Battle of wits in Bollywood film
By Rama Gaind
The newest Bollywood film at the Greater Union cinema in Canberra – ‘Kambakkht Ishq’ – is a full-on battle of the sexes which shows promise at the start, but fizzles a quarter of the way through.
That is a shame because director Sabbir Khan showed promise in tackling a subject that’s rarely depicted in Hindi films. This modern take on relationships shows a new perspective where the attitude and lingo is poles apart.
To some extent it works because of the energy and star power of the two lead actors Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor.
Viraj is a successful stuntman in Hollywood who likes to play the field without commitment to marriage. Simrita, a hardened feminist, works part-time as a supermodel to support her ambition to become a surgeon.
A slanging match of wits and caustic words ensue. Sparks fly and accidents occur while both their paths cross in absurd, sometimes, hilarious situations.
Appeal takes a nose dive once the second half draws away from the confrontations as the couple get romantic.
Music by Anu Malik is only good in parts with an energetic title track; ‘Om Mangalam’, is composed and performed by RDB; ‘Bebo’ is sure to be a lounge crowd favourite; and ‘Kyun’ is a romantic surprise.
The film is frivolous, but through the cinematography one can’t deny that this is a lavish production.
An added bonus is the presence of Hollywood stars — Sylvester Stallone, Brandon Routh and Denise Richards — the first on the Hindi screen.
