Nov 24, 2006 03:50 PM
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DHOOM 2 is a movie that needs to be special. Period. When a movie has a top-notch first episode, one always feels the need for the sequel to be at least equally entertaining if not one step ahead in terms of entertainment. Unfortunately, DHOOM 2 fails to come close to its prequel, let alone overtake it.
DHOOM 1 was an effective movie. DHOOM 2, on the other hand, is clearly more of a crowd pleaser. DHOOM 1 came at a time where Sanjay Gadhvi was a director working with actors:people who were not stars as yet. Abhishek, John, Uday, Rimii, and Esha were all strugglers searching for that one hit, while Gadhvi himself was searching redemption after failing to strike big time with MERE YAAR KI SHAADI HAI. Hence, there was a pacy, novel, and worthy product that resulted from all the determination put forward by those involved with the movie. DHOOM 2, on the other hand, is clearly more of an attempt to cash on the past laurels with the use of stars,not merely actors. Sad, but true!
DHOOM 2 tells the story of an uncatchable thief (Hrithik Roshan) who has fooled so many with his disguising get-ups and amazing speed. He has robbed historically expensive jewels and attacks a historical sword when he comes across Sunehri (Aishwarya Rai). After a few encounters, he lets her be his partner and eventually falls in love with her, not realizing that Sunehri works for his counterpart ACP Jai (Abhishek Bachchan). Joining Jai in his mission are also Ali (Uday Chopra) and Monali (Bipasha Basu). Will Jai be able to stop this unstoppable thief, or will the latter emerge victorious in his bid to survive? That is what DHOOM 2 is all about.
DHOOM 2 is clearly not path-breaking cinema. Right from the opening scene where Hrithik manhandles his opponents with unrealistic maneuvers, one can tell that he movie will rely too much on the director's larger-than-life solutions rather than reasonable and justified proceedings. Agreed that DHOOM 1 was not path-breaking either. But all the stunts there were restricted to simple heavy-bike moves. In this movie there are magnetic skates, a magical costume, a cliff-jumping kit, and what not: things that make the thief invincible. It gets to the point where the reasonable viewer does react in disbelief in regards to what life would be if some human is so unstoppable with the use of unbelievable technology.
Also, technically the movie is a mixed bag. While the choreography and cinematography are both simply brilliant, the screenplay is a major letdown. Songs arrive on unwanted junctures, and stretch the movie to an unwanted extent. That means Mr. Editor is a total failure in this case. Besides, the climax is a major letdown. It is the supreme example of why Gadhvi still needs to grow up as a director. If he disappointed with a far-fetched climax in MERE YAAR KI SHAADI HAI, he goes one step further by coming up with a climax solely with the purpose to fulfill the commercial formalities. In the process, he has lost the respect he achieved after coming up with a worthy climax for DHOOM 1. Music too is a mixed bag, with the title track and 'Touch Me' the only melodious tracks.
Hrithik Roshan is the soul of DHOOM 2. It will be an understatement to say that Hrithik lives up to the expectations he created. He goes much further than that by adding unexpected dimensions to his character. Be it his connection with the audiences as a con-man, or be it his usual incredible dances. Be it his controlled protrayal, or be it his chemistry with Aishwarya. In all cases, Hrithik performs brilliantly, proving his versatility to the fullest. In fact it won't be wrong to state that Hrithik is both the hero and the villain of DHOOM 2.
Ditto for Aishwarya Rai, who is aparently both the heroine and the vamp of the movie. Not only does she look simply gorgeous and stunning in her glam look, but she also underplays her part with great efficiency, offering a totally different side of her to the audiences. Aish is clearly second best after Hrithik as far as performance goes in D-2. Uday Chopra offers the all-important comic sequences, and does a very entertaining job. Kudos.
Bipasha Basu is adequate as far as her performance goes. She is not unmissable only because her role is not long enough. However, it is important to mention that in DHOOM 2, she has probably looked the most gorgeous in her career.
Now, for perhaps the most important comment. You guessed it: it is regarding Abhishek Bachchan. As an AB Jr. fan, I was really disappointed with the length of the role he got. It was as if the whole movie was about Hrithik and Aish, and Abhishek was simply an object who was chasing them. Considering Abhi was simply superb and rocked throughout his entire part (particularly the climax), it was surprising to discover that his role was not given the importance it deserved. In fact it is disappointing that first Karan Johar gave him the second lead (KANK), and now it is the Yash Raj camp treating him the same. I mean come on, we all know he is the top actor right now. So why not consider this and give him more footage. I hope GURU gives him that chance to create histrionics to the fullest.
Overall, DHOOM 2 is a strictly average product. I know I am the first one to hurt its rating from 100%. But hey, a lot of people will soon be joining me by the sound of it. I mean not too many people were pleased with the final outcome once the screening concluded here in the Overseas. So I guess there should be little expected out of the less urban audiences in the local market. In short, a movie that has opened undoubtedly to packed houses, DHOOM 2 will race towards the hit status fairly quickly despite its heavy budget. However, it will always be considered a case where technique and past laurels overpowered the presence of a creative storyline. Once again, STRICTLY OKAY!
