All aboard for Shetty smash hit
BACKGROUND
LONG weekends and religious festivals attract the best Bollywood releases and traditionally it is Salman Khan who has dominated the Eid weekend with consecutive blockbusters. This year his arch rival, Shahrukh Khan, arrives with a powerful film combination that includes ruling top actress Deepika Padukone and filmmaker Rohit Shetty, who has delivered hits such as Singham, Golmaal and the roaring success of last year, Bol Bachchan. STORY
A TALE of two cultures, the movie traces the journey of Rahul (Khan), a young man out to fulfil the last wish of his late grandfather. When he accidentally boards the Chennai Express, he meets Meena (Padukone), a stunning south-Indian beauty who is returning home after trying to evade her impending marriage to Tangabali (Nikitin Dheer). Rahul and Meena strike up an immediate friendship, which takes them to her village where Rahul meets her father — a notoriously dangerous don. PERFORMANCES
FOR the first time, Shetty is working with heavyweight stars such as Khan and Padukone and he is triumphant in bringing out their sizzling chemistry. Khan brings some madness and zeal to his fresh role and ventures into something new. He plays the mischievous Rahul to perfection and is outstanding in the lighthearted moments, but equally captivating when he has to emote.
I cannot stop raving about Padukone, who firmly entrenches herself as the number one leading lady in the industry. Fresh from her blockbuster success of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, she steals the show from her more accomplished co-star and gets the south-Indian style, dialogues and mannerisms perfectly. DIRECTION
SHETTY remains faithful to his style of filmmaking, which includes over-the-top action, colourful locations, quirky dialogue, great comedy, cars being blown up — and a weak script. However, despite the screenplay drawbacks, Chennai Express is a commercial whirlwind roller coaster thanks to the exceptional treatment of the overall package. It delivers nonstop entertainment that plays to the masses.
Shetty must also be applauded for some wonderful locations and picturesque settings that capture the true spirit of the villages. The richest part of the story is the banter between the lead characters and the loveable southIndian influence that plays a major part in making this movie a success. MUSIC is a treat to have the ace South sensation SP Balasubrahmanyam sing on the title track and he works the right flavour into the enjoyable music by VishalShekhar. The other lovely songs are Kashmir Main and Titli. WHAT I LIKED breathtaking locations, the South influence, Padukone’s character, the scenes at the temple and the overall inspiration of Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. OVERALL
MOVING at a fast pace, capturing enough memories and breaking the opening weekend box-office record of Ek Tha Tiger, this exciting and stylish train journey aboard the Chennai Express is not to be missed. Hop aboard now, because this hurricane is quickly earning a place among the biggest hits of Indian cinema.