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 An illogical plot sinks this technically polished effort.
Grade: C
Kurbaan
Indian Release Date: 20/11/09
CBFC Classification: A
Running Length: 2 Hours 40 Minutes
Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi, Kirron Kher, Om Puri
Director: Rensil D’Silva
Screenplay: Rensil D’Silva
Cinematography: Hemant Chaturvedi
Music: Salim-Sulaiman
From the endless spew of movies on terrorism worldwide comes another saga in the form of Kurbaan. This movie, like most bollywood products is based on the foundations of a love story (Something I'll probably never understand!).
The story revolves around the character of Kareena Kapoor, Avantika, a devout liberalist Hindu (affirmed so with the 'om' lockets) who falls in love with Eshaan (Saif Ali Khan), her colleague and a wanted international terrorist with an extremist Islamic group. By the time she discovers this truth, she is already married to Eshaan, moved with him to New York and is expecting a baby. The truth not only shocks her but also renders her under house arrest by neighbors who are in hand in glove with Eshan and his terrorist activities.
On the other hand we have Riyaz (Vivek Oberoi) who is dealing with the death of his fiancé in plane bomb blast. He is led to the Eshaan with the help of Avantika, who while trying to cope with her new found life with her fundamentalist kidnappers, is also attempting to foil their future plans of another major terrorist attack.
The twist and turns that follows although flawed, to an extent are much better than the similar cinematic influences dished out this year. And although one might complain about the rising trend in 'terrorist-sympathizing' movies, it must be noted that all of them have attempted to give reactionary view of the current political picture; giving more meaning to the saying, 'one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter', that has been expressed with fair application in Kurbaan, too.
Definitely much better than their previous performances, Kareena and Vivek still have miles to go. Saif on the other hand has more or less a very wooden character delivery (I wouldn't blame him though. It was probably what was asked of him, considering that usual interpretation of a terrorist in Bollywood is very limited to being emo, extremist and angry young man!). Everyone else is fairly adequate. Om Puri and Kirron Kher manage to grab all the attention when on screen.
Final Verdict: Some fairly good music and impressive camerawork helps fuel the experience. A one time, one though film!
Grade: C
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