ChotaDon

The well publicized Kismat Konnection caught the industry by surprise by fetching a good start in the morning shows at multiplexes. Generally, most movies open in the 25 percent to 35 percent range in the early shows, but Kismat Konnection had a 70 per cent start and at some places, even 85 percent plus rating.The multiplexes maintained very well during the course of the day. With this movie, Shahid Kapoor moves into the top bracket vis a vis the number of prints in circulation (720 screens in India and 200 in the overseas market, according to a press release distributed by UTV). Saturday and Sunday are expected to be strong at multiplexes again. Simple stories, told in a simplet manner, have been the hallmark of all Aziz Mirza movies, right from Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman to Chalte Chalte. Now Kismat KONNECTION, the veteran’s new outing, is no exception. The characters we watch on screen are relatable, their problems are the type that we have either heard of or experienced ourselves, the love story and the conflict in the tale also come across to real.

Like Aziz Mirza’s previous ventures, Kismat Konnection is too not heavy on your senses. It is a simple, feel good fare that charms its way into your heart. Since Mirza has only worked with the Numero Uno star, Shahrukh, in the past, the first question that crosses your mind is, does he get it right with Shahid? The second question is, is the chemistry between the lead pair interesting? Thankfully, the answers to both the questions are in the afffirmative.

But there is just one hitch. The movie Kismat Konnection takes its own sweet time to reach the finale (yes, it is lengthy in the second hour). Besides, it gets slow placed as well. Yet, all said and done, Kismat Konnection is a movie that makes you smile and that is its biggest triumph. The last word. Kismat Konnection is a pleasant experience, sunshine cinema that lingers in your memory even after the show has concluded.

The story starts with Raj (Shahid Kapoor) who was numero uno. In academics, sports, dramatics. But four years after he winning the best student of the year trophy from his architectural college, he is wondering why a brilliant architect like him, with designs to set the Canadian landscape on fire, is still struggling to find that one big chance to showcase his mettle.

It is almost as though some negative kismat is following him around becasue whenever something good is about to happen, it seems doomed to fail. Desperate to getrid of the bad phase in his life, Raj meets a quirky oracle Haseena Bano Jaan (Juhi Chawla). Well, like the subject of most romantic comedies, the two leads hate each other when their paths cross the first few times.

Of course, the headstrong young man does not quite see that his luck changes whenever Priya is around, until a dubious oracle named Haseena Bano Jaan paints him a picture and sends him on his merry way in pursuit of the girl that passes for his good luck charm. She tells him that soon his stars will change and make everything work in his favour. But for all this happen. Raj has first to find his lucky charm and never let go of it; but she tells him no more, leaving Raj mystified, trying to figure out what this charm could be.

Suddenly, his life seems to be on the right track. He is managed to impress top builder Sanjeev Gil (Om Puri) into giving him a prestigious project. Priya (Vidya Balan) is a tough talking, tough decision taking girl with a heart of gold. She is an ideealist who is intent on making the world a better, more humane place and is quite willing to fight alone battle for it.

Raj succeeds in persuading Priya that he is the Messiah who can save her beloved Community Centre from destruction. She also opens her eyes to her philandering fiance (Amit Verma). Raj even manages to thwart the evil designs of old college foe turned deadly professional enemy Dave (Manoj Bohra). Does this mean that Raj has unwittingly discovered his lucky charm?

Recall Aziz Mirza’s films. In practically all his movies, the protagonist is aspiring to make it big in life. There is a constant struggle on both levels, personal and professional. Mirza’s latest release Kismat Konnection is no different. Sure, Kismat Konnection is not entirely original. It bears an uncanny resemblance to Just My Luck (2006), but it has been adapted quite well in the Indian milieu. What also sets apart is that Mirza’s movies have a subtle message and Kismat Konnection is no expection.

Kismat Konnection is primarily a love story that viwers may have visited several times in the past, but let’s not forget, romance can never ever go out of fashion. Aziz and co director Haroon Mirza succeed in presenting the highs and lows in realtionship with maturity. The situations are simple, there is no place for melodrama here.

But Aziz Mirza sould have take care in maintaining its pace and length in the second hour. The movie could have easily done away with a number of scenes. Pritam’s music is ear pleasing. Aai Paapi and Bakhuda Tumhi Hoo are haunting compositions, while Ahmed Khan’s choreography in the former takes your breath away. Binod Pradhan’s ciinematography is top notch and the icing on the cake is the breath taking locations of Canada.

Shahid is a complete natural, very likeable and very believable. After Jab We Met, the actor has attained that rare confidence which shows in his performances. Watch him get the emotional moments right and you know that the actor has only matured with time. You may have pre concived notions vis a vis his pairing with Vidya, but let’s tell you that they look perfect in the movie. The trimmed hair and minimal makeup make Vidya look really pretty. Acting wise too, she pitches in a fine performance.

Juhi tends to go over the top, but that’s the demand of the role. Om Puri is first rate. Himani Shivpuri is just fantastic and her Punjabi accent will bring the house down. Manoj Bohra acts very well. Vishal Malhotra is efficient.

Overall, Kismat Konnection us a simple movie that has its own magic charm. It is no path breaking cinema, but it works. At the box office, its kismat should be strong at multiplexes and the wide release, coupled with no opposition, will help its distributors reap a benifit. Business in Overseas, where it has been given an extensive release, should also be good. We hope, the movie will also change the kismat of Vidya and Shahid at the box office.

Star Cast: Shahid Kapoor…… Raj Malhotra, Vidya Balan…… Priya, Juhi Chawla…… Hassena Banu Jaan, Om Puri…… Sanjeev Gill, Vishal Malhotra…… Hiten Patel, Himani Shivpuri, Haider Ali, Shehnaz Anand, Karnvir Bohra, Amit Varma, Dimple Sharma, Boman Irani

Director: Aziz Mirza

Story / Writer: Rahila Mirza