By Himanshu Gupta, July 7, 2011 - 18:49 IST
We
live in an era wherein brands and franchise have become the order of
the day. When a movie works with the audience and also has strong recall
value, the film-makers plan to keep the franchise breathing by either
making a prequel or sequel. Though MURDER had released more than seven
years ago [April 2004], it continues to linger in public memory for
varied reasons and not only for its sizzle factor. MURDER had a
spellbinding story, great music and proficient performances by its
principal actors. In fact, MURDER catches the attention of spectators to
this date and obtains high TRPs, despite several telecasts on TV.
'Tremendous repeat value', like they say in filmi parlance.
Mahesh
Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt choose not to make movies with big stars.
Instead, they substitute stars with big initiatives and innovative
concepts. In fact, their penchant to work with a new cast and crew is
simply unstoppable. Besides, the success ratio indicates that their
strategy has paid off rich dividends even with fresh talent. What sets
apart their films, besides the above said reasons, is the fact that
their films are high on sexual content. An innovative story with
generous doses of eroticism has always proved a winning blend.
The
Bhatts' new offering is the sequel to MURDER. This one's set in Goa
during Christmas and New Year, when vacationers flock this hugely
popular touristy destination. The bustling streets and beaches make it
impossible for the authorities to keep tabs on everyone and everything. A
serial killer is on the loose… An interesting concept, without doubt!
Before
I begin analyzing MURDER 2, let me clear a few misconceptions. The
writer of this film may have drawn some inspiration from the Korean film
THE CHASER [2008], but it's not a blatant rip-off. Nor is it a remake
or adaptation of the American action film 12 ROUNDS [2009]. MURDER 2
deals with the crimes related to the flesh trade and exposes the murkier
side of the society.
MURDER 2 offers edge of the seat
entertainment, thus taking the MURDER brand forward. It's not a sequel
in the true sense of the word. It has a completely new story to tell
with fresh characters, is bolder and far more erotic, plus the clash
between the good and the evil is one of the key components of the
franchise.
Mohit Suri, who had directed the sequel to RAAZ [RAAZ
THE MYSTERY CONTINUES], is also entrusted the responsibility of taking
the MURDER series forward. Compared to what Anurag Basu did in MURDER,
MURDER 2 is a dark film. Mohit is an efficient, stylish storyteller and
he leaps notches above the prequel in every aspect. There are some
scenes that may appear disturbing, but that's the strength of this
movie. It's not for the weak-hearted. In point of fact, Mohit and writer
Shagufta Rafique take the story to a heightened violent level.
Arjun
[Emraan Hashmi] is an ex-cop who earns his bread doing the odd jobs for
gangsters and flesh traders. Arjun meets Sameer, a Goan flesh-peddler,
who has been suffering a huge loss as his hookers have been disappearing
mysteriously. He assigns Arjun the responsibility of tracing the
missing girls. Priya [Jacqueline Fernandez], a model, loves Arjun.
However, he is hesitant to commit to this relationship.
Arjun
realizes that the missing hookers are connected by one cell phone
number. He decides that in order to catch the lion one must feed him the
lamb. He devises a plan that involves sending a girl to the particular
customer.
Reshma [Sulagna Panigrahi], a college student, takes
to prostitution to support her family. She becomes the innocent prey and
is sent to the antagonist Dheeraj's [Prashant Narayan] house. The
unexpected happens. In the meantime, Arjun and Dheeraj cross paths.
Arjun gets into a tiff with Dheeraj and they both land up at the police
station. Dheeraj admits to a crime so heinous that even the police are
stunned by his outrageous behavior.
Now it's all up to Arjun. He has just one night to find proof against Dheeraj and also trace Reshma.
Director
Mohit Suri and writer Shagufta Rafique come to the point at the very
start, when a gruesome murder takes place. Thereafter, we are introduced
to the varied characters in the plot and what makes it all the more
interesting is that all characters are either grey or black. Also, the
identity of the serial killer is never concealed, but the motive is,
which one realizes much later. It comes as a jolt, honestly!
While
the screenplay gives you no time to ponder since it unravels at a
feverish pace, the assorted characters and their tracks keep you on
tenterhooks throughout. The victim finds herself cornered, the ex- cop
is looking for evidence, the serial killer finds himself being shielded
by a powerful and influential person… the sequence of events that lead
to the culmination are truly nail-biting.
On the flip side, the
story stagnates slightly towards the beginning of the second hour. The
sequence between Emraan and Jacqueline at the former's home, with
Jacqueline in an inebriated state, appears like a forced add-on. Also,
one misses the chartbusting 'Bheege Honth Tere' kind of track in this
hour, since the two songs that are hugely popular have been placed in
the first hour.
Director Mohit Suri reignites the flicker that
he illustrated in his early films. He's a skilled, competent storyteller
and this film reiterates the fact yet again. Ditto for writer Shagufta
Rafique, who's supremely talented as well. Though she may seem inspired
from a source, Shagufta gives MURDER 2 her own color and shade. Both
Mohit and Shagufta push the limits in terms of the characters and the
situations that have been created. You just can't guess what's up in
store next, which has ample scenes that would leave you startled and
dazed. The Bhatts have always had a good track record as far as music
goes and MURDER 2 is no exception. If one avoids comparing the
soundtrack with the prequel, this film has a rich soundtrack that works
well. 'Haal E Dil' [music: Harshit Saxena] and the track filmed on Yana
Gupta at the onset, 'Aa Zara' [music: Sangeet Haldipur-Siddharth
Haldipur], are first-rate compositions. Ravi Walia's cinematography is
top notch.
Both Emraan and Prashant Narayanan vie for top
honors. Emraan delivers a spirited performance, playing the angry guy to
perfection. He's so with the character. In fact, this would rank
amongst Emraan's most accomplished performances. Prashant is a dynamic
actor -- a fact that has been proved time and again. This film is sure
to make people sit up and notice this wonderful talent. Stepping into
Mallika's shoes in the sequel is Jacqueline. Like Mallika, she takes the
boldness quotient to the next level with her sexy avatar. Her
curvaceous body and sizzling love making scenes are well integrated in
the plotline. She should grab a lot of eyeballs for the oomph factor,
while her performance is decent. In fact, she gets little scope to
display histrionics, but she makes a sincere attempt to portray her
character with care.
Sulagna Panigrahi is a talent to watch out
for. She's first-rate. Sudhanshu Pandey enacts his part with a lot of
confidence. Sandiip Sikcand surprises with a stellar act. Though a brief
part, his performance adds a lot of spice to the proceedings. Shweta
Kawatra shines in that lone sequence. Yana Gupta sizzles in the opening
track.
On the whole, MURDER 2 is one of the finest crime stories
to come out of the Hindi film industry. Also, as a film, it lives up to
the expectations that you may associate from a sequel of a smash hit.
This one's bolder, more erotic and has a story that will astound and
astonish you. The Bhatts have a winner on hand!
Friday 8 July 2011
::: Murder 2 (2011) - Movie Review :::Rating : 4 Stars by me
Posted by Just Watch All Over World on 07:44
1 comments:
Today is the first day!!!!!Let the bunch of people see this film and then will decide...I dont think movie itni bakwaas gogi....I like Bhatt guys and hope yeh upar sab galat likha hoo and i am with them....Baaki will come to know in two days.,.....
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