Vishwaroop

In Bollywood, every publicity is a good publicity and more often than not, it helps the film in grabbing more attention and success. This one sadly has gotten embroiled in a controversy involving politics and religion and you got to feel for Kamal Hasan for this unfortunate thing. However, after watching it, you will wonder as to what was the reason of banning this film and so much of controversy……it doesn’t have anything that can be called as anti-Muslim. Yes, it’s about terrorism and jihadis and all but that has been shown and seen zillion times in films made all across the world. So, why the fuss now!
The story is based in New York where Wiz (Kamal Hasan) plays a dance teacher. His wife wants to move out of her marriage and she hires a detective to find out something about his husband that can help her. And this investigation then starts the thrilling tale of a terrorist group planning a huge nuclear attack and collective forces of RAW, NYPD and FBI trying to save it.
The film starts off little dull with first fifteen minutes only establishing the characters without giving away their real identities and purposes. But after that, the story picks up pace with an engaging and entertaining first half. Most of the sequences in and around Afghanistan after 9/11 attack are fantastically written and beautifully shot. Also, the bombings and eventual killings of innocent people disturb you and your heart goes out to what would have happened to that country and its people. The build up till the interval point is gripping and sets up an exciting premise.
But it’s the second half when film goes wrong and somewhat off track. The story reaches nowhere, the screenplay becomes way too confusing, few incidents do not join or make sense with the main attack and the way the task force goes about saving the attack is also unconvincing and lacks genuine thrilling moments. The climax is a big let down and is extremely abrupt; while it is deliberately done to leave scope for a sequel, it doesn’t really lead the story to its logical conclusion.
In terms of performances, it is Kamal Hasan’s film all the way and he does complete justice to his character. Rahul Bose as a villain is good at times though you would expect a talented actor like him to be much better. The lead actresses are average with hardly any scope either. Music is nothing to write home about.
If only the story was more consistent, screenplay more clear, jointed and understandable, second half equally thrilling and engaging as first half and the running time twenty minutes shorter than its current length of two and a half hours, this ambitious project of Kamal Hasan would have been much more enjoyable and impactful. Cinema Analyst's Take – Average.