Movie: Race

Movie: Race

Producer: Kumar S Taurani, Ramesh S Taurani

Director: Abbas Mustan

Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Anil Kapoor, Akshaye Khanna, Bipasha Basu, Katrian Kaif

Music: Pritam Chakraborty

The true-blue connoisseurs of Bollywood thrillers, Abbas-Mustan are back with yet another spine-chilling escapade, ‘Race’. Hemmed with glitz, glam, style, suspense and everything else you can think of under the sun, ‘Race’ is saddled with the burden of humungous expectations. And it rightfully lives up to all hopes with Bollywood machos Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna and Anil Kapoor together with a bevy of beauties like Katrina Kaif, Bipasha Basu and Sameera Reddy putting up a fantastic show. And to add to all the fanfare are the spectacular locales, the incredible visuals, the captivating songs, the stirring chase, the modish styling and everything else that makes ‘Race’ a great affair.

‘Race’ can be very well placed among Abbas-Mustan’s best work so far after ‘Khiladi’ and ‘Baazigar’. As expected of any thrillers, ‘Race’ too binds you to the edges of your seats as constant string of unprecedented events unfurls themselves at a gap of every fifteen minutes. In fact, it’s like a steady salvo of unexpected twists and turns that leaves your mind choked with excitement.

And to add to all its pluses is the fact that ‘Race’ isn’t just any other flick that is high on style and no substance. In fact, it’s among the very best of the films that prove to be a money-spinner for both the makers and the audience.

Two half brothers, Ranvir (Saif Ali Khan) and Rajiv (Akshaye Khanna), are big money-players who run a stud farm in Durban, South Africa. They also possess the best of the thoroughbreds and are big names when it comes to horse racing. Ranvir (Saif Ali Khan) the elder of the two is known to be a very shrewd man. He is very violent, and is always on the move. His half brother Rajiv on the other hand is a slipshod, who idles his life away in alcohol.

Sophia (Katrina Kaif) is Ranvir’s personal assistant who dearly loves her boss, much to his ignorance. On the contrary he reads her affection and interest as her dedication and commitment to her calling. Shaina (Bipasha Basu) is an aspiring Indian model who fancies Ranvir who reciprocates the same towards her.

Shaina is hooked to Ranvir but ends up marrying Rajiv. When she finds out what a loser alcoholic she has married, her life is blown to smithereens. This troubles Ranvir too, who forgoes his love for the sake of his younger brother with the hope that after getting married to Shaina, Rajiv may abstain from alcohol.

But Rajiv continues with his wayward ways even after marriage and things starts get worse between the couple when Shaina who in one weak moment gets close to Ranvir. This looses the way to all the bottled up emotions between the two and soon after they enter into a love affair.

But when Rajiv comes to know of it, things blow out of proportion. This flings open the gateways to hell with murder, betrayal, lies, and deceit becoming the order of the day.

Saif Ali Khan puts his best foot with ‘Race’. He looks extremely stylish and has played his part convincingly. Akshaye Khanna proves his merit yet again with ‘Race’. He carries off, what is perhaps the most crucial and complicated role in the film, with great composure. Anil Kapoor, who hops his way in the mid-half of the film, adds to the comic relief of it. His dialogues may appear to be a bit crass but they are nevertheless entertaining.

Abbas-Mustan strikes a bull’s eye with ‘Race’ that falls nothing short of a well-etched thriller. Everything about the film is well thought and even better executed. With the A-lister’s to his credit supported by an able script, great music, jaw dropping scenes and spine-chilling actions and thrills, ‘Race’ has got the making of a successful commercial entertainer.

Full credit should be given to writer Shiraz Ahmed for coming up with such a gripping tale that not for once allows your attention to waver away. The film picks up momentum from the very opening scenes, pepping up its pace with the further proceedings.

The camerawork by Ravi Yadav deserves no less than kudos. The spectacular locales of Durban, Dubai and India add to the feel and magnificence of the flick.

Pritam once again scores with his breath-taking melodies. Nearly all the songs are brilliant and have been styled well. The stunts by Allan Amin are a treat for the senses. And Hussain Burmawala’s excellent work at the editor’s table makes the entire affair all the more tantalizing and appealing. And last but not the least. Full points to designer Anaita Shroff Adajania for adding to the X-factor of the flick.

To sum up, ‘Race’ makes for the ultimate watch over the weekend. A thrilling flick that is sure to give you a great time over a packet of popcorn. Don’t miss it!