Movie reviews--KIDNAP

Kidnap Review

October 1st, 2008

Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Imran Khan, Minissha Lamba, Vidya Malvade, Rahul Dev and Reema Lagoo; Director: Sanjay Gadhvi; Rating: **1/2

Kidnap is a high level drama which unveils the story with each opening scene, step by step. It is basically the story of the fight between Imran Khan (an orphan), who wants to take revenge from Sanjay Dutt (an affluent New York-based Indian businessman, who does not see beyond money). Though a kind hearted father and a loving husband, he is too proud and unable to disclose his love to his wife Vidya Malvade. Minissha Lamba is the daughter of Sanjay and Vidya.

Vidya opts for a divorce on the pretext that Sanjay does not care for their well-being and is a shrewd businessman who only loves to count money by every second increase in it. Vidya is a strict mother and she does not like or want her daughter Minissha to continue any kind of relationship with her father. Vidya has been portrayed as a strict but care taking and loving mother who believes in restricting her daughter's movements. Despite her attempt to make her understand the dangers of being out of the house during late hours at night, Minissha refuses to budge and in a fit of rage she goes out one evening.

The film depicts how the family members are torn apart by turbulent misunderstanding. Minissha leaves the house and takes a plunge in the river to cool her anger but to her dismay she is kidnapped by Imran.

Imran wants this rich and stubborn businessman Sanjay realise how important the word 'sorry' is in his life that he wanted to tell him at the age of 14 but was not allowed at that point of time because of which his life gets topsy-turvy.

Innocent and poor people are always unheard. It is only the verdict of the rich that reigns higher. Sanjay misinterprets the actions of the 14-year-old boy and is adamant in getting him behind the bars ' that's the backdrop of the revenge drama.

The direction of Sanjay Gadhvi keeps you zapped with head scratching inquisitiveness. Having cast prolific actors in the movie, Gadhvi definitely expected a good job out of them. And one has to confess, the contemporary cinema-goer will positively like their performances. Imran Khan especially who has not disappointed in this new avatar in his very second film.

Sanjay Dutt's macho man entry in his very first scene is not only breathtaking but his soft heartedness towards his daughter and accepting the tasks rendered to him by the kidnapper (Imran) undoubtedly identifies with him in real life. Needless to say that he is brilliant as always. Minissha Lamba fails to ignite any fire despite her skimpily clad attire. Vidya looks too young as Minissha's mother, but her modern dresses are quite refreshing so is her performance.

All in all, Kidnap solely survives on the high risks manoeuvres of the kidnapper. The film's commercial value is kept intact. Music score is seemingly mediocre, nothing special there. The dialogues are simple, and the incidents are more like a plethora of tales with ample amount of teachings. Cinematography is superb but the editing left a lot to be desired. Probably the length of the film remains a matter to be debated.

Also, the film seems to be dragging a bit in the first half. Nevertheless, it is worth a one-time watch.

- (Sampurn)