AITRAAZ: A CRITIC ON THE MINDSET OF CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
By S. Mahapatra
Critic's I-view
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In a male dominated society like India, would one believe that a woman could attempt to sexually harass a male? This time over showman Subhas Ghai has used this theme nicely to give a perfect entertainer in the Diwali season and with an uncanny title Aitraaz. Director duo Abbas-Mustan have used their experience well to make this film which contains all themes like suspense, conflict and romance to catch the audience in the cinema halls. Akshay Kumar has appeared in a serious role contrary to his action-comedian hero image, while Kareena Kapoor is seen in the strong role of an advocate.
The story of the film moves round Raj Malhotra (Akshay Kumar) who is an executive in a company. In a dramatic mode he meets Priya (Kareena Kapoor). Once Priya comes out in search of a job of a junior lawyer, she reaches a wrong address of one Raj Malhotra instead of the office of advocate Ram Chotrani. Expectedly enough, Raj Malhotra falls in love with her at first sight and this relationship culminates in marriage.
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While Raj Malhotra starts his happy married life with his wife in the new bungalow, his happiness does last. His past love Sonia (Priyanka Chopra) appears before him as the wife of his boss and then there is a pack of trouble. Raj had met Sonia in South Africa five years ago but because of Sonia's attitude the relationship broke. Sonia was a model and ready to break all limits to reach the goal she wanted.
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One day she had even wanted to abort the child of Raj because she considered it a hurdle in her career but Raj was against this. Then their relationship came to an end. But perhaps destiny had something else in store for Raj. When Sonia met Raj this time, her love was rekindled. Of course, it was too late now as Raj was already married to Priya and had no interest left in Sonia. But Sonia is not one to lose and plays her trick by giving a promotion to Raj in her company as one of the members of the board of Directors.
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One day Sonia calls Raj to her home to discuss some official matter and tries to sexually exploit him. But like a faithful husband Raj denies any physical relation with Sonia and runs away. Now the real trouble begins when the wife of his Boss and the MD of the company Sonia accuses Raj of an attempt to rape. Sonia's husband Mr. Roy (Amrish Puri) now orders Raj to leave his company. Everything is shattered for Raj as no body believes him except his wife.
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To save his dignity Raj files a case of sexual assault against Sonia. Advocate Patel (Paresh Rawal) stands for Sonia Roy while advocate Ram Chotrani appears for Raj. But in the first hearing the case is almost out of the hand. It is then that Priya takes the matter in her hands and launches the fight for her husband. Like a good Hindi cinema, the battle culminates in favour of Priya and she wins the case against Sonia Roy.
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Ghai's idea is being considered unique by many cinemagoers. The film adequately contradicts the mindset of the contemporary male dominated society that males can only sexually harass women. It quite rightly depicts the modern woman who will do anything to achieve her goals in life. Akshay's performance in a serious silent role is satisfactory while Kareena's part as a wife is impressive. But she fails to make a mark in the role of a lawyer.
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Paresh Rawal and Anu Kapoor have made their perfect contribution to the film as lawyers. In a long courtroom scene Paresh is able to keep audience occupied while Anu Kapoor appears in an impressive role after a long time.
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Priyanka Chopra plays a glamorous role with a gray shade. But her sizzling shots are unable to impress the audience. The music of the film is over all a romantic collection. In this festive season of Diwali this film from Ghai camp is able to entertain audience for some time.
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