Ra One Review
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/14208/index.html
By Taran Adarsh, October 25, 2011 - 01:22 IST
I've often heard people say, film-making is nothing short of a gamble.
And as any gambler will tell you, you've got to gamble huge to triumph
huge. Going by this logic, Shah Rukh Khan is The Supreme Gambler of the
year.
What's at stake, beside the big money invested in RA.ONE of course, is
a dream, a vision, an aspiration to make a film which appeals to kids
and kids at heart. In short, attempt a film that appeals to the
universal audience. At the same time, it ought to raise the bar for
Hindi films. Also at stake is SRK's once-unchallenged supremacy as the
reigning idol of Bollywood and that elusive thing called reputation.
When you invest your repute in your dream project and stick your neck
out, you expect nothing short of a mega-success.
Movies like KRRISH and ROBOT initiated the trend of superhero films in
India, with fantasy making deep inroads into mainstream Hindi cinema.
Now RA.ONE raises the bar, takes not a step or two, but a giant leap
and adheres to international standards, in terms of execution. But the
soul, I wish to add, is very
desi. That's precisely the reason why RA.ONE emerges trumps. RA.ONE is beauty [read good looking film] with brains [read content].
What characterizes a stunning superhero movie? I
have narrowed it down to three precise constituents that I deem are
absolutely necessary for an alluring superhero flick. The first is that
the motion picture must encompass spectacular action and
edge-of-the-seat thrills. Secondly, a magnificent superhero movie must
also boast of luminous performances from the protagonists, which in
turn should make these characters appear credible and relatable.
Thirdly and most importantly, superhero films must have a narrative
that keeps us yearning for more. All of these are indispensable factors
in making a superhero movie that will be both acclaimed and adored by
fans. Fortunately, RA.ONE emerges triumphant in all the three
departments.
RA.ONE is the most ambitious, most expensive and
the most technologically complex Hindi film ever made. It pushes the
envelope further. It's not merely a film, but an experience, an event.
It's a film that will rewrite the textbook of computer graphics in
Hindi cinema. At the same time, it is very Indian at heart. The
relationship between SRK and the kid is the highpoint of the
enterprise. But, at the same time, there are ample clap-trap moments
that will send the viewers in frenzy. The chase sequence, when Ra.One
finally zeroes on Lucifer, and the subsequent 'entry' of the superhero
is awe-inspiring. The train sequence in the second hour is exceptional
and a cinematic feat. The presence of Rajnikanth in a crucial sequence
will be greeted with deafening claps and whistles. And, of course, the
climax of the film; it's simply jaw-dropping.
Besides these factors, the 'Chammak Chhallo' number is already a rage
and so are the sequences involving visual effects. In a nutshell, it's
an entertainer that works big time. You haven't experienced something
like this ever before, on the Hindi screen!
A father tries hard to fit into his son's world. While Shekhar [Shah
Rukh Khan] tries every trick in the book to woo his son, his son had
given up on him. Just when the father-son duo hit a deadlock, Shekhar
strikes gold when he designs one hell of a game. Finally, it all starts
falling in place. But the happiness is short-lived. All hell breaks
loose when the game that was meant to be played with, starts playing
them.
We are spoilt by cinema's ability to create on celluloid anything that
can be imagined, therefore we have raconteurs making endeavors to
bestow us with movies that you wouldn't have ever envisioned even in
your mind's eye. You realize this as you watch RA.ONE, which is a
visual spectacle from start to end.
Director Anubhav Sinha along with co-writers David Benullo, Kanika
Dhillon and Mushtaq Shiekh may be inspired by international flicks as
far as the concept is concerned, but they ensure that they serve the
right masala to moviegoers in those 2.30 hours. What actually takes you
by complete surprise is not just the money spent on visual effects or
the stunning chase and action scenes, but the twists and turns in the
screenplay that unravel at a feverish pace.
Besides, the moviegoers have certain expectations
and notions about superhero flicks and they expect such characters to
perform audacious aerobatics to save someone's life or a nation. But
this one's different. Visually arresting and dramatically just what the
doctor ordered, the film boasts of relatable characters, which makes
this superhero movie for kids as well as grown-ups. In fact, I'd like
to add, RA.ONE is not only skillfully directed, but also visually
dynamic and entertains from commencement to conclusion.
The album of the film lives up to the grand expectations.
Vishal-Shekhar deliver a striking score with 'Chammak Chhallo',
'Dildaara' and 'Raftarein' being the pick of the lot. The background
score, also recorded by them, is equally electrifying. V. Manikandan
and Nicola Pecorini's cinematography is top notch. Same goes for the
stunts and chases [Andy Gill and Spiro Razatos]. Dialogue [Kanika
Dhillon and Niranjan Iyengar] are hardly ever commonplace. What I found
most interesting is that, whether humorous or thoughtful, the channel
of communication appears very credible. The Ra.One and G.One suits,
designed by Robert Kurtzman, are super.
RA.ONE is a perfect vehicle that does justice to the talent of Shah
Rukh Khan. He seems to have found a story and character that work in
perfect sync and tandem with manic energy. SRK steers this physically
challenging lead role with high-spirited self-belief. He's endearing as
the father and magnificent as the superhero with a heart. Kareena
Kapoor is a delight to watch. She effortlessly glides into the
character. Besides, she looks ethereal in the 'Chammak Chhallo' song
and her wit is infectious. Arjun Rampal pulls his act with
effortlessness and style. Also, Arjun's well-designed look is
admirable.
I'd like to make a special mention of Armaan
Verma, the kid who has a pivotal part to portray. He stands shoulder to
shoulder with SRK and Kareena all through the film and delivers a
super-confident performance. The film has a number of actors in key
roles [Shahana Goswami, Dalip Tahil, Satish Shah, Suresh Menon, Mushtaq
Shiekh and Tom Wu] and each of them fit well in their respective parts.
Sanjay Dutt and Priyanka Chopra add to the glam quotient, while
Rajnikanth proves yet again that he's a scene stealer.
But the man who warrants the actual round of applause is director
Anubhav Sinha himself. For bringing out the best of SRK, Kareena and
Arjun. For the amazing screenplay. For the speedy yet smooth stream of
the narrative. And for the fantastic unfolding of the written material.
He merits top admiration for every act of his.
On the whole, RA.ONE is a solid entertainer, no two opinions on that.
It's not merely a great looking film, but also has soul, which is so
essential to strike a chord with the avid moviegoer. As for the
business prospects, RA.ONE is sure to shatter all previous records and
set new ones, in India as well as internationally. The film will be the
new yardstick for measuring success. It has Blockbuster written all
over it!
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