Okay, If you are one of those who haven't seen the movie but are
writing funny updates, crappy comments, are indulging in SRK bashing,
please continue the same but would suggest you to watch the movie as
well. Also, I am not at an SRK fan and believe that he should stick to
his Rahul/Raj stints in KJo movies, but still its not AS BAD as you
would have thought. It IS a bad movie with overdose of SuperSRKism all
over, preaches throughout most length, runs amok all over, is not
focused and is totally confused, bad acting, pathetic background score,
is stuck in the 70s, tries very hard to make you laugh though is
unsuccesful etc etc, BUT it is a very brave attempt and atleast on the
technology front it doesn't disgrace us on an international platform.
The movie had its soul in the right place, has a strong plot but
honestly SRK screwed a 'could have been a decent' movie. Ignore the
emotional drama, pathetic jokes and most importantly SRK himself, and
you would be a bit less disappointed.
First and the
foremost, Ii am not going to indulge in mindless criticism of the movie
and would also discuss its positives as well, Yes Surprisingly the movie
is not as bad as you would have heard and has some positives too.
Secondly, i must clarify that I had absolutely no plans to watch this
movie, but was curious after reading soo many people criticizing it. It
was as if it had become fashionable to criticize it suddenly (Just like
it was fashionable to praise Salman after dabangg or to share Rajni
Jokes), so i thought i must watch it to atleast make an informed call or
atleast have a point of view that's mine rather than borrowed.
The
good part is that It is definitely a pretty decent attempt especially
in the visual effects department. It is not comparable to the avatars of
the world, but definitely is 'coming of age' for bollywood atleast in
VFX part. When comparing with hollywood mainstream sci fi, you need to
keep in mind that Avatar spend $250 million and Ra.One has spent less
than 10% of the same and for that price, its definitely value for money.
Though i do hope that SRK would have had a collaboration in hollywood
for this project and had made a bigger hollywood movie rather than
making it an 'Indian' movie.
All of us are bashing it coz
of its pathetic direction, SRK's over the top antics and boring
narration, but may be we are making a very wrong assumption. May be the
movie is ONLY about special effects, so that the VFX division of Red
Chillies Entertainment, gets more business tomorrow. To ensure that
every sci fi/action flick being planned in India, gives it business to
them in the future given their quality of work in Ra.One. May be SRK
didn't want to spend time/money/resources in making a work of art, but
only show VFX prowess at this division. To me that's a successful
attempt, in that case.
Arjun Rampal is one of the meanest
villains you would have seen in this decade in bollywood and absolutely
rocks whenever he is on screen. Songs are catchy. (As already
mentioned) Special Effects are definitely a plus given bollywood
standards. Action and the overall production feel is at par with
hollywood.
Now coming to the point, you all must be
waiting for. The Bashing. The biggest problem with the movie is SRK
himself. He just cannot get over his larger than life superstar image or
get out of his Rahul/Raj comfort zone or even when he tries he just has
his limitations as an actor, So even when he tries hard, it appears he
is hamming. It seems as if he is always playing himself in every damn
movie rather than being the 'character' and Ra.One is no different.
Every scene he bends his knee, stretches his arm and you are like ''shit
ya! not again, kya bakwaas hai'. You get irritated and the scene loses
its relevance so you don't really bother about the movie.
I
heard SRK mentioning in an Interview, that he wanted to prove to
hollywood that bollywood also is no less in terms of quality of movies
and he wants bollywood to command some respect even on International
front. I am afraid, that this does exactly the opposite for bollywood, I
am sure most of you would already be aware of the numerous references
to hollywood flicks. The Villain moves from a copy of Neo in Matrix to
Darth Vader from Star Wars. Sticks to Pole like Spiderman, Saves like
Batman, Enters and has a H.A.R.T like Iron man and so on and so forth.
I'm sure hollywood biggies would be laughing their asses off, while
watching these copy cat sequences. So What could have been a brave
attempt suddenly looks like a cheap rip-off. Also, there is too much of
emotional rona dhona, Mythological references, A robot developing the
emotional connect and falling in love BS, which almost irritates you
during the kick ass action sequences.
Overall: A Good
Attempt gone bad due to overdose of SRK-ism and trying too hard to copy
hollywood. But watchable for its coming of age (for Bollywood) Special
Effects and Arjun Rampal's Darth Vader'ish villain act.
Feel-O-Meter: 5/10