Neither Fanaa nor New York, Kurbaan stands a ground of its own. Two strangers Avantika (Kareena) and Ehsaan (Saif) bump into each other trying to hail a cab.
Kurbaan
A; Thriller
Dir: Rensil D'Silva
Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi, Om Puri, Kirron Kher, Dia Mirza
***
What's it about: Neither Fanaa nor New York, Kurbaan stands a ground of its own. Two strangers Avantika (Kareena) and Ehsaan (Saif) bump into each other trying to hail a cab.
Once again their paths cross in a university and love blooms. Wanting to make a future in the US, they move into an Indian neighbourhood and soon things start unraveling.
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Avantika stumbles upon information that puts her life in danger, while Ehsaan's identity undergoes a drastic transformation. A terrorist attack on the American soil gets a news network camera man Riyaaz (Vivek) involved, as he goes on a manhunt tracing those who wronged his girlfriend (Dia).
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Kurbaan touches a spectrum of sensitive issues Islamic fundamentalism post 9/11, American apathy towards Muslims around the world, and the changing face of contemporary jihad.
What's hot: Rensil is focused on making a gritty thriller from the very first frame. His style and approach towards the subject is mature, supported by immense research that helps him build a rivetting narrative.
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The first half is brilliantly executed and every frame is lit up and captured by an eye that gives depth and intensity to not just the characters but also to what's happening around them. Doing away with unwanted subplots and grating songs, Rensil keeps it as real as possible.
Unlike its predecessors, Kurbaan doesn't try to milk the issue and make it into an opera; instead it peels off the superficiality and presents the naked truth.
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The dialogues are hard-hitting. A debate ensues in Ehsaan's class between Riyaaz and a fellow American student. The latter tells Riyaaz: Leave my country if you don't like it. Riyaaz hits back "Sure we will, first you leave ours!" Moments like these set the film apart from others. Kareena and Saif are exemplary in their roles.
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Saif is like a hawk, unpredictable and focused throughout, while Kareena's vulnerability and innocence lies in her eyes. She soars in the climax in a scene where she asks Saif his real name, moments before the film reaches its end. Vivek is honest. Despite the ambiguity of his character, he manages to evoke the right reactions in every scene.
What's not: The second half doesn't hold a candle to the first. Not only does the pace slacken, the characters also get monotonous. Saif's one-dimensional outlook towards jihad and his sudden change of heart towards the end is confusing.
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There are moments when you question his actions and the answers aren't convincing. Kareena's initial fervour in ensuring justice prevails, dies a slow death as she makes peace with her situation. Her engaging curiosity soon turns to apathy as she resigns to let destiny choose her fate.
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The songs could have been edited and played in the backdrop rather than used as tracks. The climax stretches far too long, and the FBI's good cop act doesn't really carry much weight. Looking like marionettes, they merely react rather than act.
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What to do: Neither preachy nor wanting to make a statement, Kurbaan keeps it simple. It's a thriller that tackles terrorism and the Islamic viewpoint with maturity and depth. Packed with powerful performances, it's a must- watch for its technical brilliance and captivating storyline.
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