When we see the first trailer of Hate Story, we think of an exciting, bold, electrifying story. Of Course, the erotica depicted in the trailer is anything but subtle. So when I saw this movie, I actually expected a decent movie. (I really did not have a reason to because Vivek Agnihotri isn't even a decent story-teller) Still, the trailer made me have slight hope. However, that hope was gone within the first 20 minutes. More on that in a bit, first the synopsis.
Kaavya is a young, modern journalist out to find the truth and the truth only. She pulls a sting operation on a corrupt businessman Sidhart Dhanrajgir. "Impressed" with her work, Dhanrajgir offers her a job. Kaavya instantly falls for Sidhart and sleeps with him. A delighted Kaavya is shattered when Sidhart fires her and kicks her out. Kaavya, pregnant with Sidhart's child has a forced abortion done by Sidhart's goons and is left ruined. Kaavya's only objective now is to get revenge and destroy Sidhart.
The story seems done to death but even an old story told in a new way can do wonders. (Agneepath being a recent example of such brilliance) Where Hate Story lost me was in the first few reels. Why does Kaavya work for Siddhart if the post has nothing to do with her last job? Money? If so, then why is she shown as this moral and ethical journalist passionate about her job? Why is she throwing all that away for extra cash? Second, how does she fall for Siddhart so fast? I mean, come on! She goes on a holiday with him and ends up sleeping with him right then? Isn't this the same moral journalist? Plus, why is she even interacting with Siddarth after proving that he's a corrupt money-hungry man? All those questions were thrown at me just in the initial reels. Not a good sign. The writing is poor, and takes the audience for granted. We're not idiots.
More flaws? Of Course. Why is there so much forced sex? Also, I don't know why Kaavya went to learn "Prostitution" of she really wasn't going to be one. Plus, she slept with the corrupt businessman a week into getting the job - She's got the traits of prostitute in her.
The climax is surprising but seems like something we've seen numerous times.
The film really doesn't score much on anything besides two things. The slick style of filmmaking and the decent performances.
Vikram Bhatt's story is old fashioned and completely flawed. Too many loopholes. Some dialogue is decent, however.
The music doesn't offer much.
Vivek Agnihotri's direction is okay. Actually one of the better things in this flick. It's stylish.
Paoli Dam makes a confident debut. She's actually really good here. She looks good, of course, but there's also a dominant actress in her. Only if her character and script was better. Despite that, she carries this bad film on her shoulders. Gulshan Deviaha is also impressive. He looks awkward in the starting but pulls on his own.
Resst of the cast is good too.
Overall - A flawed film not worth watching even once.
