Movie Review of : Ra.One

Rating:*** (3.5)

Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Shahana Goswami, Armaan Verma

Direction: Anubhav Sinha

Genre: Sci-fci

Duration: 2 hours 35 minutes

Story: Goofy gaming expert, Shekhar Subramaniam (Shah Rukh Khan) wants to be a super hero for his son Prateik (Armaan Verma). But his young son, like all young sons, thinks super villans are more cool. So Shekhar creates the ultimate clash of good against evil by pitting a very powerful anti-hero Ra-One against a seemingly less potent good guy. But can the good guys ever lose?

Movie Review: Rajnikant's Robot may have pre-dated it, but Ra-One does manage to hold despite the larger-than-life quality of Rajni's antics as Chitti. Here, Shah Rukh Khan does the train walk sideways and he does it rather well. And if that is not enough, the two desi sci fi heroes have a split second encounter on the streets of Mumbai, with Rajni saar showing off his flying googles act and SRK replicating it with elan. Twin Rascals!

Ra-One works on several accounts. First because it has some interesting clashes betwen G-One, the good robot(Shah Rukh Khan) and Ra-One, the bad robot, who can take the form of anyone he wants. Secondly, the bond that G-One develops with the family he is supposed to protect, Kareena and her young son Prateik, is warm and winsome. There is also a lot of wit thrown in here and there in the screenplay, specially when the film concentrates on the geeky and loving Subramaniam's family dinners. And finally it is the excellently sung and choreographed Chammak-Challo number which keeps the mercury rising to unprecendented heights.

The film falls back in the emotional quotient. Understandably, robots have no feelings, but remember, even the steely Terminator managed to have a very special relationship with the mom and her messiah son. Also, considering so much money has been poured into the film, the special effects and the hi-tech gadgetry lacks the glitzy feel of Hollywood sci-fi. In some places, it even gets somewhat tacky with all those flying cars hurtling into nowhere and the digital game screen going gaudy in orange.

Small quibbles, actually, since Ra-One is sure to usher in a crackling Diwali at the box office and give the audience paisa vasool entertainment, with fine performances by both Shah Rukh and Kareena. Even young Armaan is efficient. Go have a blast.

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I haven't lost faith in love: Shahid

The past two years have been one roller-coaster ride for Shahid Kapoor — on a professional high in one instant, on a personal low in the next. Even in 2009, it is promising to see Shahid on a high, both personally and professionally. “Yes, life’s good and I am really enjoying this phase of my life,” says the actor.
After all, it’s hard not to be happy when you’ve been voted the youth icon in an online poll, got six films in hand and a bagful of endorsements. All that in spite of missing from the scene for almost a year now. “I’m all set to make up for my long absence. Being voted as a youth icon is both an honour and very encouraging too. The year has begun on a good note and I don’t want to look back at all,” says Shahid flashing a smile that convinces you that Kareena Kapoor’s indeed a thing of the past. And, never mind that, the duo only recently completed the dubbing for Milenge Milenge, the film that the two had shot when still a couple, Shahid insists he’s moved on and is happy for Bebo too.

However, what he’s not been able to put behind him are the rumours of numerous link-ups, the latest one being with hottie Priyanka Chopra, his co-star in Kaminey. “Well, what can I say? It’s very sweet of people to keep linking me up with somebody or the other. I think they just hate to see me single,” laughs Bollywood’s Prince Charming.

Has the past experience left a bitter taste? “Life throws googlies at you. You catch some, you miss some! But, I haven’t lost faith in love. I am like any normal guy. I would love to fall in love again. But, as of now, I am single,” Shahid sets the record straight. And adds quickly, “I would rather have people talk about my work.”

That shouldn’t be difficult considering his interesting line-up of work — Vishal Bharadwaj’s Kaminey, that sees him play a double role for the first time; Ken Ghosh’s dance film; Yash Chopra’s untitled where he’s paired opposite Rani Mukerji; Ahmed Khan’s Paathshala in which he’s done a cameo; and finally his dad Pankaj Kapoor’s directorial venture. “I am nervous about that one,” he says.
Looking fitter than ever before, and his shirt giving away the slightest indication of the eight-packs he’s been hiding under it, Shahid insists that it’s got nothing to do with hitching on the eight-pack bandwagon. “I’ve always been keen to experiment with my looks as well as my characters on screen, but it’s only of late, that I’ve finally got a chance to do so. And, I’m making the most of it,” says the actor, who’s unwary of moving away from his romantic hero-image.

The young heart-throb is also unfazed when it comes to competition that the new talent coming in every year brings with it, and the over-forty-six-pack-brigade that seems to have almost turned back time. “For me, the only competition every actor has is from his own self and his last performance. As long as an actor’s improving, he’s on his way up already. The seniors have set the bars so high that it’ll ensure that only the best and the most deserving make it to the top. So, more than pressure, it’s inspiring. And I’m really looking forward to this journey,” smiles Shahid. And, it looks exciting.

(Courtesy: The Times of India)

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