HALLA BOL!!

Film: Halla Bol

*ing: Ajay Devgan, Vidya Balan, Pankaj Kapoor, Darshan Jariwala, Anjan Shrivastav.

Dir: Raj Kumar Santoshi

Banner: Pyramid Symira Productions

Rating: ***1/2 (3.5/5)

REVIEW

One of the first big releases of the new year doesn’t disappoint. A cinema based on politics and corruption is rarely engrossing. But Raj Kumar Santoshi is a prodigy in this space. Be it Ghayal or The Legend of Bhagat Singh or Halla Bol. Santoshi delivers the goods once more.

This story is a clash of an immoral actor with politics and corruption where he turns himself as well as the society around him for good. Ashfaq (Ajay Devgan) is a budding actor groomed by Sidhu (Pankaj Kapoor). Hailing from a small town Ashfaq makes it big in Bollywood very soon after he comes to Mumbai. But the stardom comes to him at a price. Differences crop up between him and his family. Life takes a turn once more when he is an eyewitness to a murder in a celebrity clad party. His struggle with the system starts as soon as he comes forward to say the truth. Then there are a lot of twists and turns which make the journey engrossing.

Technically, direction is very good. The script and the screen play are effective. Though, occasionally, the film reminds you of Ghayal and RDB. Though the second half has a lot of dialogues which will be applauded by the audience the first half has a fair share if moments too. The climax is something which looks slightly half baked and doesn’t quite become the high point of the film. Editing is good. Pacing of the movie is also good. Probably the only thing that can be done without are some songs- especially the quawaali. Cinematography is a let down. Art direction is good. So is audiography. Background score is also something that stands out.

The film has a credible cast. Ajay Devgan portrays the character naturally. Some of his sequences with Darshan Jariwala are memorable. Vidya Balan doesn’t have much to do but does justice and thus lends able support. Ajan Shrivastav is first rate. Darshan Jariwala is simply superb as the politician. He adds to his baggage of great work after Gandhi My father. But the person who steals the show is Mr Pankaj Kapoor. Hes just mind blowing. Be it his recitation of Harishchandra, his conflict with Ajay or his climax speech. He is outstanding. Many a times he overshadows Ajay Devgan. Cannot understand that why he was not used more in the climax. Mr Kapoor is surely in the race for Best Actor in Supporting Role for the next awards. He just mesmerizes.

Overall a very well made film. Worth catching this one up!