Waqt Bollywood Review

WAQT (The Race against Time) (PG) (Article originally published in 2005)

Dir: Vipul Shah, 2005, India, 153 mins, Hindi with subtitles

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, Shefali Shah

After the huge success of Baghban and Black , Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan returns in Waqt -an emotional family tear jerker about a complex relationship between a father and son.

Based on a successful stage play, the story focuses on Ishwar Saraswat (Bachchan) - a rich toy manufacturer and his pampered and spoilt son Adi (Akshay). Adi is the apple of his father’s eye and a wannabe and aspiring actor who totally lives for his dreams. But Ishwar conceals a devastating secret that threatens to shatter his family’s world and is forced to kick out Adi and his pregnant wife Pooja (Priyanka) from their luxury house, in an attempt to make Adi face up to his responsibilities. However, this harsh lesson soon turns into a race against time as their cherished relationship is put to the test.

The tried and tested formula of family sagas seems to be the repetitive norm for Bollywood films, but regardless of this, the film’s representation of the ideal ‘nuclear’ family with strong Indian values stand out - especially the unique and undying bond between a father and son.

Despite this, the script loses credibility in the second half during some of the never ending confrontational scenes between the two leading actors. The direction lacks sensitivity in capturing the emotions of the characters. Also, given the enormity of the dark secret, scenes appear to be rushed and over exaggerated when is finally revealed.

However there are some great comical moments provided by supporting actors Boman Irani and Yashpal Yadav which are worth mentioning. The tongue in cheek dialogues between Irani, Yadav and Amitabh Bachchan are hilariously witty and definitely manage to grab your attention.

Director Vipul Shah succeeds in recreating the magic by reuniting the two leading men after his last blockbuster thriller Aankhen. Though this is not the first time the two actors have appeared together on screen as both gave outstanding performances in Khakee and Ek Rishta.

Amitabh Bachchan is on top form and gives a powerful performance, bringing a lot of charisma and feeling to his character, even lending his vocals for one of the songs. Akshay Kumar’s depiction of Adi is refreshing and his chemistry with Bachchan is the main highlight of the film.

Priyanka Chopra is glamour personified in what is essentially a small role. Still, she sizzles nicely with Kumar; having giving stellar performances in a string of hits including Andaaz, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Aitraaz .

However, the surprise package of the film is Shah’s wife Shefali Shah, who has made a comeback to the big screen, her last role being in the 1996 controversial film Satya. In Waqt her portrayal of a devoted wife and mother is moving and effortless.

Renowned composer Anu Malik's music is refreshing and the lavish grand sets and colourful costume design add a modern touch. The excellent cinematography captures the mood of the film especially during the dream song sequences set in Morocco, focusing on Kumar and Chopra.

Overall, Vipul Shah has produced a wholesome entertainer for the masses and has proved that family sagas are as popular as ever.

So get the obligatory box of tissues handy!

- Worth a watch on DVD ***