Raqeeb-Expect the unexpected. Review on Raqeeb

Director:Anurag Singh

producer: Raj Kanwar

cast:Rahul Khanna, Jimmy Shergill, Sharman Joshi, Tanushree Datta

Released:18th May 2007

Expect the unexpected…

This tagline suits 'RAQEEB' more than any Bopllywood film made in the recent time. Inspired by the Hollywood flick THE MURDER BY CHANCES, RAQEEB shocks you all the while – and that's where it scores!The movie may not be having any A list starcast in the credit but the major plus point is its script that keeps you hooked till the very end. The twists and turns in the second half, are actually the USP of this film.

'Raqeeb' tells the story of Sofie [Tanushree Dutta] a theater actress by profession. There is something about her that makes one attracted towards her but never judge a book by its cover.The men in her life are Sunny [Jimmy Sheirgill], Remo  [Rahul Khanna] and Sidharth [Sharman Joshi].

Sunny is a struggling film actor who is in love with Sofie. Sofie loves him too but his financial and social status come in the way of her love and she looks for someone who could get her all - money, name, fame and power.

Remo  is a software professional, who has achieved everything at a young age but lacked only one thing in his life -love  before he met -Sofie!

There is a little akwardness beween them in the beginning since their parents had died in the same a car accident and  Rahul's parents were the ones responsible for the death of Sofie's parents. The issue is sorted out and the two are soon man and wife!Sidharth is the man whom Remo trusts most.

Soon Sunny resurfaces into their lives and Sofie starts feeling the same love for him as she earlier had. An extra marital affair for her begins and soon she finds herself at a point of no return. Together they now wanted to live a life together but there was one stumbling block - Remo!

The only possible solution for them to be with each other is Remo's murder. And now they planto execute this crime!

That is far from the end let alone the middle of the film and what unfolds are a number of twists of turns, which deserve to be kept secret for the sake of this review and for the film itself.

Especially Second half is a thrill ride, with plenty of guesses as to what's going to happen next. Who is the main convict? Who's the villain actually? How will the film culminate?… The edge-of-the-seat thriller keeps you glued till the last frame.

Anurag Singh and Raj Kanwar deserve full marks for opting for a subject that has not been attempted on the Hindi screen before. Their handling of a couple of sequences deserves distinction marks.

On the flip side, the film could've done without a lengthy second half and the forced comedy track .Also the mediocre songs do not sound any better on the big screen but "jaane kaise' is nicely placed.

Of the cast it is Sharman Joshi who truly delivers. He is given the best role and he handles it with an elan .Another feather in his cap after last weeks LIFE IN A METRO.

Tanushree looks terrific and does a fine job!Rahul Khanna is his usual self, fulfilling the role´s requirements to the T. Jimmy Shergill proves his mettle in a negative role .

Overall the movie may fare well with audience who like suspense thrillers .