|
 |
 |
 |
| |
|
|
By Taran Adarsh, February 11, 2005 - 16:21 IST
Sometimes, misleading promotion can send out wrong signals. When you saunter into the auditorium screening CHAAHAT - EK NASHA, you expect to watch a sleazy fare, with skin show dominating the film.
CHAAHAT - EK NASHA has its share of titillation -- in fact, the film starts with Preeti Jhangiani's pelvic thrusts -- but in actuality, the film is more of a love story with emotions aplenty.
CHAAHAT - EK NASHA is also the story of a fading star [ABHIMAAN, DARMIYAAN]. Strangely, the makers chose to promote it as a sleaze fest!
Mallika [Manisha Koirala], a pop star, is in love with Rahul [Aryan Vaid], the owner of R.K. Music, a leading music company. He also loves her from the core of his heart. However, when he proposes marriage to her, she politely turns down the offer saying that she doesn't believe in wedlock.
Mallika is of the view that the moment a couple gets married, love-n-affection glides away from their lives. Though she is physically attached to Rahul, she doesn't want to tie the knot.
The story takes a turn with the downfall of Mallika. Her albums continue to fail and she's referred to as a 'has-been'. Rahul launches a newcomer Rashmi [Preeti Jhangiani], an aspiring singer and dancer, in his new music album. Rashmi's album proves a big hit and she becomes a star overnight. Rahul gets attracted to her and she too loses her heart to him. Rahul decides to marry her.
When truth dawns upon Mallika, she is shattered. It's an emotional shock to her. After a while, she tells Rahul that she's ready to marry him, but Rahul has already committed to Rashmi.
To start with, CHAAHAT - EK NASHA has nothing fresh to offer in terms of content. It's old wine packaged in a new avtaar.
Despite the shortcoming, director Jaiprakash packs in several twists and turns in the first half. The rise and fall of Mallika, Mallika turning down the marriage proposal, Rahul launching the album with Rashmi, their love affair, Mallika feeling the pinch… The incidents in the first half, though repetitive, don't give the viewer much time to think.
With so much happening in the first half, you expect the post-interval portions to be racy as well. But the story comes to a screeching halt in this half. The goings-on unfold in a predictable fashion and also take a long time to reach the crescendo. And by the time the film reaches its climax, the viewer has already lost interest in the enterprise.
Post-interval, there are several unwanted scenes. For instance, the comedy track between Sayaji Shinde, Snehal Dabhi and an aspiring actor imitating Bachchan should be deleted instantly. In fact, the comedy looks like a forced ingredient in the film.
Even Manisha's alchoholic act looks weird. And the intimate moments between Aryan and Preeti don't excite at all. Also, Sharad Kapoor's one-sided affection for Manisha is lacklustre.
Director Jaiprakash has handled some dramatic sequences well, but he should've ensured that the script is captivating in the second half. Music is quite good, but the non-promotion makes the effort go waste. Cinematography is functional.
Manisha Koirala appears disinterested and runs through her role mechanically. Aryan Vaid flaunts his physique throughout. As an actor, he shows improvement over his debut film MARKET. Preeti Jhangiani is competent. Her dare-bare look is sure to be noticed. Sharad Kapoor wears one expression throughout. Govind Namdeo is as usual. Sayaji Shinde and Snehal Dabhi go overboard.
On the whole, CHAAHAT - EK NASHA doesn't have much to offer.
 
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
