Agent Vinod is a long gestating vanity project of its star, but for all the time invested, it should have been better. Saif Ali Khan plays a globe-trotting secret agent, combing the arms dealing underworld for a suitcase bomb. At least, we don’t have to go into total withdrawal. No film at the Galaxy was louder than a Bollywood musical. And, even though shoved into the farthest auditorium, instead of the pride of place at Indian cinema’s former home, a scene filled with emotional dialogue was inevitably drowned out by the explosions in the adjoining room. But, since there is only standard multiplex snack bar fare, no chai, no samosas, maybe it’s just as well. There is no intermission (the title flashed on the screen, the audience stood up and then sat down again as the film continued without pause). It’s the beginning of new era for Triangle lovers of South Asian film, as the closing of the Galaxy has shifted the subcontinent’s offerings to the Regal Cary Crossroads.
Is it my imagination, or is there a spark missing? He never had to kiss Kajol, Rani, Juhi or Priety to convince us he was mad about them. Paired with it girl Katrina Kaif, he kisses his leading lady for the first time in a 20 year film career. JTHJ is the final film directed by Bollywood legend Yash Chopra (who died only a few weeks ago) to whom SRK owes much of his global fame, and it is a satisfying return to form. After a hiatus of trying to convince us that he would be just as good as a superhero, a gangster or a mentally handicapped activist, SRK returns to his strength, as the King of Romance. Why does this man have a death wish? Since he’s Shah Rukh Khan, the answer has to be a woman. Jab Tak Hai Jaan ( As Long As I Live) Major Samar Anand meticulously defuses terrorist bombs without using body armor. Aamir is extraordinary, with a silent film actor’s ability to allow you to read his thoughts, he, Rani, Kareena, and all the sharply drawn characters, carry Talaash to its chilling conclusion. A Western style thriller (the songs are used as underscore) it vibrates with evocative locations in Mumbai as well as strong emotions. It is the best mainstream Bollywood movie of the year. Talaash is mentored by the madly talented Akhtar siblings, Farhan and Zoya, and its star, and directed by Reema Kagti. Surjan’s alienation is submerging his marriage to Roshni (Rani Mukherji) while Rosie (Kareena Kapoor) an enigmatic prostitute linked to the investigation, urges him to drown his sorrow in passion. But, Inspector Surjan Shekhawat (Aamir Khan) is also drowning, in grief, after his young son’s death in a boating accident. That’s how a victim dies at the beginning of Talaash, when a car careens into the ocean. Hindi Film Reviews 2011 * Hindi Film Reviews 2010 Reviews of current Bollywood films as they appeared in the Independent