Ties of Blood

Sorry Mr. Santoshi, your Family disappoints….especially becoz this is the Khaki team again - Keshu, Sanotshi, AB and Akki.

This is undoubtedly Santoshi’s worst film. Though there are some elements in the plot that are good, on the whole the film fails to grip. The differences in the ‘love for the family’ of the two lead characters are just about ok. The idea of an innocent man getting killed in the crossfire of a gang war is also a little thought provoking. But what could have been a taut thriller ends up in a whimper. The last police station sequence is the only saving grace but it comes too late and does too little.

There is nothing new in this film-all the characters have been seen countless number of times in scores of gangster movies. Bachchan’s attempt to act sinister falls flat on its face – his nasal tone and continuous cigar smoking is highly irritating.

Keshu’s son gets a brilliant platform to launch himself and does a decent job – his eyes are his assets and if this young man hones his acting skills then we could have a good actor in the making.

But the surprise element in this movie is Akshay Kumar and Bhumika. The scenes between them are ‘total paisa vasool’. AK always had good roles in Keshu’s films and has been largely responsible for the latter’s success…and with this film he again proves that he has still lots to give to the Indian film audience. Even in Khaki it was his comic touch that had given his role an edge; and with this film he proves that Hera Pheri and Mujhse Shadi Karoge were not flukes.

Just one last word – Ms. Bhumika Chawla – why do we not see you more often? You are just too good. Guys….just check out her ‘hospital scene with AB’. Brilliant.