Yes, finally, the much-awaited KRRISH has arrived. Armed with
monumental expectations, this sequel to KOI... MIL GAYA is touted
to win the hearts of kids from 6 to 60. Most importantly, KRRISH is
expected to rewrite box-office history.
Since the inception of the character during the 1930s, Superman has
been fodder for a variety of movies and television series, both
live and animated. Though Hindi film heroes have had the qualities
of Superman, it's for the first time that a lead man with a mask
and robe is about to invade the Hindi screen.
KRRISH is a crucial release for yet another reason. The Rakesh
Roshan-Hrithik Roshan combo has given us back-to-back successes:
KAHO NAA... PYAAR HAI and KOI... MIL GAYA. Quite naturally then,
the expectations from KRRISH are humungous.
The great news is that KRRISH more than meets the expectations. The
film works, and works big time, due to several reasons. Besides a
novel premise for Indian moviegoers, it has Hrithik Roshan enacting
a role that fits him like a glove. Mind you, the role of a man with
superpowers and a robust personality to match would've fallen flat
in inept hands and the best of techno-wizardry would've, hence,
been ignored, unobserved and unnoticed.
But one of the major highpoints of KRRISH is its penultimate 40
minutes. The fight between good and bad, noble versus immoral,
virtuous versus corrupt has been depicted in film after film. And
if the fight between the two extremes is portrayed in the most
convincing fashion, the viewer is bound to carry the film home and
most importantly, return to the movieplex to watch the on-screen
clash once again.
The collision of righteous [Hrithik] and wicked [Naseer] in KRRISH
and the usage of special effects and thrills takes the film to an
altogether different level. It wouldn't be wrong to state that
Hindi moviegoers haven't witnessed something like this ever. Also,
the re-emergence of Rohit [the lead character of KOI... MIL GAYA]
in the story is a master stroke from the writing and execution
point of view. It only strengthens the climax and makes the fight
utmost convincing.
KRRISH also reaffirms the fact that Rakesh Roshan has adapted to
the changing times well. While most of his contemporaries have
slipped into oblivion, Roshan Sr. has moved with the fast-changing
times and gathered courage to narrate a tale that's present-day and
at the same time, inventive. At the same time, KRRISH is soaked in
Indian emotions [the relationship Hrithik shares with his grandmom
Rekha], talks of astrology using computer as a tool and shows the
protagonist with superpowers -- a story Indians can absorb very
easily. Concurrently, Roshan Sr. relies on dexterously executed
special effects to narrate the tale. And the pulsating stunts and
thrills only act as sone pe suhaaga.
In a nutshell, KRRISH is a terrifically exciting and compelling
experience. Move over SUPERMAN, BATMAN and SPIDERMAN. KRRISH, the
Indian superhero, has arrived!
Krishna [Hrithik Roshan] is born with magical powers -- a legacy
from his father, Rohit Mehra.
Free as a bird, he runs like the wind...
Like an eagle, he soars across rivers and mountain tops...
As a lion, he conquers rugged rocks without fear...
Priya [Priyanka Chopra] comes into his life and becomes his world.
When she beckons him to Singapore, he follows her there. Little
realizing it is destiny that has summoned him. Having sheltered him
from the world, his grandmother Sonia [Rekha] reluctantly gives in
to him and lets him follow his heart.
In Singapore, Dr. Siddhant Arya [Naseeruddin Shah], the
megalomaniac scientist, is on the verge of changing the future
forever. Only one man stands between Dr. Siddharth and his
destructive dreams. Only one man has the power to block his
ruthless ambitions. Krrish.
KRRISH is essentially three movies rolled into one: It starts off
as a love story, changes gears and becomes a traditional superhero
story and in the pre-climax, it's the clash between good versus
evil. While the first part seems like any other love story, it has
its moments. Note Hrithik's introduction and also, Hrithik saving
Priyanka from an accident [their first meeting] and you know that
there's more to the film than a saccharine-sweet love story.
The first hour, in fact, may give an impression that it's a routine
fare, but knowing Roshan Sr.'s style of showing his cards in the
second hour, you await the post-interval portions with bated
breath. And lo! KRRISH takes giant strides in this hour. The story
actually gathers momentum when Sharat Saxena spills the beans and
the film goes into a flashback. From thereon, right till the end
titles, it' a different film altogether. And that's its biggest
achievement. The team of writers [Sachin Bhowmick, Honey Irani,
Robin Bhatt, Akash Khurana and Rakesh Roshan] deserve brownie
points for padding the film with pulse-pounding moments.
The film has its share of blemishes too. The pace slackens
intermittently in the first hour, primarily because the story
doesn't move beyond the romantic scenes. Also, the music [Rajesh
Roshan] isn't as mesmerizing as the Roshan brothers' previous
works. The songs of KRRISH are functional, barring the 'Dil Na
Diya' track, which is complimented by an energetic
picturization.
The action scenes [Tony Ching Siu Tung from Hong Kong and Sham
Kaushal] are superb and will be greeted by claps and cheers.
Hrithik's stunts in Naseer's den are simply awe-inspiring. Prior to
that, the chase portions -- Hrithik chasing Naseer on land, water
and air -- is astounding. The special effects [Marc Kolbe and Craig
Mumma, both from U.S.A.] are incredible. In fact, the special
effects are a pillar of the enterprise. Santosh Thundiyil's
cinematography is exceptional. The film bears a stunning look all
through. Salim-Sulaiman's background score is of international
quality. It only heightens the impact further.
To state that Hrithik is the soul of KRRISH would be an
understatement. If the actor walked away with all noteworthy awards
in KOI.. MIL GAYA, it's going to be an encore with KRRISH. You
cannot imagine any other actor enacting the role of a gifted child
with aplomb. If his mask and robe look is splendid, watch his make
up, gait and mannerisms as the aged father and you'd agree, he's
one of the finest talents on the Indian screen today. KRRISH is yet
another ground-breaking film in his dazzling repertoire!
Priyanka is the archetypal Hindi film heroine. Not surprising,
since everyone in Hrithik's radius is bound to get eclipsed. Rekha
is highly effective, especially in the scene after the
confrontation, when she narrates the true story to Hrithik.
Naseeruddin Shah excels yet again. He plays the cool, calculating
and conniving villain to perfection.
The remaining actors -- Sharat Saxena, Puneet Issar, Akash Khurana,
Hemant Pandey, Manini Mishra, Kiran Juneja Sippy and Archana
Puransingh -- are satisfactory. Preity Zinta is there for one
scene.
On the whole, KRRISH is a winner all the way. At the box-office,
the film will rewrite box-office history and emerge one of the
biggest hits ever. The film will establish records from Day 1
itself, while the first weekend business will be brilliant and the
first week billing should shatter all previous records. A money
spinner, KRRISH is a definite blockbuster!
Rating :- * * * * 1/2
