Aitraaz (2004)

Abbas-Mustan live up to their expectations once again! For the first time, Bollywood sees such a shocking role reversal. Priyanka does an extraordinary job and is easily the best part of this film. She plays her role of an excessively aggressive lady very convincingly with passion. Supposedly the supporting actress, she easily overshadows her co-stars. Akshay, nonetheless, also gave a great performance and proves he can play any role. Kareena was slightly disappointing, especially in comparison with her past performances and with Priyanka. However, the excellent script does not let this be very noticeable. Songs are not bad. My favorites are Yeh Dil Tumpe Aa Gaya and I Want to Make Love to You.

Fmovies: Mukta Arts and Abbas Mastan-this dhoti clad duo have unique angle to film making as they did with "Humraaz", which was one of the most entertaining films of the last decade. This duo have choreography style that is innovative and refreshing compared to the pot-boiler tasteless gyrating that is usually seen in Salman Khan movies. The music of Himmesh Reshmiya is always a distinguishing feature of their movies. There are two numbers that have his stamp. There are two actors that stand out-one is Paresh Rawal- this actor can turn a scene however short into a hilarity. As a prosecuting attorney Rawal is the Court-jester bringing the audience down with some of the best dialog in the movie. In fact A-M duo cleverly use this scene as their comedy interlude that is by tradition reserved for children of lesser talent like Shakti Kapoor, Johny lever and the clan. There have been seductive vixens and stunning looking actresses on the Indian cinema but Priyanka Chopra is an all in one. This Chopra girl who made an entry with "The Hero" never looked more gorgeous-this woman certainly has the skills with the killer looks. Akshay Kumar is acting, when you consider that the Indian audience is used to the overacting from the likes of SharRukh Khan. Kareena Kapoor is okay but she could have been more dramatic in the Court, instead of her parrot like dialog delivery. I enjoyed this movie considering the recent filth in the name of Cinema that has been coming out of the "Maximum City".

Abbas Mustan are back with the bang and this time with a bold theme which tackles with the issue of sexual harassment, with an exclusive twist by placing the man as a victim and the woman as an aggressor. Till now the moviegoer has witnessed man-sexually-molesting-woman but this time its opposite. It has been inspired by a Hollywood flick DISCLOSURE.

Raj Malhotra (Akshay Kumar), who works for a cell phone company, is popular amongst his circle of friends and work colleagues. But his world comes crashing down when he meets Sonia (Priyanka Chopra) again.

Sonia is an ambitious model with great aspirations. She knows what she wants in life. She is prepared to achieve her goals, whatever the price. Her fundas in life are crystal clear: Nothing shall come in between her wants and desires.

Raj is well aware that Sonia knew only one way to live and that was her way. And one fateful evening, things did not go her way. Sonia brings Raj's world to a screeching halt.

Raj's wife Priya (Kareena Kapoor), once a lawyer herself, is prepared to do anything to protect her husband's honor and dignity.

The deceitful dusk that threatens to put Rajs honor at stake, finds an adamant Priya at the opposing end. And from a content housewife, Priya becomes a woman with a mission that she must accomplish. She is now Rajs partner in more ways than one.

Thrown into this web of deceit is Rajs boss, Ranjit Roy (Amrish Puri), who happens to be Sonias husband. He is a mere pawn in her hands.

The drama has just begun. The court is far from adjourned and what happens next you have to watch by yourself.

Akshays performance in a serious silent role is satisfactory and the audience will sure sympathize with his character. Kareena's part as a wife is impressive. But she fails to make a mark in the role of a lawyer. AITRAAZ belongs to Priyanka Chopra completely. She plays a glamorous role with a gray shade. Priyanka gets an opportunity to bear her claws and she does it with complete understanding of the character. She sneaks her way through the role like an expert, drawing audience hatred the way a magnet collects iron filings.

Paresh Rawal and Anu Kapoor have made their wonderful input to the film as lawyers. A good courtroom drama viewer will see after a long time, after Damini (93). In a long courtroom scene, Paresh Rawal is able to keep the viewers engaged in the proceedings while Anu Kapoor appears in an impressive role after a long time. His last best performance was in Gardish (93). And the same year he started working for zee TVs program Antakshari.

On the whole, AITRAAZ is a well-crafted thriller that meets the expectations in each and every department from story, direction till performances and music. Its a must to see movie. 3 1/2 Out of 5

Aitraaz fmovies. When i first saw this movie in the theaters back in 2004 November, I was really interested in the roles of the characters. Kareena did and amazing job being as a lawyer and she didn't over act it at all. She knows how to act and knows what to do as well. When i saw Priyanka doing that negative role, i was thinking wow shes doing a pretty good job as that. I give her credit for that as well. Ashkay did an okay job. Its mostly Kareena Kapoor & Priyanka who stole the show. I love the part when Kareena starts fight with Priyanka in the office and in the court as well. It brings suspense, drama, and you can feel the hatred between one another. I give this movie a 10 out of 10 for sure!! These directors know how to make a good film. I hope they make a part two to this movie. Please make Aitraaz part 2!! I will be a massive hit. The box office in Canada for the movie Aitraaz was way better than Veer Zaara. Everyone that i know of liked Aitraaz so much!! Goob job Kareena & Priyanka. Kareena Kapoor is the best actress in the world!! Everyone...you have to see Bewafaa, Kyon Ki and Dosti. Those movies are excellent!!

This film is long but quite enjoyable. There is perhaps one twist too many and some needless shenanigans towards the end could have been avoided. Still, its fairly absorbing. Priyanka excels as the sexy vamp and burns up the screen with her presence. Kareena is saddled with the straight role but does well. Paresh Rawal steals the show as an adept lawyer. Akshay Kumar is alright although he essentially plays the victim in the film. The plot is a variant on the Hollywood thriller Disclosure, but there's a lot of Indian spice including some catchy songs. Watchable.

Overall 6/10

Aitraaz Caught this movie on DVD last night. I've got only 2 words... WATCH IT!!! Priyanka Chopra has really established herself in this Abbas Mustan flick. Albeit, this movie is not in the same league as some of the class efforts from this director duo, it keeps the viewers plugged in through the end (partially due to Priyanka of course!) Why does Kariena always become the scapegoat in Bollywood movies where ravishing beauties play cameo roles. Then it was Ajnabee, now it is Aitraaz, there it was Bips, here it is Pri.

The court scenes were drawn out a little bit and were a bit unrealistic and crude, but other than that, it was a really cool flick.... it is Priyanka all the way! She has done the romantic, modelling and vengeful scenes with passionate energy and great elegance, which should get her the filmfare for the best supporting artist (Rani will give her a tough fight thanks to the Yas Raj rigging factor.. no offense to Rani here). She not only clobbered Kariena, but even sidelined Akshay Kumar. She might be a serious contender to Bipasha if she keeps this tempo going.

Paresh Rawal's court performance reminded me of his role in Akele Hum Akele Tum, while Annu Kapoor has done a sufficient job. The comedy track has been understandably toned down and the music was mediocre but was compensated for by the superb locations, picturization, cinematography, and costumes.

The climax was good.. although it was no big riddle, it was pretty realistic. I shall say no more.

Verdict: As a Priyanka and Abbas-Mustan Fan, I loved this movie. It is quite different and stylish. This is worth watching!