Take a look at the list of some films, 'Aasoo Bane Angarey' (1994), 'Himmat', 'Jurmana', 'Smuggler' (1996), 'Aastha' (1997), 'Sikandar Sadak Ka' (1999), 'Mela, Bulandi' (2000), 'Galiyon Ka Badshah' (2001), 'Pitaah' (2002), 'Talaash' (2003) and 'Ishq Hai Tumse' (2004). At first look, there seems to be no resemblance in these films. But if one thinks about their release dates, it is crystal clear that all these films were released on the very first Friday of the year. Second, they all met with the same fate. None of them made it a success at box office. And, now in 2005, two films 'Rog' and 'Vaada' try to break this record of doomed Friday with a lot of oomph, vigor and zeal.
The zeal is to present the new Hindi cinema to generation Z with a fresh approach to the subject. This comes in the form of new generation actors who bring in lot of energy with them. It is Ilene Hamann in 'Rog' and Zayed Khan in 'Vaada', who shared a major hit of last year's 'Main Hoon Naa'. 'Vaada' is also sort of reunion for producer Vashu Bhagnani (he has super hits like 'Hero No.1', 'Coolie No.1', 'Biwi No.1' and 'Bade Miyan Chhote Miyan' to his credit) and director Satish Kaushik. It was in 'Mujhe Kuchh Kehna Hai', that they worked together some time back. 'Vaada' also ends hibernation period for Amisha Patel who has had not even a single film released with her name last year. Zayed shares screen with another macho man, Arjun Rampal who was also part of Vashu's flop film 'Deewanapan'.
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'Vaada' has Rumi Jaffery's name as its writer, but those who have seen Sanjeev Kumar's 'Qatl' will find that its is just the modern version of the same film with Marc Zuber getting replaced by Zayed, and Amisha Patel playing the role that Sarika did in the original. Arjun Rampal completes the trio as a blind husband. He plays Rahul, a billionaire married to blonde Puja (Amisha Patel). Both are happily married and there is not even a sign of mistrust between them. Bad luck comes knocking at the door of this ideal couple when Rahul loses his eyesight in an accident. Zayed Khan as Karan, the dynamic businessman, enters their life. Karan has been known to Puja in the past. When Rahul asks Karan to join his business, a new equation and a new chemistry sparks.
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Though Rahul is very possessive about Puja, the madness of Karan (his character resembles those played by the likes of Dilip Kumar in 'Andaaz', Shah Rukh Khan in 'Darr', Arbaaz Khan in 'Darar' and many more) that makes Puja weak every time she sees him. The effervescence takes over the gloomy days and love seems to be blossoming again between these young ones. But, Rahul will not let the things go away from his control so easily. If Karan is playing smart to snatch the lady, it is Rahul who is laying the trap in darkness of his mind. The hide and seek game eludes Puja from the scene and one-upmanship makes the film a thriller, the first from Vashu's banner.
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One thing that one can make out after seeing 'Vaada' is the fact that Vashu's imagination has gone corrupt over the years. Last time he made a remake in 'Jeena Sirf Mere Liye' of 'Anmol Ghadi' and now he brings 'Qatl' in new avatar. Vashu has been such a prolific filmmaker that not even the industry but the viewers too look up to him as a guide to entertainment. But, over the years, maybe because of his aloofness from the rustic world, he seems to have lost the grip on mass appeal. In 'Vaada', though director Satish Kaushik has tried to come up to the standards of a thriller and he gets it right too in his frames and shots, but he gets no support from some crew members, mainly his writer Rumi Jeffery. Rumi Jaffrey has failed because he loses his concentration on his characters. However, Johny Lal's cinematography and Himesh Reshamiya's music lend help to Satish.
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Again, Abbas Ali Moghul does a wonderful job in setting the scene right for action sequences. The editing is not up to the desired standards. One more point that Vashu seems to have forgotten over his successful years is that his main viewership lies in the country land and in making films for metros. He is neither getting new patronage nor is he able to fulfill the expectations of his diehard fans.
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It is Zayed Khan among all who will benefit the most from 'Vaada'. He carries his character of an obsessed lover on his young shoulders very aptly. His physique and dialogue delivery is perfect too. Zayed has come a long way from the dismal performance of his first film 'Chura Liya Hai Tumne'. Having been pitched against a senior like Arjun Rampal was not an easy task. Arjun Rampal, on the other hand, plays a character that does not suit him, though he tries his best to prove his mettle.
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Amisha Patel has once again lost an opportunity to prove the success she has had in films like 'Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai' and 'Gadar-Ek Prem Katha'. She is now banking on her next 'Elaan'. Vashu Bhagnani can pray that people who have been deprived of the entertainment for last one month will come to theatres for a change.
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