Dostana is just the break we've all needed. In a year dominated by well-executed realism and brainless, mindless comedies - one does need the masala entertainer we've all been yearning for. Dostana is modern, sarcastic, absolutely hilarious but has a heart which is definitely in the right place.
Featuring brilliant cinematography, excellent costumes, buff bods, nice acting, fantastic music and top-notch execution - Dostana is one funny treat everyone just wants to sink their teeth into!
The first half is absolutely hilarious - the second half more tender and serious. Although the second half features some truly touching moments and showcases a climax which exhibits changed cinema - the moments in the first half are what makes this film a touch above the rest. Kirron Kher's entrance, Boman Irani's rib-tickling acts and Abhishek's story of him and John met in Venice is something audiences ought to carry home and cherish for a long, long time.
Not everything is perfect though. The film could've done with an extra wave of the editor's wand as right towards the last moment - you begin to feel restless. However, with that flaw put aside, director Tarun Mansukhani has produced a bright, funny and positively scintillating watch which could easily pass as the best, commercial film of 2008.
What I liked about the movie:
Almost everything. Abhishek Bachchan delivers one brilliant performance. His body language in the first half is amazing, his emotions better in the second. John Abraham is excellent. He looks good and has truly carved a niche for himself with this film. Priyanka Chopra gets better and better with every scene. She not only looks out of this world, but gives a very natural performance which adds oomph to the emotional proceedings. Bobby Deol does not have a role to portray histrionics and therefore his acting is relegated to the backseat - he is however, mildly effective. Kirron Kher is absolutely HILARIOUS, ditto for Sushmita Mukherjee and Boman Irani. Music by Vishal-Shekhar is THE BEST of 2008 and the beautiful locales shot by Ayananka Bose make Dostana a very good looking experience. Technically, the film is excellent. Dialogues by Anvita Dutt Guptan are simple, supple and avoid the usual love triangle/rectangle cliches. A winner all the way.
What I didn't like about the movie:
The editing becomes complacent and could've been better. It is good no doubt as majority of the film is worth an ovation- but the lengthy second half isn't doing the film any favours.
Would you recommend this movie to your friend: Yes
