DARAAR: Movie Review (no spoilers)

[jahangir...@yahoo.com]

DARAAR is the last but not the least remake of the Hollywood thriller SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY starring Julia Roberts. DARAAR is directed by Abbas-Mustan who are responsible for introducing suspense thrillers like BAAZIGAR and KHILADI to Bollywood. The film starred Salman Khan's brother Arbaaz Khan in his debut. Unfortunately, DARAAR couldn't recreate the success of its original at the box office. Here's a true inlook into the film:

Ups

DARAAR starts off as a really good suspense thriller. The audience are left wondering who is Juhi Chawla actually running away from. Abbas-Mustan have to be given the due credit for keeping the audience hooked to the screen from the very first frame of the film. The songs of the film are also a plus point. Arbaaz Khan makes a brilliant debut in his portrayal of a psychotic husband (a la Patrick Bergin in SWTE).

Downs

After starting the film off brilliantly, Abbas-Mustan lose track of the plot. They shift their focus too much on comedy and worthless scenes. DARAAR could have been engrossing, but the minute Rishi Kapoor enters the frame, you'd just want to leave. Rishi Kapoor is a complete miscast and looks too old to romance Juhi Chawla. He repeats his role as a lover boy in YARAANA. The violence shown in this movie is also exaggerated that you feel sick at one point. The ending of the film is also disappointing.

Scenes

-Juhi escapes from Arbaaz Khan
-Rishi Kapoor learning the truth about Juhi
-Arbaaz Khan learns that Juhi is alive
-Arbaaz Khan meets Juhi's mom
-Arbaaz Khan kills Juhi's friend

Performances (in order of better performances)

Arbaaz Khan makes a confident debut as a violently obsessed husband. He shows promise for the future. The scenes that show his obsession for Juhi are amazing.
Juhi Chawla is good as the abused wife (a la Julia Roberts in SWTE) but the script lets her down this time. She is one of the most beautiful and talented actresses of Bollywood. You do feel for her character as she goes through psychological abuse at the hands of her husband. If you're a strong Juhi Chawla fan, then DARAAR is for you to watch!
Rishi Kapoor (why am I even commenting on his performance?) makes a complete fool of himself as the lover boy. He should refuse taking these type of roles if he wants to save his career. Though I think there's not much hope for him anyways.
Sulabha Arya as Juhi's mother is okay.
Sushma Seth is average.
Johnny Lever is wasted.

Music

Anu Malik's music is something to take notice of in this film. The track 'Deewana Deewana' picturized on Arbaaz Khan and Juhi Chawla where he shows his obsessive side is brilliantly shot. 'Yeh Pyaar Pyaar Kya Hai' is a song that is worth listening to. 'Aise Mili Nigahen' is a mesmerizing track that comes easy on your lips and is so good to hear.

Direction

I strong recommend Abbas-Mustan not to attempt a subject that has already been explored before in Bollywood. The fact that YARAANA and AGNI SAKSHI (though not too bad) didn't work at the box office doesn't make it easier for DARAAR too. DARAAR could have been a decent fare, but the directors lost their perspective of the plot. I hope that they come up with a much better product next time.

Overall

Below average.