Rudraksh means Rudra Ka Aksh i.e. eye of the destroyer God Shiva. Rudraksh is a seed that has medicinal powers according to Vedas and mythological texts. Director Mani Shanker takes the basic concept of 'Rudraksh' from here and tries to build on a film that is loaded with lots of special effects, creative jargons and some not good music music. Mani Shanker came into spotlight first when he made his debut '16 December'. That was history meeting modern day life. In 'Rudraksh' too he repeats the same formula. If in '16 December' he tried to cash on anti-Pakistan emotions (the film was made on the theme of Pakistani Army surrendering to Indian Army in Bangladesh and a Paki trying to take revenge of that after 30 years). In 'Rudraksh' has tried to build tempo on mythological pretexts. Fine. There is no harm in conceptualizing a film on that line but what about execution. Every filmmaker is at his best when he conceives it, but the winner is one who makes it to the silver screen ditto in letter and spirit. Not many Mumbai film producers will bank on Mani Shanker's technical brilliance in future after watching 'Rudraksh'. It not only fails in execution but also makes a mockery of Indian mythology. Heavily inspired by mutation theory (not an original idea because people have seen now two Matrix films from Hollywood made on this subject), 'Rudraksh' also fails to co-relate with the Hindi film audience.
First, what's 'Rudraksh' all about. The film has Dr. Gayatri (Bipasha Basu) as a connecting point of all that happens in its three-hour duration. She has come to India from the land of Uncle Sam to find out the mystery of paranormal powers. She is amused with the people who claim to heal various diseases; she also wants to know how a man sitting miles away can be tortured with voodoo. She meets Varun (Sanjay Dutt) who possesses at least one such power. He can create miracles but all this is for the benefit of the people. Seeing the kind of healing powers that Varun commands, Gayatri sets her eyes on this hunk. But before the chemistry between the two could create flames, history comes knocking at their doors. Gayatri keeps on making some unusual experiments that create ripples in the minds of Varun and he sets about to know the reasons behind it. And, his quest ends with the knowledge of 'Rudraksh' that can mutate a man into new species. The battle for power begins and it takes both of them to meet the evils (Suniel Shetty and Isha Koppikar). Gayatri is still not satisfied with this knowledge and feels the powers of 'Rudraksh'. This takes her and Varun to the remains that were golden dens of one time mighty ruler Ravana.
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Got something? No! Even most of the people watching the first day first show of 'Rudraksh' were confused as to what director Mani Shanker wanted to convey to them and why the hell are they watching this kind of film which has no head or tail. Mani Shanker is credited with everything in the film from writing to directing it and from creating special effects to pen the screenplay. Mani Shanker falls in the trap of technician Mani Shanker. No doubt he is a brilliant technician but it takes more than that to make a good film. He had everything in his hand; generous producer like Nitin Manmohan and Sunil Maklai, a good star cast that will make many producers envy. But Mani Shanker has messed it all. He has not only missed a big opportunity but makes his viewers feel cheated at the end of the show. Those who has seen his first film '16 December' thought of a promising career graph for him.
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The film does start on a good note and creates curiosity in viewers' minds. But as it progresses the narration becomes more and more confusing. Mani Shanker loses grip. He concentrates more on special effects and the story takes second place. Technically 'Rudraksh' is ahead of many Indian films made so far. Not only this but it will be just to say that this is the first film where so much attention has been given to special effects but that's it. The film does not have a soul. There are some very thrilling moments like the one when Sanjay Dutt meets Suniel Shetty and then there is a storm in Kabir Bedi's Ashram. Even in climax, there are some edges of the seat moments. But 'Rudraksh' appeals only in parts, even Bipasha's skin show fails to titillate the viewers. They have seen enough of it.
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Among performers, Isha Koppikar wins lots of accolades and moves some miles ahead in her career post 'Qayamat'. In a mob of so many look good do nothing heroines; she has chosen the correct path to become the hottest vamp of the Hindi cinema. Suniel Shetty does impress in his villainy but in parts. His dialogue delivery is not apt for such roles. Irfan Pathan or Mukesh Tiwari would have been a better choice. Sanjay Dutt has nothing to gain from this film. The feel good factor that he was enjoying after 'Munnabhai MBBS' is lost now and 'Rudraksh' will only deteriorate his position. Kabir Bedi does his job aptly. The film lacks supportive music score. Songs composed by Shankar Ehsaan and Loy are a major let down except Ishq Khudai. On the whole, the film may draw some crowd in initial days thanks to its slick promos aired on TV channels. However in the long run it won't sustain at the box office.
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