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'Yakeen' means "trust" and like 'Aitbar' and many mediocre suspense thrillers it fails to keep trust. Girish Dhamija, better known as creative mind of the Bhatt camp, shifts into director's seat for the first time. Ironically, Dhamija has penned almost every script for Vikram Bhatt, including 'Kasoor', 'Raaz', 'Footpath', 'Aitbar' etc. This time they have traded places and Vikram Bhatt has turned scriptwriter for Dhamija's debutant directorial venture. 'Yakeen' completely belongs to vivacious and seductive Priyanka Chopra. Last year she has been a show stealer in her villainous act in Abbas-Mustan's 'Aitraaz', now she has returned with the same vengeance in 'Yakeen'.

Unlike 'Aitraaz', this film fails to haunt viewers' senses with thrills and chills. In last few years, stories based on infidelity and betrayal have been very successful at the box office. Films like 'Murder', 'Jism' and 'Raaz' have paved ways for spine chilling murder mysteries. It sounds disappointing as Hollywood flicks like 'Double Jeopardy' and 'Unfaithful' are being rehashed and remade with different plots and climaxes again and again. 'Yakeen' is one such product that looks predictable and fails to connect with the audience. Arjun Rampal has had torrid time at the box office with debacles like 'Vaada' and 'Elaan' so far this year. This film will add to his worries as this falls in the cadre of mediocrity too. Director Girish Dhamija has rendered some fine scripts but this time he has relied heavily on renowned director Vikram Bhatt. The script has many cracks and dents that fail to co-ordinate with the characters at many places. Semi-baked characterizations and the spineless script coupled with the ordinary musical soundtracks have made it a losing preposition.

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'Yakeen' belongs to Priyanka Chopra for her enormous charm that works wonders with her character and performance. In a villainous role of unfaithful wife, she has succeeded and her role encores to that of Lara Dutta in 'Jurm'. Priyanka's pairing with Arjun Rampal in Rajiv Rai's 'Asambhav' was a complete washout. This is the second time they have been paired but without any big claim.

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'Yakeen' is the story that revolves around a successful business tycoon Nikhil Oberoi (Arjun Rampal) and his beautiful wife Simar (Priyanka Chopra). On one dreadful night their life turns upside down when their car plummets down the hill. As a result, Nikhil is hospitalized for many months. Disappointed Simar works hard for Nikhil's recovery though it takes him months to recover. Nikhil recovers, but suffers from loss of memory and fails to reconnect himself with the family and associates. Nikhil relies totally on his caring wife Simar. This lovable couple has friends like Tania (Kim Sharma) and Siddarth (Atul Parchure).

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(Saurabh Shukla) has been a close aide of Nikhil in the past and collects sufficient proof against Simar. While investigating the truth he discovers his real identity. In the hot pursuit of discovering truth, Nikhil tries to recollect all previous instances. The scenario shifts from the present to the past, and Nikhil discovers the unexpected and shattering truth. Simar has been close to club singer Kabir Malhotra (Sudhanshu Pandey).

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It was the estranged marriage between Simar and Nikhil that brought them closer. Nikhil discovers Simar's infidelity and decides to settle scores with Kabir. In a tug of war, Simar kills Nikhil and decides to hide his body. After digging Nikhil's body she meets with a terrible accident. Dejected and disappointed husband Nikhil discovers that he is actually Kabir with the face of Nikhil. Nikhil develops remorse for his evil deed. But Simar's obsession turns wild and like Nikhil, she tries to kill Kabir. Destiny has its own verdict though and Simar gets killed in a car crash. Kabir confesses his crime and surrenders to police.

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Characterizations are semi-baked, as no big reasons have been given for the acrimonious relationship between Simar and Nikhil. Why does a respected and educated tycoon like Nikhil isolate his beautiful wife on a rainy day? It sounds ridiculous when injured Nikhil (Kabir) transforms into Nikhil after an accident. Why Kabir decides to sacrifice his love for Simar after being passionately involved with her? Why does an intelligent and investigative detective like Chaman Lal fail to identify the real "Nikhil"?

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'Yakeen' is labeled as a thriller but how many times the audiences can digest similar plots of infidelity and deception. Gracy Singh's 'Wajahh- A Reason to Kil' had a similar story with different twists and turns. Udita Goswami has done a similar act in 'Zeher', and Lara Dutta a treacherous beloved and wife in 'Jurm'. Everything looks predictable and boring after the second half. Himesh Reshammiya's music is another weak point that sounds stale and boring. Reshammiya had splendid music even in flops like 'Run' and 'Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha', but this time he has failed to churn out a single hit. Priyanka Chopra is outstanding and continues to rule the hearts with her immaculate charm and skill. Arjun Rampal has improved his acting skill, and it shows while he emotes. Kim Sharma justifies her character very well. Model-turned-actor Sudhanshu Pandey impresses in a pivotal role and will be appreciated by the masses.

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Visual effects by Biju D are brilliant and gel well with the film. Abbas Ali Moghul's action is fine and acceptable. Raju Khan's choreography goes well with the situation and looks brilliant in song likes "Mere Aankhon Mein Ho Tum". Anshuman Mahaley's cinematography is captivating as it encapsulates natural beauty with flair. Experienced campaigner like Girish Dhamija should rely on his creative skill for his future projects. In an era of experimental cinema where innovative directors like Pradeep Sarkar of 'Parineeta' have excelled, one expects little for Dhamija. 'Yakeen' is a cadaverous thriller that hopes to survive on mouth publicity.