'Anti Men' - that's what the slogan for this film should have been - well I guess if you have a host of women leading the credits what more could you possibly ask for ? Personally I think more women should step into filmdom - this film is truly an example of what they are capable of - it is clearly obvious that this film is made straight from the heart.
The story is fairly simple. Twins, Naina and Sonia (both played by Kajol) live a happy and content life with their mother (Tanvi Azmi) and younger sister. While Sonia is extremely outspoken and confident,
Naina is shy and reserved. This hunky-dory state of affairs soon comes to an end when Sonia is brutally raped and murdered by a deranged and malicious postman,
Gokul (Ashutosh Rana).
Naina seeks justice but the law seems helpless and is unable to find suitable evidence
to sentence Gokul.
Now Naina aims to overcome her fears
and learns the art of self defence from a retired major (Sanjay Dutt).
Thus begins the dangerous and ongoing battle between a meek and unconfident woman and a crazed maniac....
Other than a fairly week screenplay and an uneccessary fight at the end this movie shines in every department.
The film belongs entirely to Kajol. She stuns the audience with an electrifying performance both as the ambitious young woman and the avenging angel. She really is
one of the best actresses of our time and belongs to the Shabana Azmi - Smita Patil mould. It's good to see Sanjay Dutt play second fiddle to a woman. His presence is abbreviated but he is
also good as the the blind and casual major. Ashutosh Rana makes a very impressive debut - his menacing performance as the sex crazed postman is one of the highlights of the film.
Model Jas Arora
doesn't have much to do but Kunal Khemu and Tanvi Azmi provide good support.
Direction by Tanuja Chandra is first rate and music by Uttam Singh is melodious with 'Awaaz Do Humko' and 'Pyaar Ko Ho Jane Do'. The songs are well picturised in South Africa. But aside all these minor strengths the movie is worth watching for Kajol alone - she's simply mind blowing in it.
Rating:
