|
 Teaming
two superstars [Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan] in
your directorial debut is as good as impossible.
Opting for a novel story -- the relationship between a
spirit and a mortal -- is an equally big challenge.
Really, it requires courage to make a film that defies
the stereotype, yet is seeped in emotions that work
with the Indian junta. Vivek Sharma's first outing
BHOOTHNATH is a simple story, well told and that's why
it works!
Aimed at kids between 6 and 60, BHOOTHNATH relies on
the belief that has been passed on to us through
generations: Aatma amar hain.
Write your own movie review of Bhoothnath
Let's get a few things straight at the very outset.
BHOOTHNATH is not an eerie experience [it does have a
few moments though]. It's more of a kiddie film with a
strong undercurrent of emotions. In fact, the bonding
between the spirit and the kid makes you smile, even
laugh at times and most importantly, makes you
moist-eyed at two vital points of this 2.08 hour film.
One of the prime reasons why BHOOTHNATH works, besides
the above-mentioned reasons, is due to the right
casting. The story rests on two shoulders -- the
experienced [Bachchan] and the raw talent [Aman
Siddiqui] -- and both shoulder the responsibility
beautifully, both compliment each other wonderfully
well and make it a must-see experience.
You forget most films the moment you step out of the
cineplex. But there're films that remain etched in
your memory for their simplicity. BHOOTHNATH is one of
those films. Go for it!
This is a story of a seven-year-old naughty yet
innocent boy, who unknowingly turns a foe into a
friend. This is a story of Banku [Aman Siddiqui] and
his friend, Kailash Nath aka Bhoothnath [Amitabh
Bachchan].
 Banku's
family [SRK, Juhi Chawla] comes to live in a mansion
in Goa, considered haunted after the demise of the
patriarch of the family. The spirit uses every rule in
the book to scare the kid, but the kid is unaffected
by it all. Slowly, a bond develops between the two.
The story takes a turn when Kailash Nath's son [Priyanshu]
decides to sell off the mansion.
Debutante director Vivek Sharma's fundas are clear.
Emphasize on substance, not as much on style. 15
minutes into the film and you know that the director
doesn't believe in Russian angles or fancy camera
wizardry to create the spooky effect. Sure, BHOOTHNATH
begins as a spooky fare, but changes lanes the moment
the spirit and the kid become buddies.
For most parts, BHOOTHNATH is aimed at the kids. The
portions in the classroom/school, the interaction with
the school principal [Satish Shah], the game of
one-upmanship between the kids brings the kid out of
you.
Vivek Sharma reserves the best during the intermission
point as also the climax. The unanticipated accident
minutes before the intermission and the emotional
moments that follow are brilliantly executed. Ditto
for the penultimate 20 minutes, right up to a pooja
being organized to 'free' the spirit. Simply
outstanding! In fact, the emotional quotient takes the
graph of the film to an altogether different level.
Any shortcoming? Oh yes! Vishal-Shekhar's music is
outright tacky. Either the duo is disinterested or
they've run out of stock already. This is the second
film in a row [after TASHAN] where the music composers
fail in their jobs. The film deserved a better musical
score and also composers who have the range to exhibit
their talent.
 Director
Vivek Sharma's choice of the subject as also his
handling of a number of scenes deserves brownie
points. Besides being a good storyteller, Vivek has
also extracted a striking performance from the child
artiste. The film would've fallen like a pack of cards
if Bachchan would've performed and the kid wouldn't.
Another aspect that deserves mention is visual
effects. The effects gel beautifully with the
goings-on. Cinematography is consistent.
BHOOTHNATH belongs to Amitabh Bachchan and Aman
Siddiqui, both. Bachchan continues to surprise you in
every film. Any other actor would've been exhausted by
now. Not Bachchan. Here's another noteworthy
performance by the master actor! The child artiste,
Aman, is adorable and a complete natural as far as
acting goes. He stands up to Bachchan at every step
and that itself is worthy of the highest award.
SRK's there for a good 20/25 minutes. He's excellent.
Juhi is first-rate. Satish Shah will be loved by the
kids. Rajpal Yadav is wasted. Priyanshu leaves a
strong impression in the latter reels. Aashish
Chowdhary and Nauheed Cyrusi are okay.
On the whole, BHOOTHNATH is a well-told story that has
all it takes to appeal to kids and kids at heart,
besides striking a chord with the families. Has the
merits and potential to end the dry spell at the
box-office.
Rating * * * *
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