Oct 01, 2011 04:52 PM
22528 Views
(Updated Oct 01, 2011 05:03 PM)
I hate depressing climaxes. Especially the ones which are forced in the narrative! The filmmaker might have build up the plot beautifully but if he/she adds a bit of tragedy to ‘spice up the proceedings’, it just doesn’t work for me. That’s the reason I didn’t like Kites, Raavan, Sarkar Raj and even Dum Maaro Dum was slightly a letdown in the pre-climax. And that’s also the reason why Force, which could have been a decent masala entertainer, fails to reach that level. It’s a simple story, well executed and well performed but except the climax, everything works fairly well in the movie!
The story of the movie: ACP Yashvardhan (John Abraham) doesn’t go by the rules but ensures that justice is served in his own way. Heading a special team in the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), he’s on a mission to eliminate all the major drug cartels across the country. Amidst his duty, he comes across free-spirited Maya (Genelia D’souza) and falls for her. But realizing that she could turn out to be his weakness, he keeps his distance from her. On the other hand, Vishnu (Vidyut Jammwal), hurt with the activities of NCB, has decided to take revenge from the special NCB team and also their near and dear ones, which also includes Maya.
Force had a mediocre beginning. John-Genelia bumping into each other every now and then was quite dumb! However, the film picked up from the nakaabandi scene and from here, the film was a decent fare. The romantic sequences didn’t act as a roadblock; rather it added some much needed light moments in this otherwise gory film. The relationship between the couple was well written and even directed and the chemistry between the 2 was too good. The villain’s entry was terrific and one expected the film to get better from that juncture. And it does happen, more so in the second hour. Whether it was Vishnu’s attack in Yashvardhan’s house or the chase sequence in the bus depot and rail yard, the film kept one hooked. However, when one expected fireworks in the finale, it sadly doesn’t happen. The climax fight gets too gory but was still a treat to witness. But thanks to the tragedy, one doesn’t exit the theatre with a high or even a smile. And that’s the big minus point of Force!
What saves Force however is a tight script, nice romantic moments, action and most importantly, performances! John Abraham was absolutely rocking as the chiseled narcotics officer! Though wooden at places (the scene where he declares his love to Genelia), he gave an overall rocking performance. He shined in the action sequences and it was a treat to see him lifting the 120 kg bike! Someone trying out such a risky stunt sans a harness…hats off! The actor has the baggage of flops, especially whenever he has featured as the sole lead. Force, with a decent opening, fair reports and reasonable budget, hopefully would break this jinx. And not to forget, his forthcoming films (Housefull 2, Desi Boyz, Shootout At Wadala) are expected to be runaway hits!
Genelia D’souza is extremely likeable, as always! Her smile, her cute nuances and also her confident performance does the magic once again! An actress whom I would like to see very often! Vidyut Jammwal looks dashing and performs like a pro. Besides, he is acquainted with kalaripayattu and martial arts which added to his advantage. A promising debutant! Mukesh Rishi and Raj Babbar didn’t have much to do. Mohnish Bahl was topnotch. Sandhya Mridul was natural. Kamlesh Sawant provided ample doses of laughter. Ninad Kamat looked funny in his hairdo! Amit Gaur was alright. Kiran Karmarkar was great in a special appearance. Anaitha Nair was forgettable.
Harris Jayaraj’s music was good but not chartbuster variety. Khwabon Khwabon obviously takes the cake but even Main Chali is a lovely song and well shot too. Sameer Phaterpekar’s background score was flawless. Allan Amin’s action sequences were one of the plus points of the film. None of the stunt seemed fake in the film. The action was pure, raw and real!
Ritesh Shah's story-screenplay was nothing new but still was attention grabbing. Nishikant Kamat was much more in form in Mumbai Meri Jaan and Dombivli Fast and hopefully, we’ll see him in such intense films often. The direction wasn’t the best here but still, he managed to keep the viewers hooked on their seats. And as said before, the climax doesn’t work. Still a good effort!
Some of the best scenes:
The first scene of the film
The song Main Chali and Khwabon Khwabon
Yashvardhan, Maya at the naakabandi
‘Acid’ thrown on Yashvardhan’s face (best scene of the film!)
Major drug cartels eradicated
Vishnu’s entry
Maya proposes Yashvardhan (very cute!)
The action at the mall
Yashvardhan chases Vishnu
Tragedy at Alibaug
Fight in the cold storage room
On the whole, Force is an average masala film that disappoints thanks to a depressing climax and unpolished execution. What stands out is John-Genelia’s piping chemistry, the debutant Vidyut Jammwal and the action scenes which are real and raw, something which we don’t get to see nowadays. Made on a reasonable budget, Force will sail through.
My rating-** ½
