Aurangzeb (2013)
7/10
Aurangzeb: This Moghul is bloody engrossing!!
21 May 2013
"Kingship knows no kinship"- This ideology of Mughal king Aurangzeb defines the theme of YRF's latest 'Aurangzeb' (AZ). A directorial debut from Atul Sabharwal (writer of films like 'Phir Milenge'), Aurangzeb is a typical Indian masala entertainer from Manmohan Desai school. It is sprinkled with all sorts of spices viz. action, crime, drama and beau-coup DE skin-show. Not delving much into details of storyline et al, here are the highlights of the movie:

• Performances: Stellar work from most of the veterans and new-age stars is the biggest hallmark of AZ. If you think this is an Arjun Kapoor movie, you are mistaken. Despite a double-role (as evident from trailers), it is actually Prithviraj Sukumaaran (Malayalam actor of Aiyya fame) and Rishi Kapoor who steal the show through their out-of-the-skin portrayals of characters. Prithviraj is so accurate in his accent and mannerisms, it's hard to digest that he's a Southern import. Rishi Kapoor is a chameleonic surprise with every scene! Arjun too is good in both the roles. His toothy smile, give-a-damn attitude and rugged look is a carry forward from Ishaqzaade. Debutante Sasha Agha (daughter of Pak singer-actress Salma Agha) is pure glam doll (acting comments – not applicable). Could not help to mention her striking resemblance to Amrita Puri. Amrita Singh is in her normal shrewd avatar while Jackie Shroff is endearing in the limited role assigned. Nice to see the couple reunited after the 90's hit Aaina! Tanvi Azmi does a Nirupa Roy while Deepti Naval and Anupam Kher play a cameo.

• Plot & execution: Set in the real-estate mafia gullies of Gur-gaon (city), the film takes you through the lives of a real-estate king, judwa brothers, good & bad police officers, lots of blood-shed and gives a glimpse of what cooks behind the shining express-ways in our country. The narrative is adept and implementation smart. While the first half sets the stage, the second half is about execution and pace. Dilemmas (choice between sapne and apne) of the main protagonist have been well captured while shrewd ambitions of the 'actual' Aurangzeb are awesomely enacted.

• Music: Even with less songs in the movie, Vipin Mishra and Amartya Rahut are ordinary. Barring the pacy Barbaadiyan, no other song leaves impact. However, background score is good.

• Flaws: Despite the high-voltage drama, AZ does have its share of flaws and bloopers. The movie could have been a little less complex and dialogs a little less-filmy.

In all, Aurangzeb is a crisp, pacy action drama Bollywood got to see after long time. Dunno why YRF did not promote the film much! To know 'Who is real Aurangzeb in the movie?', watch it, and watch it till the end! You won't be disappointed.
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