Reported By:
| Edited By: Aniruddha Guha |Source: DNA |Updated: Nov 21, 2013, 01:44 PM IST
New York
Director: Kabir Khan
Cast: John Abraham, Katrina Kaif, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Irrfan
Rating: ***
It’s been quite a wait. Nondescript films (no pun on lacklustre scripts, although there’ve been plenty), disappointing ‘biggies’ and the multiplex strike haven’t exactly helped the cause of Hindi cinema lovers. New York could change all that.
Is it a great film? Not really. It’s not even a film that can be said to be making a larger point, as Kabir Khan’s first film, Kabul Express, did. But it manages to keep you hooked for most of its running time, has breathtaking cinematography and enough twists and turns not to make you regret shelling out big bucks on tickets and popcorn.
It’s September 1999 and the setting, not surprisingly, is the Big Apple. Omar (Neil Nitin Mukesh) has gone to NYU on a scholarship from Delhi, and soon befriends Sam (John Abraham) and Maya (Katrina Kaif). After some screen time dedicated to the trio's exploits in a terror-free New York and some song-and-dance, the 9/11 attacks happen, changing the city forever.
Omar, in love with Maya, is heartbroken to find that she pines for Sam, and relocates to Philadelphia, snapping all ties with the two.
Circa 2009, and Omar is detained by the FBI on terrorism charges. Enter FBI inspector Roshan (Irrfan), nationality unknown. “With your accent, I have never been able to figure which part of Asia you’re from,” his senior tells him at one point.
A bewildered Omar wants to know why he’s being illegally detained, and Roshan tells him that his friendship with dreaded terrorist Sameer Shaikh is the reason. Sameer Shaikh is none other than Sam, now married to Maya, and Omar is shocked to be confronted with the reality.
Roshan then plants Omar in Sam’s house, using him as bait to uncover the terrorist's plans. But Omar is actually out to prove Sam’s innocence, and uncovers truths that stun him. Revealing what happensa next could rob viewers of the fun of watching the film, but it won’t disappoint you. Or at least, quite a lot of it won’t.
Unrequired sequences (which add to the film's LONG running time), some convenient screenplay (the characters’ parents are spoken about but never shown, even in dire situations), and scenes to justify the action of the American authorities in detaining suspects illegally, greatly lessen New York's impact. But the gripping pace, unexpected humour, technical finesse and some good acting make up for these glitches.
Certain scenes, like the one where a detainee recounts the horror of life in an American prison, the interval scene and the climax, are neatly executed. The lead actors — John, Katrina and Neil – usually known for just their good looks — deliver impressive performances in this one. Neil, who made a decent debut with Johnny Gaddar, plays the part of a nervous, on-edge Omar well.
Katrina is a revelation. Aptly cast in the role of an American-born desi, her natural accent adds to her character's charm. John, who has very little screen time in the first half, gets the meatier part post-interval and does splendidly. And no other actor can be imagined in the role of Roshan once you see Irrfan play it the way he does. He’s outstanding, as usual.
Kabir Khan has given New York a look you would expect from a big budget Hollywood film. Along with cinematographer Aseem Mishra, Khan manages to make the film a visual delight. As director, he goes a step ahead from being a sensitive filmmaker whose first film catered to a niche, to one who can play to the gallery and make a film which appeals to a larger audience.
Watch New York to be entertained. Those looking for a path-breaking take on the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks could be disappointed. This one’s pure Bollywood.
