Bollywood Movie Review: TASHAN

In what is being seen as the comeback plank of many industry superstars to the Yash Raj banner, ‘Tashan’ is already being seen and promoted as one of the biggest releases of 2008. The movie marks the return of Akshay Kumar( after Yeh Dillagi -1994 and Dil To Pagal Hai -1997), Kareena Kapoor( after Mujhse Dosti Karoge -2002) and Anil Kapoor( after Lamhe -1992) to the biggest production house in Bollywood. Along with the stylish Saif Ali Khan, they complete the star studded lineup of glamour and action in this movie, which is the maiden directorial venture of Vijay Krishna Acharya (credited with the screenplay of other Yash Raj hits like Dhoom and Dhoom 2). The movie is being produced by Aditya Chopra and Yash Chopra on behalf of Yash Raj Films, with Vishal-Shekhar providing the music.
Tashan, which stands for ‘style’ is believed to be a wholesome action commercial flick, with a brazen and overwhelming entertainment flavor. With plenty of twists, high powered performances, thrills, it’s expected to combine the age old Yash Raj Bollywood masala tinge with the fast pacedtelling trend of new age cinema.
The film revolves around a recovery agent, ‘Bachchan Pandey’ played by Akshay Kumar, who is employed by a petty wannabe gangster ‘Bhaiyaji’ played by Anil Kapoor. Kareena Kapoor plays a glamorous lady who owes a large amount of money to ‘Bhaiyaji’. ‘Bachchan Pandey’ is therefore assigned by his boss to recover the money from Kareena. This sets off a chain of events, in which Kareena is tracked around the world by the former, leading to a racy narrative. Saif Ali Khan’s role is pretty well guarded, as is the unconventional theme of the film. But what is surely known is that the film will feature his son, Ibrahim, making his debut and reportedly playing his reel life son.
The exciting plot and theme apart, Tashan has also been in the news for the fashionable new looks that each of the lead cast are sporting. Saif’s being the most prominent with a moustache and a mane, Akshay with designer stubble and a very short haircut, Kareena Kapoor’s ultra slim look to fit into the sexy attires and bikinis for her role. Even the normally conventional looking Anil Kapoor will be seen with a heavy, handlebar moustache.
The film was shot in various locales across the world. Shooting commenced in June 2007 in Kerala (that set the stage for the Saif-Kareena real life romance), and thereafter in Laddakh and Rajasthan. Some portions were also done in and around the Fort area of Mumbai and on the banks of the river Ganges at Haridwar. Exotic settings in Greece were also used.
The prmos of the film has raised a lot of hype and interest. Infact a recent IndiaFM poll put Tashan as No. 1 on the list of “Most Awaited Movies of 2008”. The punchline of the film- “THE ISHTYLE….THE GOODLUCK…..THE PHARMOOLA” itself evinces a lot of attention. Hitting the cinemas on 25 April 2008, it remains to be seen if this flick is as stylish at the box office as it is believed to be.