Bollywood finally put forth a film with excellent computer graphic effects. Whether this is a byproduct of the influx of technology of our times, or because of excellent artists, the effects certainly had an impact on the film.
Aladin, released on 30 October 2009, stars Ritesh Deshmukh as Aladin, Jacqueline Fernandez (aka Miss Universe 2006–from Sri Lanka) as Jasmine, Amitabh Bachchan as Genius (the Genie), and Sanjay Dutt as the “Ringmaster.” One of the better qualities of this film is that it doesn’t follow the story of Aladin and the magic lamp, made so famous by Disney. Instead, Aladin is a contemporary story, taking place in fictional Khwaish, a city that takes the Asiatic looks of the country from which the original story supposedly originates, Turkestan. However, the film’s storyline is limited in some aspects. First of all, parts of it seem geared too much towards children; the incessant bullying of Aladin, from childhood to college days, seems improbable, and only gains laughs from kids. Also too confusing is the “rules” regarding the lamp, who can control its powers, etc. Despite being partially a kid’s film, there are parts of the film that might frighten small children; the movie combines the all to familiar troubles of hopeless love with a very slight tinge of black magic, the type suggested in Bollywood’s small genre of “horror/scary” films.
The computer graphics in the movie make these instances of magic seem very realistic, if not believable. The colors used are stunning, and they serve as excellent metaphors. The graphics are probably the most entertaining part of the film; although the story is original, it is as times too predictable, and doesn’t investigate enough modern issues to be considered a fully contemporary film. Besides the fact that there are cars, and Aladin is attending college, the film could very well be set two centuries back.
Despite the weaknesses of the story, the casting, for the most part, was well done. The most excellent role was doubtlessly held by Amitabh, who played the Genie. He fit the role perfectly, it was age appropriate, he was humourous and creative, and he looked the part. Sanjay Dutt, likewise, played an excellent villain. He was nearly unrecognisable beneath his mustache, top hat, and dyed hair. The “ringmaster” was another innovation of the director (Sujoy Ghosh)/screenwriters. The ringmaster led a vengeful circus; but to say any more would spoil the film! Aladin was Jacqueline Fernandez’s debut as an actress, but it is impossible to evaluate her acting skills. She hardly contributed to the film; this isn’t her fault, but the fault of the screenplay. Jasmine simply served as eye candy, for both Aladin, and the audience.
No matter the beauty of the film (or the actress), Aladin was not stunning enough to merit above a below average rating. The predictability and mediocrity of the film are not enough to make the movie completely boring, but ruin its chances of becoming a hit.
Tak dhina dhin….Aladin!
We give this film:
2/5
–BeatandBoom DJs
www.beatandboom.com
p.s. Have you seen the film? What did you think?
