KURBAAN (2009)

I have read two positive reviews about the film from two leading newspapers’ film critics; Nikhat Kazmi of Times of India & Shubhra Gupta of Indian Express. After watching the film, I feel cheated by their reviews; it would be better if I should rely somebody from our community than these so called reviewers.

The major problem with the film is it’s predictability of story penned by Karan Johar. Same can be said about Rensil De’silva’s screenplay and debut direction, Anurag Kashyap’s so clumsy dialogues. It is acceptably true that bollywood film is like a plate of all tastes and Karan exactly done that while dealing with the subject of Islmic fundamentalism driven terrorism and the role played by moderate and fanatic Muslim. We’ve seen recently ‘New York’ and it’s surely better film than this. He blended ingredients of romance to lure the audience with steamy scenes of on/off screen chemistry of Saif-Kareena, the setting of US to lure NRI audience and used almost all cliché of bollywood. But when both story & screenplay lack the strength nothing seems perfect.

Saif- Kareena tried to pull the film with whatever on their platter but you don’t identify characters when you end up the film. Vivek Oberoi failed to deliver something out of box with his helpless flat expressions and act. Om Puri is utter waste. They all seems so flat characters except Kiron Kher who saved the grace being in the skin of Afghani mother. The film neither sensibly highlighted the theme of its serious subject nor give us feel of watching some sleek thriller. I end up watching it as just a mediocre product.

Neither Hollywood nor Bollywood films focused the truth and root of Post 9/11 Muslim anger and atrocities while equally emphasizing voice of moderate Muslim. Surprisingly it comes from the most unusual country. If you have seen thought provoking pakistani film ‘Khuda Kay Liye’, directed by Shoaib Mansoor, you would know what I mean. Another recommendation is Oscar winning documentary ‘Taxi to the Dark Side’. Both of them are essentially recommended for all those who need deeper analysis of the subject.

Ratings- 5/10