Movie Review – TALAASH : The Answer Lies Within

Directed by Reema Kagti

Story/Screenplay by Reema Kagti / Zoya Akhtar

Produced by Aamir Khan / Ritesh Sidhwani / Farhan Akhtar

Starring : Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor & Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Review by Sree Prasad Nair

Theater - Abu Dhabi National Cinemas, UAE

29/11/2012 – 8.00 pm

Occupancy - 100% (EXPECTED) 

An Aamir Khan film comes once in 2-3 years. And when it comes, it will be a special treat for all the movie lovers. His last few movies released, even though long back are great examples. Be it Lagaan / Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Rang De Basanti (2006), Taare Zameen Par (2007) & Unbreakable trendsetting blockbuster 3Idiots (2009) Aamir Khan films are exceptional. And his new film Talaash is coming after a long time.

Talaash is directed by Reema Kagti, who debuted as a director with Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd in 2007. And the story-screenplay of Talaash is a combined work from Reema Kagti & Zoya Akthar. Talaash also stars Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Raj Kumar Yadav & Shernaz Patel.

Talaash is the story of Inspector Surjan Singh Shekhawat played by Aamir Khan and his search for the murderer of a film star in the movie. And this search turns into a life altering chase for him when he is forced to reel under the repercussions of a unsatisfying marriage with his wife played by Rani Mukerji and come face to face with his suppressed grief. Being on his investigational quest and fighting it out with personal struggle, he meets a prostitute played Kareena Kapoor who further adds shades of mystery to the puzzle.

Positives of the film 

Aamir Khan’s acting is top class. His screen presence as a honest cop is phenomenal ditto as the grief-struck father. Rani Mukerji is brilliant in a small role and really convincing as a no-makeup simple unsatisfied wife. Kareena Kapoor does not have much scenes in the first half, but her character is the turning point of the film, especially in the climax. She is charming and very convincing as a prostitute. But the real surprise and the standout performance of the film for me is Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Personally 2012 has been a sensational year for him. PaanSinghTomar,Kahaani, GangsofWasseypur 1&2, Chittagong & now Talaash. A great actor to watch our for!!! RaginiMMs fame Raj Kumar Yadav as AamirKhan’s assistant is confident too.

Another plus point of the film is its music. Ram Sampath’s music is impressive. Jee Le Zaraa is already a chartbuster and the scenes picturised in the same is really soulful and emotional. Cinematography by Mohanan is also good. 

Now Negatives of the film

For me, Talaash is not an ideal film for Aamir Khan after 3Idiots. Many people are going to disappoint with this new Aamir Khan movie. The script is strictly ok but many flaws with a slow pace. Also few scenes in the film are hard to digest and especially the suspense at the climax. Can’t Digest!!!

On The Whole Talaash is a Strictly Average movie(rarely happens with Aamir Khan movies) after a long time. And its targeted for limited audience. Film’s business at Multiplex will be phenomenal especially the weekend. Since its advance booking is great, may cross Rowdy Rathore’s non-holiday record of 15-16crs. But real test will be from Monday onwards as the reports are surely going to be mixed! Don’t think much takers in Single Screens for Talaash & also the chance of a long run (mostly Aamir Movies) is ruled out as two Giant movies are coming in the form of Khiladi786 next week & most anticipated of the year Dabangg2 on Dec21st. 

Verdict : Strictly Average 

P.S : If you are a diehard fan of thriller-suspense, Go and enjoy the movie till climax! If you are looking for entertainment, Talaash is not your cup of Tea! 

Rating – 3/5 (2 for the film & extra 1 for Aamir & Siddiqui’s acting) 

Review by Sree Prasad Nair (http://www.twitter.com/i_spn)