Emraan Hashmi is going through an interesting phase with all his recent films achieving the ‘Hit’ and even ‘Super-Hit’ status. But the newly-released Rush turns out to be a blot in his otherwise great going career. The film’s promotions failed to create impact and viewers too have shunned the film. And rightly so! Rush had an ordinary story, beaten to death hundred times, but still the content was tight and the emphasis on irresponsible journalism could have turned Rush into a taut thriller. Sadly, all gets messed up.
The story of the movie: Sam Grover (Emraan Hashmi) is ousted from Pulse 365 news channel after a sensational story done by him goes all wrong. The same day, he’s approached by Lisa Kapoor (Neha Dhupia), from Crime 24, with an attractive and too-good-to-be-true job package. With no other alternative and with pending credit card bills and house rent, Sam accepts it and is made the editor-in-chief of Crime 24. He gets impressed by the founder of Crime 24, Roger Khanna (Aditya Pancholi) and desires to have a king-sized life like him. Life’s going great for Sam until one day he stumbles upon some shocking and unbelievable truth about Crime 24.
Though the basic plot of Rush is similar to many films – an honest person bedazzled by the ways of the rich gets into a trap, her girlfriend/wife shunning him and he running from cops and goons to prove his innocence – it was widely speculated pre-release that Rush is another version of Kunal Khemu-starrer Blood Money. And indeed both the films have an eerie similarity but Rush has more uncanny resemblance with Zayed Khan-Vivek Oberoi starrer Mission Istaanbul which also dealt with a fishy news channel. But putting aside the similarities, Rush did have a great plot in hand and begins well too. In fact, the initial 30 minutes was a total roller-coaster ride. Problems arise when viewers are presented with two songs almost back-to-back – Mumkin Nahin and Chup Chup Ke – that thwart the narrative. The other two songs, in the second half – Fukraa and O Re Khuda – too slows down the film. Moreover, the film was shot way back in 2008 and after 90-95% shoot was completed, the shooting was stalled. Only the songs remained to be shot. Unfortunately, in 2010, the director of the film, Shamin Desai, who was suffering from cancer, passed away. The remaining part of the film was then completed by his wife, Priyanka Thakran. The songs were shot early this year. Now, Emraan’s look in the film (French-bearded) is drastically different from his present-day look and hence, in-your-face-continuity-issues arise during the songs. Moreover, were so many songs really necessary? Was Shamin in favour of the songs? If no, then is it fair to say that the work of the late director has been tampered with?
Emraan Hashmi as always plays his part sincerely. He looks cool in the new look and delivers a flawless performance. Neha Dhupia was the apt as the seductress…the actress sets the screen on fire with her bold avatar! Aditya Pancholi as always shines in the negative role. Sagarika Ghatge (Ahana) as Sam’s girlfriend looks lovely and was good in the supporting role. Shishir Sharma (Ashok Mehra, Sam’s boss in Pulse 365) was impressive. Murli Sharma (Prince) was in terrific form while Rahul Singh (Cuzo) was decent. Film also features Anuj Tikku (son of Arun Tikku who was murdered earlier this year) as Sam’s colleague (along with Shivani Tengsale Kamyani). Both were okay in their small roles and so was Alekh Sangal (Raikin).
Pritam’s music was alright but was unwarranted for, in a fast-paced thriller like Rush. Songs in fact are beautifully picturized (especially Mumkin Nahin) but was just not needed in a film like this. Tanuj Tiku’s background score was in sync with the mood of the film. Shamin Desai and Sanjay Masoom’s dialogues were sharp at places. Shamin Desai’s story was nothing new but was apt for today’s times when irresponsible journalism is on the rise and viewers too have become insensitive when it comes to watching crime-based news. The film starts off so well (Sam interviewing Prince) but falls as the film progresses. Songs further ruin things but even putting the songs aside, the happenings in the second half failed to excite. The climax was too convenient and Sam emerges victorious quite easily. Surely, more drama, action and edge-of-the-seat moments could have been added as the film did have scope.
On the whole, Rush does have something meaningful to say in today’s times where ‘Breaking News’ rules. But the treatment (esp in second half) and songs ruin things. The film has had a disastrous start and is the lowest opener of Emraan Hashmi in recent times. Unfortunate!
https://fenilandbollywood.com/2012/10/28/movie-review-rush-by-fenil-seta/