Aug 27, 2010 09:50 PM
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We all have our own wishes and desires and patiently wait for the day when they will all come true. We slowly and steadily also work towards fulfilling them. But what if one day you discover that you have just few days to live? What will be the state of our near and dear ones? How will they survive once we have left for heavenly abode? And not to forget, what about our dreams that we had patiently nurtured over the years? Aashayein takes a look at this issue where a terminally ill patient tries to find purpose and hope in his last few days. Although there have been films that have dealt with a more or less similar issue in the past and are very close to our hearts (Anand, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Dasvidaniya), Aashayein still succeeds in many ways and touches a chord. Unfortunately, at the same time, the film falters which prevents it from becoming a classic.
The story of the movie: Rahul (John Abraham) is a compulsive gambler and a chain smoker. One day he succeeds in winning a huge amount in gambling and throws a party to celebrate. In the party, he proposes marriage to his longtime girlfriend Nafisa (Sonal Sehgal). However, immediately after doing so, he collapses. After a medical checkup, the results are out-he has lung cancer and only a few months to live. He is obviously shocked and then decides to shift to a hospice without telling anyone about his whereabouts. It is here at the hospice that he learns some lessons of life.
Aashayein begins well and grips your attention immediately. Rahul’s conversation with the doctor who was talking in circles about the former’s medical condition was brilliant to say the least! The film goes even higher as soon as Rahul lands at the hospice. The bond that he forms with 17 year old Padma (Anaitha Nair) which was the best part of the story, and Madhu (Farida Jalal) will put a smile on your face! Especially his relation with Padma was damn interesting and fresh-something shown rarely in our cinema.
However, the second half turns quite dragging and the film seems like 3 hrs+ when the actual duration of the movie is just 1 hrs 45 mins! The Indiana Jones track could have been little simplified, keeping in mind that the film is made for Indian viewers. Also, adding a dose of fantasy in such kind of a film was an experiment that succeeds only partly! By the time the film reaches finale, the interest that was so nicely generated by the initial scenes mostly dies down.
The film belongs to John Abraham! The dashing actor again comes up with a bravura performance! Moviegoers may not have liked him in his earlier film but they’ll surely love him in Aashayein! John wonderfully plays his part of a terminally ill patient which looks damn convincing! Watch out for the scene where he’s violently coughing…it just shakes you! And not to forget, he looks awesome in the Indiana Jones get up! Bravo Johnny Boy!
Anaitha Nair is the surprise package of the film! She just stunts with her incredible performance! Her chemistry with John was too good! Your heart goes for her! Surely one of the finest performances in this year! Sonal Sehgal looks extremely beautiful and lends able support. Girish Karnad was good but disappears in the middle portions. Ashwin Chitale (as Govinda) has an important part to play in the 2nd half and does well. It was good to see Farida Jalal in an A-grade film after a long time! Prateeksha Lonkar (Sister Grace) and Vikram Ibamdar (John’s buddy) do a great job. Others were fairly good.
Salim-Sulaiman’s music suits the mood and theme of the film. 2 songs which stand out are Ab Mujhko Jeena and Chala Aaya Pyaar. Their background score enhances impact in many scenes. Sudeep Chatterjee’s cinematography was excellent and captures the locales of Pondicherry exceptionally!
Nagesh Kukunoor, after giving 2 duds (Bombay To Bangkok, 8x10 Tasveer) comes up with a film that was better than these disasters but not as good as his classics (Iqbal, Dor). The plotline was little abstract at places. However, still it could have been an interesting film had Kukunoor not dragged the film and simplified some scenes. Overall, a nice experiment and hoping to see him back in form in his next!
Some of the best scenes:
1. Rahul finds he has lung cancer
2. Rahul leaves for the hospice
3. Rahul befriends Madhu and Padma
4. Rahul and Padma watching Anand
5. The intermission point
6. The Indiana Jones track (little weird but very well shot!)
7. Rahul takes Padma on a date
8. Padma at the deathbed
On the whole, Aashayein is a fairly okay film. It has a nice thought but tends to get too dragging because of which the impact withers away. However, it’s surely a must watch for all John Abraham fans!
My rating- ** ½
