Action Replayy (2010)

Is there more to Vipul Shah’s take on Back To The Futuresque film than just the item number ‘Zor Ka Jhatka’, or is Aishwarya looking attractive in a jumpsuit all that we can look forward to? All these questions and more can and will be answered by watching Action Replayy (AR), the latest work of the man who has brought us films like Aankhen, London Dreams, and Namastey London.

AR is a film about, it seems, marital disputes and the affect they can have on the offspring. In Bunty’s (Aditya Kapur) case, the effect is that of him never wanting to get married. His parents’ fights aren’t just arguments that end in one or the other making up with their partner, but rather with Akshay Kumar becoming more long-suffering and Aishwarya Rai shopping some more. Speaking of whom, it was a good call to style her as a tricked out older woman rather than a sad woman trapped in a bad marriage with her roots showing. Score a point for the stylist of the film. Speaking of which…

AR builds a lot of its foundation on the fact that it is set in the ‘70s. The sets, with Mumbai spots being refurbished to look new (or to look like they exist again), are groovy. It’s always fun to watch a period piece, simply because it is interesting to note how many details from those times can be recreated, and for someone who has never been to India except for the old family photos and old Hindi cinema, AR is a treat to watch as it creates some of that ambience you see in older Indian films. Old Indian movies always featured those old Ambassadors and the homes that just somehow look different from the houses we are used to seeing now, and the essence of another time is captured well in AR.

Then there are the costumes. They might not be exactly what the girls wore back in the day, but they are strongly based on the idea of what they did wear, only seemingly more stylish somehow, which means the clothes have somewhat been played with to appeal to the sensibilities of a new century.

Also, how can anyone resist a film with time travel (as in the Back To The Future trilogy?) Or a really not so serious take on sci-fi (as in Honey I Shrunk The Kids)? Both make for really good means to while away time, without having to invest too much of your brain into the plot, the character development or the subtle nuances of great cinema. Although BTTF was great cinema, no two ways about it. Anyway, AR does a lot of that pleasantly mindless entertainment thing, and though it sometimes seems like the film is being carried upon Aditya Kapur’s fairly new Bollywood existence, that’s not entirely a bad thing.

Aditya has previously starred in London Dreams, and has a pretty chunky role in AR. He is the son, the best friend and the cool guy who coaches his dad on how to be equally cool and win the heart of the object of his affection. Only in AR, Bunty, as the son has to first make his father think/ feel that the pretty girl next door, Mala, with the attributes of your local badmaash is in fact the object of his affection.

Mala, played by the stoniest woman known to mankind, Aishwarya Rai, actually manages to be…not so Aishwarya for once. Yes, the high pitched voice is in place, as is Aishwarya’s penchant to not look sad or affronted even when she is, but there are times she actually breaks out of all the usual trappings and really slides into her role of someone who enjoys picking on the effeminate Kishen (Akshay Kumar). This is Aishwarya’s other release this month, along with Guzaarish, and it seems that she is totally on an acting high with both, even though AR isn’t rated as high as Guzaarish.

Akshay Kumar is pretty funny as usual. His comic timing is excellent and he works well with Bunty’s character. The actors all play off each other and each one is endearing in their own way – even Neha Dhupia, who has perhaps the smallest part in the film.

That said, AR keeps up the humour factor pretty steadily except for the few times that it falters. The jokes are not Hera Pheri funny, but they still induce smiles and chuckles. AR builds itself a sweet momentum, but then doesn’t know where to go with it – Amina Baig

Rating – 3 out of 5

Cast and Production Credits

Year – 2010, Genre – Comedy/Drama, Country – India, Language – Hindi, Producer – Vipul Shah, Director – Vipul Shah, Music Director – Pritam Chakraborty, Cast - Akshay Kumar, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Randhir Kapoor, Neha Dhupia, Kiron Kher, Om Puri, Rannvijay Singh, Aditya Roy Kapoor, Sudeepa Singh, Rajpal Yadav

Tees Maar Khan (2010)

Tees Maar Khan has become one of the most-awaited films of the year for two good reasons. Firstly, it is directed by Farah Khan, who has earlier helmed Main Hoon Na and Om Shanti Om. Secondly, it has hot pair Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif in the lead roles. Now, curiosity around it has increased in manifold with the release of its trailer…

Yes, Tees Maar Khan trailer has hit the small screens and it looks wonderful as expected. Akshay is seen donning several avatars and Katrina looks glamorous. It promises fun and great chemistry from the lead pair.

Tees Maar Khan is the story of a half Robinhood. Akshay plays the role of a fearless and shameless criminal, who keeps the police on their toes. The film is scheduled for release this Christmas on December 24.

Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar’s stint as a deejay at a suburban club in Mumbai on Saturday night nearly ended in disaster. The star who was out to have fun at the club playing his favourite songs from the 1970s, ended up with injuries in his arms legs and back.

Mob fury beat down on Akshay, his co-star Aditya Roy Kapoor and director Vipul Shah when youngsters were not allowed to enter the jam-packed club. They vented their fury on the club-lobby, shattering the glass cases and breaking the furniture as Akshay and his team tried to make their get-away from the back entrance.

But to no avail. There were people jamming the backdoor too. Akshay, Vipul and Aditya had no choice but to push their way through the relatively smaller melee at the backdoor. In the bustle Akshay was injured.

Shudders Vipul, “It was a nightmare. It took us a good half an hour to make our way from the back entrance to Akshay’s car. By then the damage was done.”

Akshay has forbidden his colleagues who were with him on Saturday evening from talking about his injuries.

“Achcha nahin lagta. They were well-meaning fans,” Akshay reasons.

To recap to Saturday evening, Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Bachchan were supposed to act as deejays on Saturday night at the club Polyster. Aishwarya couldn’t make it. So Akshay braved the club armed with his favourite 1970s tracks including John Travolta’s Saturday Night Fever, ‘Jai Jai Shiv Shankar’ (Aap Ki Kasam), ‘La Bamba’ and ‘Tum Kya Jaano’ (Hum Kissise Kam Nahin).

Akshay was supposed to zip into the club, spend 20 minutes DJing and leave quickly before the crowds started swelling. He was in the club as part of a promotion for his new film Action Replayy.

But Akshay got greedy.

Says Vipul, “Akshay really began enjoying himself. Instead of 20 minutes, he stayed a good 45 minutes. By then the word had spread around the club that Akshay Kumar was the deejay of the evening. The club could hold around 400 people. We expected an additional 500 people.”

Within half an hour the crowd increased, with people trying to get into the Club.

Shudders Vipul, “The door of the club had to be shut. Those who couldn’t get in got restless and angry. They started breaking all the glass and furniture. We fled through the backdoor. But not before facing the mob at the back entrance.”

Looking back Vipul sighs, “Thank God Aishwarya couldn’t make it. I can’t begin to imagine what would’ve happened if she was present.”

Says Akshay, “Hota hai. It was good fun. I got to play my favourite John Travolta track. It’s a pity my event with John didn’t materialize. I was out of town when he was in Mumbai. And when I returned he had left Mumbai.”