kapoor seems to have done his homework pretty well and the deft handling of the subject matter deserves highest praise. In fact, his handling of the emotional, tense and thrilling moments in the film will leave you spellbound.

Without doubt, ARYAN is one of the most stylish films, with content to match!

Aryan [Sohail Khan] was born to fight. He is the college champ and under the tough training of Coach Ranveer Singh [Puneet Issar], he dreams of winning the nationals. His love, Neha [Sneha Ullal], is more than just his better half. She is his support system, his strength. He needs her to be around every time.



Life takes a turn and Aryan chooses to give up his dreams and marry his love instead. They have a kid and start living a common man's life. Life moves on and so does Aryan. He takes up a job as a sports commentator, but life is never the same for him. He hits a low professionally, as well in his married life.

One day, his ex-coach asks him to get back into the ring and gives him the courage to face the world head on. Aryan decides to follow his dreams again, but he isn't the man he used to be. His support system, his wife, has left him. Will Aryan be able to achieve his dreams?

The Sylvester Stallone starrer ROCKY has had its share of admirers in Bollywood. Years ago, Raj Sippy captured the sport on celluloid in BOXER and now, Abhishek Kapoor does so in ARYAN. While Sippy's version of BOXER was well shot too, the film lacked a strong emotional side that would balance the combat in the penultimate reels. That's where ARYAN really scores!

ARYAN starts off as a routine love story, of a rich girl and a poor guy, but the emotions come to the fore as the husband and wife go separate ways. And the rift in the relationship is very well depicted here.

Another highpoint of the film is its penultimate 30-minute climax fight, where the protagonist not only has to crush his opponent in the boxing ring, but by winning the match also earn respect in the eyes of his wife and son. The fight-to-finish boxing sequences are outstanding and a never-seen-before experience on the Hindi screen.



Anand Raaj Anand's music is soulful. 'Jaaneman' and 'Chhuna Hai Aasman Ko' are two tracks that stand out; the former for melody and the latter for the overpowering spirit. Ranjit Barot's background score is electrifying. Cinematography [Neelabh Kaul] is topnotch. In fact, the cinematographer along with action co-ordinators Chris Anderson and Mahendra Verma and editors Renjit B. Vattakattu and Shakti Hasija deserve distinction marks for the penultimate fight. Something like this has rarely been seen on Bollywood screen before!

ARYAN gives ample scope to Sohail Khan to portray the gamut of emotions and Salman's youngest brother proves that given an opportunity, he can rise to the occasion. He gets to portray three diverse shades in the film -- lover boy, husband and frustrated man -- and his performance stands out all through.

Sneha Ullal, who made her debut in LUCKY, shows improvement over her debut performance. However, she looks too young to carry off a mature role. Puneet Issar [excellent], Satish Shah [effective], Supriya Karnik [vicious to the core] and Inder Kumar [menacing to the hilt] compliment the lead characters. Farida Jalal is okay. Suved Lohia has the trappings of a natural actor. Fardeen Khan, in a special role, is first-rate.

On the whole, ARYAN is a well-made film that combines style and substance beautifully. Unfortunately, the box-office will sing a different tune altogether! Reasons: Not-too-attractive face-value, [ii] Delayed release and [iii] Oppositions in KABUL EXPRESS this week and BHAGAM BHAG next week. To sum up, despite strong merits, ARYAN will be knocked down in the box-office ring!

Rating- * 1/2

http://indiafm.com/movies/review/7200/index.html

Give Aryan a miss

Priyanka Jain | December 15, 2006 16:49 IST



Dear Sohail Khan, please don't make a mockery of the art of movie-making.

Seriously, what were you thinking while making Aryan? Do you think people really want to see you flex your muscles in boxer shorts?

Your portrayal of a college boxing champ under the training of Puneet Issar is flawed from the beginning. The fight scenes are unrealistic. Even when you are shown beating up your opponent, the intensity of the punch is missing. And the camera keeps moving so vigorously that I thought the screen was having a vertigo attack.

Also, while watching the film I was really wondering how anyone could tolerate those high decibels that where put in the name of special effects.

Sneha Ullal as your sweetheart fails to show any emotions -- even when she finds herself pregnant. And then you sacrifice your dreams of becoming a national boxing champ to marry your lover. Did you really count on the sympathy factor? Well, it did not work. Neither did your twist in the tale -- the unbreakable spirit theory -- towards the end.



I don't know where to start picking negatives in the movie. Whether it is Neelabh Kaul's cinematography, Renjit Vattakattu's editing or former actor Abhishek Kapoor's (lack of) directorial skills, everyone seems to have put in even less effort than a disinterested amateur. One did not go expecting great performances by you or Sneha, but you were below even those expectations.

The supporting cast of Farida Jalal and Puneet Issar did their jobs with style, but they can't carry the film on their shoulders, right? Or did you expect them to?

I heard a couple of models who were present at the screening discussing the same questions that were on my mind. Why would anyone make a film like this? Doesn't it take money to make a film? Why waste it on a venture like this? What would Salim Khan (Sohail's father) be thinking while watching this movie? (The family was in full attendance for the premiere).

Verdict: Seriously, I too don't understand why anyone would make a film like this. Do you? Please comment.

This film does not deserve stars.

http://ia.rediff.com/movies/2006/dec/15aryan.htm?q=tp&file=. htm

love all the songs frm aryan...hopfully the movie is gd as welll 😳 😳 😳

Film Review:Aryan

By: Sandipan Dalal
December 16, 2006

*YUCK **WHATEVER ***GOOD ****SUPER *****AWESOME



Aryan

Director: Abhishek Kapoor
Starring: Sohail Khan, Sneha Ullal
Rating: *1/2

Sandipan Dalal
sandipan.dalal@mid-day.com

What's it about?

You can't step into the ring with an unfocused boxer like Aryan (Sohail Khan) and expect him to dish a knockout punch. He waits for 'Go my tiger, get him!' signals from his sweetheart (Sneha Ullal) to pin his opponent down. A supposed college champ, he settles for an early wedding and gives up his aspirations to win the national boxing challenge. After hitting an all time low as a sports commentator, he takes to wife beating before opting for the ring again. Not quite a sports-based film, it only highlights emotions of a man caught in a limbo.

What's good?

Nevertheless, one can't undermine the genuine efforts of the cast: Sohail Khan has surely fed himself on a couple of boxing movies a la Rocky and Raging Bull; Sneha Ullal has pulled up her socks after her squeaky offering in Lucky. Debutant director Abhishek Kapoor plays around with the camera but unfortunately the script lacks grit.

What's bad?

The opening scene has a visor-sporting Khan walking down the college corridor with his anxious sidekick in tow. But the visor can't cover the prominent wrinkles on the ageing Khan's face. He looks far from an overgrown college student. The plot has loopholes galore; the conflict arises only when our hero runs into his arc nemesis Ranjit Singh (Inder Kumar). A predictable fare it is not a typical underdog story either.

What's that?

There's no dearth of over-the-top sequences here. Sneha Ullal leaping over cars like superwoman is unbelievable. Inder Kumar as the haughty boxing champ has nothing to offer except to fret and fume. A confused positioning is what plagues this film. Touted as the next big sports-based film it severely lacks ringside drama. And what's Fardeen Khan doing there? Is he making up for the lackluster star cast?

What to do?

If you've fed yourself on Million Dollar Baby or Cinderella Man, Aryan is not worth your time.

http://www.mid-day.com/hitlist/2006/december/148562.htm

Masand's Verdict: Aryan

Rajeev Masand
CNN-IBN

Posted Friday , December 15, 2006 at 22:49
Updated Saturday , December 16, 2006 at 11:45


DULL AND BORING: The film comes off looking like a home video because it's made so amateurishly.

Cast: Sohail Khan, Sneha Ullal

Direction: Abhishek Kapoor

Also at the cinemas this week is debutant director Abhishek Kapoor's Aryan which stars Sohail Khan as a college boxing champion who must sacrifice his promising sports career when he gets his girlfriend Sneha Ullal pregnant.

The couple is married, they have a son, the first few years of marriage go by smoothly… But when Sohail loses his job and it's upto his wife to bring home the pay-cheque, their marriage starts falling apart. Eventually Sohail must return to the ring and vanquish an old rival in order to win back his own self-esteem and his wife's love and faith.

From the very word go, Aryan comes off looking like a home video because it's made so amateurishly. Its biggest flaw is undoubtedly its wafer-thin plot which seems like something straight out of the reject pile of a scriptwriting class.

What is truly annoying about this film is the director's obvious disregard for the audience's intelligence. Actors go through their scenes as if they're sleepwalking, and casting Sneha Ullal as the mother of a five year old boy seems like a bit much specially since the young lady doesn't look a day over sixteen herself.

That's a thumbs down for Abhishek Kapoor's Aryan. It's a dull story that's told without either style or logic. Why would you want to waste your time on this one?

Rating: *

(Poor)

http://www.ibnlive.com/news/masands-verdict-aryan/28610-8.ht ml

Aliens

Mayank Shekhar


A still from Aryan

FILM : ARYAN
DIRECTOR: Akshay Kapoor
ACTORS: Sohail Khan, Sneha Ullal
Mirror Rating : *

Meanwhile, in Lokhandwala, you often hear amazing stories of how many of the movies get made out of Mumbai: A lovably bratty film-buff movie-star, sometime even his crony/cousin/chacha, watches a slick Hollywood blockbuster on his glossy projector screen at home one evening. Few drinks down, he begins to see himself through the DVD player. This is adequate brainwave. That's the film he'd like to be in, the part he'd like to play; so that's the movie he'd like made.

Rest is simple economics: you don't need a writer, when you already know what the film should be; director, they hang around in dozens outside coffee shops; rest of the cast is a call away, they're all uncles/aunties/friends anyway. The only portion to plan is possibly the pre-release, post-release, and the premiere do's.

Were it not for gas-lit billboards outside this movie's premiere show, or the trailors that had been pounding for months on TV, I would have seriously suspected if this is a completed work intended for a large number of ticket-buyers. Or as a test-audience, am I just watching its vaguely edited rushes, with several repeated shots; which would be easy to be: send the flick back, there's lots more left to do here, it doesn't make sense yet.

So far it's just a concerted campaign against marriages, a mistimed proposition, I should think, given that about 10,000 couples in Mumbai alone are set to keep their faith in the institution this wedding season. So does our hero, and thereby ends his ambitious boxing career, which had yet not started in the first place. What does marriage have to do with quitting boxing, I am not sure, neither am I too certain on why he wants to punch people now after a sportscaster's job and a fully grown-up kid.

He's never played the said tournament before, and he hasn't practiced in years in any case. It seems the current national champion has his nose perpetually pointed to the sky; why this dude is so rude to everyone baffles me. But he pushes our hero out the glass wall; the hero pushes the heroine to the bathroom floor; the heroine's ghastly mom pushes her towards another suitor; the heroine, with a little help from Sirji, the coach, pushes the hero to the ring.

The end couldn't have been less expected. And you didn't expect them to explain a professional boxing culture in India when there exist none (even the national championships are fought between states); you'd rather not spend too long with the hamster parents and neighbour (Farida Jalal) on this show either, or the Indian-African-American ghetto-boy who goes yo on the basketball floor; you shouldn't wait for too many expressions on the brooding hero's perpetually morose countenance as he keeps rubbing it after and before sleep, it's all about the lazy stroll in boxer shorts; you also shouldn't, well, you get my point….

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article&se ctid=30&contentid=2006121602492046850743c8

Aryan: Film Review

By Sonia Chopra
15 December 2006, 07:15 PM


Aryan

Banner: Telebrands Entertainment India Pvt Ltd.

Director: Abhishek Kapoor

Cast: Sohail Khan, Sneha Ullal, Satish Shah, Inder Kumar, Puneet Issar, Farida Jalal, Supriya Karnik

Rating: 3/5

A film that takes years to see a release is naturally unable to generate the excitement of a fresh film. But Aryan is so watchable, you hope things turn around for it.

Young college couple Aryan (Sohail Khan) and Neha (Sneha Ullal) are forced to get married early as Neha finds out she is pregnant. Aryan who is wildly ambitious about taking up a boxing career, accepts this change in his life and forgets his dream. He takes up a job as a TV reporter interviewing sport celebrities, while Neha finds a job as a VJ. The two are happy together, and so reminiscent of the young couples in cities today. Their love is pure and their child only adds to their blissful life.

Meanwhile, Aryan thinks of boxing as a thing of the past and his ambition of winning the National Championship as a beautiful, unfulfilled-and-will-always-be dream. That's until circumstances turn things around for him and he's back in the boxing ring (making for an extremely engaging latter half).

Many will compare the film to Rocky and Million Dollar Baby, but barring some influences, this is largely an original effort. And an earnest one. Debutant writer-director Abhishek Kapoor (earlier an actor) is so convincing at telling the story, that all emotions -- the romance, ups, and downs, see you affected. This film makes you care about the characters enough that you root for them unabashedly. And that's so important, especially in a story like this. Kapoor's eye for technical finesse is also impressive. Some sequences, like the montage where Aryan is home with no work, are a delight, both in their concept and execution.

Aryan is technically sound --- right from the camerawork by Neelabh Kaul (brilliant, especially in the boxing ring scenes), to the background score (Ranjit Barot) and editing by Renjit Vattakatuu (best use of jump cuts in a long time). The songs by Anand Raj Anand are extremely good, right from 'It's a Beautiful Night', 'Lamhe Lamhe' and 'Sajan Ghar' to the adrenaline-pushing 'Choona Hai Aasman Ko'.

The thing that doesn't work is the sudden regressive curve this otherwise-modern film takes -- like Neha touching Aryan's feet for Karva Chauth, Aryan hitting Neha in his drunken fit of anger, and the message that it's not OK for the wife to be earning and support the house, if the husband is going though a low phase.

Otherwise, the relationships between all characters are well-defined and find their space, like the one with Neha and her always-supportive dad, wonderful played by Satish Shah. Sohail Khan's natural performance is heartwarming; here's a fabulous, hidden actor. Sneha Ullal is no performer, but she's confident and her baby voice with her baby face suits Neha's character. Inder Kumar as Aryan's rival is convincing. Puneet Issar as coach Ranveer Singh is perfect, and has put his heart into the role.

So a guy gets disillusioned, but makes up for it, and realises his dream in three months flat... can that really happen, to you and me? Hell, no. But it sure makes for a good film!

http://www.businessofcinema.com/index.php?file=story&id=2132

Aryan - Unbreakable

**



Director: Abhishek Kapoor
Banner: Telebrands Entertainment India Pvt. Ltd.
Cast: Sohail Khan, Sneha Ullah, Inder Kumar and Puneet Issar.

Attempting a Bollywood masala film based on sports other than cricket is a commendable effort. Actor turned director Abhishek Kapoor should be applauded for making a fairly watchable film devoid of the usual masala.

Aryan was lying in the cans for almost 2 years now but never once gives a dated product feeling.

Aryan (Sohail Khan) is an inter-collegiate boxing champ who dreams about winning the Nationals. His coach Ranveer Singh Bagga (Puneet Issar) has high hopes for him. There is a new addition to Bagga's team, Ranjit (Inder Kumar). While taking steroids, he is caught red-handed by Bagga and thrown out of the team. Three months before the National Championships, Aryan's girlfriend, Neha (Sneha) gets pregnant and he decides to marry her. Furious by his chela's marriage mid-way, Bagga guruji chucks him out of his team as well. Aryan leaves his boxing aspirations and starts working with a Sports Channel as a presenter.

Though coming from a super rich family, Neha adjusts to her new middle class home and also starts working with a Music Channel as a VJ. Time passes by and they have a son Ranveer (Master Ahsaas) who idol worships Ranjit, now a National Boxing Champ.

When Ranjit comes to Aryan's studio for a television interview, Aryan tries to be friendly with him reminding him of their old bonding. But, Ranjit not only insults him but also speaks dirty about Neha. An angry Aryan tries to hit back but Ranjit thrashes him in front of everybody. Aryan leaves his job and sits at home jobless for months. He starts getting insecure about everything he loves. He doubts his wife of having an affair with her boss (Fardeen Khan).

One day, drunk, he abuses her and hits her. She leaves her home and goes back to her parents. Days pass and Aryan sinks further into depression. Though away, Neha senses it and goes and meets his old coach, Bagga. She pleads with him to bring Aryan back into boxing.

Bagga manages to convince Aryan to get back in shape and restart boxing. He even pitches him for the National Championships. Ranjit who is the reigning champion is convinced he is going to rule again. Aryan takes winning the championship as a personal challenge and decides to teach Ranjit a lesson in the boxing ring. Gradually, Aryan manages to reach the finals and is pitted opposite Ranjit. In a tough bout that follows a down but not out Aryan manages to knock out Ranjit in the final round. Aryan not only wins the new National Championship but also gets back the respect he had lost amongst his loved ones.

Devoid of any big stars Aryan holds together and manages to keep your interest alive, right till the end, because of it's technical competence and the good story telling technique of Abhishek Kapoor. Abhishek is also the writer of the film and has handled various sequences such as the relationship between the husband and wife, the special bond between the father (Satish Shah) and daughter (Neha) well. Not for once does the audience feel bored in the entire 30 minutes boxing climax. He has shot it brilliantly. The clichd scene of the heroine rushing to the boxing match venue and the hero getting more motivated on seeing her and eventually winning the fight could have been avoided though. The music of the film by Anand Raj Anand was a hit when it was released long back but it's the background score by Ranjit Barot that's more impressive.

Sohail Khan looks the part of a boxer. He does appear a bit expressionless during the emotional scenes but manages to give a convincing performance. Sneha Ullal is better than what she was in her debut film, Lucky, but she desperately needs a rapid course in dialogue delivery.

Inder Kumar carries one expression throughout the film that of gnashing his teeth with fire in his eyes. Puneet Issar is good. Satish Shah is okay. Supriya Karnik playing the vampish mom-in-law carries forward from where she left in Shaadi Karke Phass Gaya Yaar. Caf Mocha owner Suved Lodhia grates on your nerves with his irritating dialogue delivery. Fardeen Khan is cool in a not so cool 3 scene role. Kapil Dev is shown being interviewed by the hero of the film but his dialogues are not audible.

Not many know that, a decade back Sohail was supposed to start his career as a director with a film titled Ram by launching Abhishek Kapoor in the lead. He had then dropped the idea and made his first film, Auzaar with a more saleable star, his own brother, Salman. Now it's a role reversal for both, Sohail has turned actor and Abhishek, a director.

-- Abhijit Mhamunkar

http://cinemaa.indya.com/reviews/aryan.html