'Kismat Konnection' is a different genre movie that falls under the category of NRI love stories. This is evident from NRIs talking in broken Hindi and its shooting being done at foreign location. But, all of us are aware that NRIs still name themselves like ordinary Indians. Here, an NRI is named as Raj Malhotra. He is played by Shahid Kapoor. Raj though a topper fails to secure an architect's job. Frustrated with his Kismat (luck), Raj meets Juhi Chawla (Hasina Bano Jaan), who says there is a force that could prove to be his lucky charm; he just needs to recognize it.
So, the director introduces Priya played by Vidya Balan who proves a lucky mascot in the hero's life. Everything that Raj touches with Priya by his side turns into gold. With Priya, Raj believes he can fulfill his dreams. So, Raj desperately falls for her though the latter is already engaged with another guy. Soon, Raj gets from Mr Gill (Om Puri) the contract to design a shopping mall, which incidentally happens to be on the same land where Priya supports a community center. Finally, Raj wins both, Priya and the project, thanks to his sentimental speech. In the climax, Raj talks about everything from global warming to US superpower but about the project. He attributes this to Priya's kismet (luck).
click for larger view
Though the movie starts on a promising note, but thereafter it drags on so much so that as in the usual Hindi love triangle the director introduces sangeet song sequence to appease the NRI audiences. Thus, Aziz Mirza fails to provide a good story as he did in his previous films. This is a major flaw of a movie directed by a man of his eminence . We wish he had not made this movie as it doesn't gel well with his past image of a successful director who has given us movies like 'Yes Boss', 'Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman', 'Chalte Chalte' and 'Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani'.
click for larger view
In this movie, Shahid Kapoor displays a hangover in initial reels maybe because of a broken heart as the film shooting began in Canada immediately after Saif Ali Khan had whisked Kareena Kapoor, then Shahid's girlfriend, away. However, he comes to his usual self and gives a sincere performance very soon. The other flaw is that the chemistry between hero Shahid and heroine Vidya Balan isn't as hot as we find between Shahid and Kareen Kapoor in 'Jab We Met'.
click for larger view
Besides, there is hardly anything to support the romance between the hero and the heroine. One wonders if Aziz has failed because his hero material that Shah Rukh Khan has been in all his movies is missing in this movie? But, Aziz is to blame for it as he has himself decided to sign Shahid Kapoor because he wanted someone about 15 years younger to Shah Rukh Khan to play the Raj's character.
click for larger view
Though Vidya looks glamorous, yet she looks older than her age! Among others, Om Puri is effective in his imposing character with a Punjabi accent. Vishal Malhotra repeats his friendly act for the nth time. Age has caught up with Juhi Chawla and it shows onscreen. However, she looks younger to heroine Vidya!! Boman Irani has a small special appearance that isn't exciting. Technically, Ahmed Khan's choreographed gyrations are as usual very good. Binod Pradhan's cinematography is good and Pritam's music soothing to the ears as ever.
Overall, Aziz Mirza has disappointed his audience this time. You are still welcome to watch it but without much expectations.