The Rainmaker

Movie : Kurbaan
Language : Hindi
Date : 21,Nov. 2009

Review
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Some movies try to be so serious on the theme that it leaves you wanting for some entertainment by the end of it. Renzil Di Silva's directorial debut 'Kurbaan' is one such movie. It addresses the issue of terrorism, revenge, punishing the innocents in the name of 'Jihad' and about the American Invasion of the Muslim world. All these issues are addressed without shying away but the way it has been shown leaves you wanting for some fresh air and entertainment.

Sparkling Moments - Few and far in-between
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'Kurbaan' has some sparking moments on screen. Though you expect it to happen, the chilling sequence when Khalid aka Ehsaan (Saif Ali Khan) reveals his identity to Avantika (Kareena) after she sees their crime, is a wonderfully handled sequence. Also, the classroom session by Ehsaan in to which Riyaz (Vivek) walks in for a debate. The explosions involving flight and subways etc have been convincingly shown.

Kareena - Saif - Vivek
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Kareena puts in a strong performance as Avantika. From a girl who tries to explore the world of criminals to a lover haplessly admitting her being cheated, Kareena excels in the best role of the movie. Though her character goes in to a dip at certain portions of the movie, hers is easily the performance of the movie.
Saif puts in a performance with lots of restrain but looks aged in the initial portions. Saif's performance at best can be termed as above average. Vivek also is good in some sequences and average in others. Especially his forced accent sounds plastic.

Negatives
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Renzil has been able to produce a fairly engaging fare up until the intermission but after that its a down hill graph with some interesting moments here and there. Perhaps better direction could have saved the movie.
From the moment Vivek tries to explore the terrorists by joining their gang, the movie goes in to unwanted territory. And with such a serious theme at hand, such escapades make viewers loose interest. As every character in the movie starts turning out to be a terrorist, one is looking else where for some fresh air and entertainment. By the end of it, who cares what happens to the mission or these characters.
Music is not importantly handled. 'Shukran' is the only track that leaves an impression. Even the seductive song by Kareena seems forced upon.

In short, 'Kurbaan' is an average fare becasue of being too serious about its subject. Its not boring to death but one doesn't feel interested beyond a point.

Verdict - 2.5/5 as Rating
Average as Opinion.

Kurbaan - Some movies are written so seriously, one just desires for some fresh air.