Bollywood film review: Kurbaan (15) ****

Nov 27 2009 Film reivew by Manish Gajjar

THE film is directed by Rensil D’Silva and stars Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Om Puri, Vivek Oberoi.

The plot is based in New York and features a psychology lecturer Avantika (Kareena), who comes to Delhi to be with her ailing father.

She gets a temporary teaching contract at the Delhi University where she meets Professor Ehsaan (Saif).

Initial sparks between the two, soon turns to friendship and love.

But when Avantika is requested to return to New York for the new semester, Ehsaan agrees to go with her only if they get married.

They start their married life on American soil and find a place to live, in an Asian neighbourhood occupied by conservative, sullen Muslims.

But Avantika is unaware that these people have been victims of the American war against terrorism.

When she discovers the existence of a sleeper terrorist cell in operation, Avantika is sucked into a vortex of danger and intrigue.

As her life spirals out of control, Avantika realises that she is merely a pawn in a huge deadly game. Riaz (Vivek) a television reporter, is the only one she can trust in this tension filled drama.

D’Silva makes a power-pack debut as a director with this fast paced, slick thriller. He effectively portrays the social issues associated with terrorism but remains neutral throughout. He gives birth to a new breed of budding young directors not scared of working outside Bollywood norms of song and dance melodramas.

Thanks to producer Karan Johar’s uncompromised effort; Kurbaan has that classy Hollywood feel to it.

It has it all – love, suspense, drama, action with enough twists keeping you engrossed from beginning to end.

From stylish cinematography, Salim-Sulaiman’s haunting musical score, down to the film’s well-etched American extras, it is evident that great detailing has gone into its making.

Kurbaan is a gripping and powerful motion picture to come out of Bollywood due to D’Silva’s skilful direction. A must-watch!