|  Chori
Chori Movie Review
There are times when a good product suffers if not released
on time. The freshness is lost and the curiosity to
watch the film fizzles out. That's precisely the case
with CHORI CHORI, directed by Milan Luthria.
Ranbir [Ajay Devgan] is an architect
in a Delhi firm. He hails from Shimla, from one of the
most lovable, most loving families [Kamini Kaushal,
Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Tiku Talsania, Smita Jaykar].
Khushi [Rani Mukherji] is a hostess
in a banquet hall in Delhi. Ranbir and Khushi meet unexpectedly,
but the sparks refuse to fly. But what begins is the
most unexpected adventure, with them striking an even
more unexpected deal.
The vagabond Khushi, an orphan, has
secretly longed for her Knight in shining Armour to
sweep her off her feet.
Gradually, Ajay and Rani are drawn towards
each other, but there's a hitch. Ajay is confused about
his feelings for her because he thinks Rani is just
'acting' her part, as per the pact.
So, what happens next? Whom does Ajay
opt for eventually - Rani or Sonali?
Although CHORI CHORI has an interesting
storyline, it suffers on account of a hackneyed screenplay.
In fact, a similar story was witnessed in BOLLYWOOD
HOLLYWOOD not too long ago, which looked similar to
the yesteryear hit DULHAN WOHI JO PIYA MAN BHAYE. A
story like this may've worked a few years ago, but it
holds minimal appeal in the current scenario.
The film starts off pretty well, but
runs out of steam in the second half. That's mainly
because too many songs have been incorporated in this
half, which also come in very quick succession and seem
forced in the goings-on.
From the script point of view, Rani's
role is under-developed. The presence of Shashikala-Sadashiv
Amrapurkar in her life and even the relationship she
shares with the wedding singers, does not come across
effectively.
Even Ajay's role has been penned in
haste, seems like. The relationship he shares with his
boss [Satish Shah] has not been developed at all. In
fact, towards the latter part of the film, Rani is shown
landing up at the office and impressing the boss to
grant Ajay a leave - that looks plain ridiculous.
Right through the second half, the romance
between Ajay and Rani does not strike a chord. Even
the climax is long-drawn and not half as impactful as
one would've expected it to be.
Director Milan Luthria has handled a
few sequences with flourish. But he is letdown by a
script that looks implausible and far-fetched at most
times. Moreover, due to the sluggish pace the film moves
at, boredom sets in after a point of time.
The biggest culprit is its screenplay,
which does not boast of moments that would keep the
audience interest alive. In fact, it's a screenplay
of convenience.
Sajid-Wajid's music is quite okay, although
the placement of songs is improper. In fact, the film
can easily do without a couple of songs in the second
half. However, 'Chori Chori Chupke Se' is the pick of
the lot. Cinematography is striking. The outdoor locales
of North India appeal.
The story primarily revolves around
Ajay and Rani, but it is Rani who registers a stronger
impression. Even though her character is not well sketched,
her performance more than makes up for the flaw. Ajay
Devgan's appearance and styling gives the film a dated
look. His performance is also lacklustre.
Although it is meant to be a special
appearance, Sonali Bendre is present throughout the
first half, but is relegated to the background in the
other half - again, a case of half-baked characterisation.
Yet, she does her part efficiently.
Amongst character artistes, Kulbhushan
Kharbanda and Kamini Kaushal are fair. The remaining
cast has been used as mere props.
On the whole, CHORI CHORI is too ordinary
a product that doesn't have much to offer in terms of
content. At the box-office, it has bleak prospects. |
