DARAAR film review

Ikram Ahmed Khan

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Jul 23, 1996, 3:00:00 AM7/23/96

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Livleen K. Diwana (Indo...@mindlink.bc.ca) wrote:
: Not All That It's "Cracked" Up To Be
: DARAAR
: *ing: Juhi Chawla, Rishi Kapoor, Arbaaz Khan (debut)
: Producer:
: Director: Abbas-Mastan
: Music: Anu Malik
: AS PUBLISHED IN "THE LINK" on Saturday July 20, 1996.

: "Daraar" is a very violent and gruesome introspective about wife
: abuse. After Juhi delivers a speech about marriage and the role of a
: husband, the denouement undermines each phrase almost verbatim.

Perhaps, I was being biased but I thought that the ending of this triangle
in an Indian milieu could only have been this. Felt the movie ended better
than Agnisakshi. However, not enough can be made out as to Juhi's actions
and the reasons behind them right towards the climax { More cannot be
mentioned as it would spoil the viewing for those who still want to see it
and haven't}. Fact is, Arbaaz had reason to shout "maybe she likes me
after all" and redouble his efforts....

Interesting point, that I never read in any review of Agnisakshi, was the
fact that at least Daraar didn't have the heroine commit polyandry.
Amazing how they managed to make a hit out of Agnisakshi, with that!!
{ That comment is based on what would be palatable to Indian audiences. I
might be for it, for all you know. :) }

Anybody willing to make a list of all the movies where a letter creates
all the mischief starring Rishi Kapoor?? :)

Later,
Ikram.
ps. The movie didn't turn out to be as bad as I had thought. A definite
watch for Juhi fans.

Narendernath Miriyala

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Jul 23, 1996, 3:00:00 AM7/23/96

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Don't watch the movie. It is absolute trash. Anu Malik's music is
pathetic.

Naren

Livleen K. Diwana

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Jul 23, 1996, 3:00:00 AM7/23/96

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Not All That It's "Cracked" Up To Be
DARAAR
*ing: Juhi Chawla, Rishi Kapoor, Arbaaz Khan (debut)
Producer:
Director: Abbas-Mastan
Music: Anu Malik

AS PUBLISHED IN "THE LINK" on Saturday July 20, 1996.

BY LIVLEEN K. DIWANA

Abbas-Mastan's "Daraar" completes the trilogy of the desi versions
of "Sleeping With The Enemy". But, to appreciate "Daraar" and the
work of its stars, forget Madhuri Dixit's "Yaraana" and Nana
Patekar's "Agnisakshi".
Casting Juhi Chawla in the lead is nothing short of genius. She
conveys a natural vulnerability and an innocence which endears
immensely to the viewer. As her giggle is infectious, likewise her
pain is unbearable. And it is here that the film clicks.
Unfortunately, the film strays from the main theme and there is
little for the viewer to appreciate.
The directing duo of Abbas-Mastan is no stranger to making
commercial box office hits. Look at "Baazigar" and what it did for
Shah Rukh Khan's career. Perhaps Arbaaz Khan (younger sibling to
Salman Khan) was looking for a similar response when he enlisted as
the baddie for "Daraar". But, in spite of all efforts, "Daraar" is
no "Baazigar". And Arbaaz is no Shah Rukh! In fact, when Arbaaz
becomes truly evil and commits heinous acts, the director made him
wear flowing trench jackets to cover his scrawny frame. Skinny is
appealing on a hero (is Rishi taking notes?) but hardly menacing!
The story takes in excess of an hour and half to set up during which
time misunderstandings, slapstick humor and three colorful songs
collude the drama. In all, there is about 40 redeemable minutes
which showcase Juhi Chawla's performance. And the less said about
Rishi Kapoor, the better. During the popular song "Yeh Pyar Pyar Kya
Hai", Rishi looked utterly foolish. It was quite a disgraceful
display.

"Daraar" is a very violent and gruesome introspective about wife
abuse. After Juhi delivers a speech about marriage and the role of a
husband, the denouement undermines each phrase almost verbatim.

"Daraar" has suspense, mystery, Juhi Chawla and Anu Malik's music
but the film falls flat. The movie came across as a romance rather
than a thriller. This is a case of the sum of the parts adding up to
nothing.
And so we come to the end of the "Sleeping With The Enemy" trilogy.
the desi versions gave Juhi Chawla and Manisha Koirala (in
"Agnisakshi") an opportunity to act in a social drama. Sadly, the
power of a woman and the scars of abuse remains unexplored masked
under cinematic gloss. While Manisha gave a compatible performance,
the film focused on the psyche of the abusive husband. In "Daraar",
Juhi discovers her power and gives voice to some radical if not
feminist ideals as she confronts her husband. But, the final scene
incapacitates her revolutionary stance. Each of these films
"Yaraana", "Agnisakshi", and "Daraar" presented a unique opportunity
for top actresses - Madhuri Dixit, Manisha Koirala, Juhi Chawla - to
act in a thought-provoking film but once again the confinements of
Indian cinema restricted the director's vision. One could go so far
as to claim that when Bollywood tried something new, the traditional
structure of Indian films let their presence be felt - kind of like
the way Arbaaz made his presence felt when Juhi tried something new
by moving on with her life.

tony khera

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Jul 29, 1996, 3:00:00 AM7/29/96

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Great Article!! Very well written and definatley I agree with MOST
of it. However, my dear LKD, you don't seem to realize that size
was not the key in Arbaaz Khan's selection for the negative role.
It was his acting ability, Greatness, which made him the steller
performer of Daraar.

OK Then!!
Hitman

tony khera

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Jul 29, 1996, 3:00:00 AM7/29/96

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