Finally, the much hyped and much awaited movie ‘Raees’, will be opened for public viewing tomorrow. The movie has been in news for its royal at the box-office with Hrithik-starrer ‘Kaabil’. Even though both the films belong to different genres, the controversy doesn’t seem to end.
The story of Raees, which is set against the backdrop of Gujarat of the 80’s and 90’s, is about a bootlegger named Raees (efficiently essayed by Shah Rukh), who, after starting with small jobs for a smuggler, aims big and achieves his dreams. While, on one hand there is love and romance in Raees’s life, thanks to his girlfriend Asiya (Mahira Khan), there are also some hurdles waiting to be crossed in form of the don’s competitors and the main spoke in the wheel, ACP Jaideep Ambalal Majumdar (Nawzuddin Siddiqui, once again in top form), who wants to destroy the empire of Raees Khan’s illegal liquor business. The confrontation between the law maker and the law breaker is what forms the crux of the balance plot.
Performances!
Shah Rukh, sans his usual love boy mannerisms, is a treat to watch. In spite of his advancing age, he looks convincing enough in his action sequences. Nawzuddin, who is maturing like an old wine with each movie of his, has done a commendable job as the no-nonsense cop. Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has justified her character as Asiya, love interest of Shah Rukh Khan. The supporting star-cast like Atul Kulkarni, Sheeba Chadha and Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub have managed to make an impact in their brief roles.
Direction and music
Director Rahul Dholakia, known for his hard hitting films like ‘Parzania’ and ‘Lamha’, has attempted a commercial subject this time and has succeeded in making a typical commercial potboiler. The music by Ram Sampath, as expected from an action based movie, is nothing great except for a song or two which are hummable. Public is looking forward to the hot and sexy item number by Sunny Leone and it might add to the positives of the movie.
Technicalities
Production elements are superb, be it background score or be it action scenes. Choreography and punch dialogues are like cherry on the cake. These attractions on the technical front give one more reason to get an edge over Kaabil.
Verdict
‘Raees’, may prove to be the film for Shah Rukh, who has been eluded by success since his last three releases namely ‘Fan’, ‘Dilwale’ and ‘Dear Zindagi’. 4 stars is what the movie should be getting considering all these aspects. There is no single reason why you must miss out on this movie. The cat-mouse fight is highlighting and great performances by Mahira and Zeeshan have left a wonderful impression. SRK will do the best this time, something which the fans have been waiting since a long time.
RVCJ gave 4.5 stars to Kaabil and 4 stars to Raees; this means Hrithik is already leading the race, but this doesn’t mean that the SRK starrer is bad. It is equally good; there’s just some difference in the acting and the curiosity factor.
Go and watch both the movies!