If you are stepping in cinema hall carrying nostalgic burden of Mahesh Bhatt's classic "Arth" one must advise you to lay it off because you will not be doing justice to Shaan Shahid's "Arth". Though Shaan Shahid's Arth is an official remake of Mahesh Bhatt's classic of yesteryear but new Arth has its own soul, individuality, impact and most importantly time. As a film critic and fan of old Arth it gives me an uttermost satisfaction that Shaan Shahid did not make any effort to destroy the essence of the original instead he has carved out a new story with altogether different perspective of a character from the original which was waiting to be explored.
With his Arth Shaan Shahid has given a great lesson to all those so-called film makers from both sides of border how to get inspired but not conspired. For new generation of millennia who have no acquaintance with Mahesh Bhatt's classic, Shaan Shahid's Arth introduces them to those characters in more relatable form. In other words, Shaan Shahid has increased the nostalgic value of original Arth in many folds. I had little doubts in Shaan Shahid's skills as a director but how aesthetically he has handled a classic content is absolutely commendable. Yes there are few technical loopholes if ignored then Shaan Shahid's "Arth" is a treat to watch.
As aforementioned new Arth explores the character of Raj Kiran from the original and Shaan Shahid shines magnificently in it. For last many years we have been witnessing Shaan Shahid performing roles like "Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota" type but his vulnerability as human being who also feels pain was completely unknown to us. As a struggling singer who is trying hard to re-win his lost audience, Shaan Shahid's performance is full of impact and relate-able. His performance in song "Ronay Dey" is a real tearjerker.
Due to no back story of Raj Kiran's character in Original Arth, Shaan Shahid had a reason to play around his character. In case of Uzma Hassan she did not have this liberty but she blossoms in her character and emerges as shocking revelation. Comparing Uzma's performance with Shabana Azmi is unfair but she has certainly matched Shaan Shahid's acting prowess.
Humaima Malik has given her hundred percent as famous film star but there are moments in the film where she seems going overboard and unnecessary loud. Samita Patil had little time share on screen in original comparing others but with her restrained and effective performance she is remembered. Still Humaima Malik must be praised for playing a bold but very important role which triggers other characters. One may assume what she has done on screen was the requirement but not intentional.
There are few film critics who have written off Mohib Mirza in Arth which is unfair reaction to a fine actor. He has performed according to script. He was required to appear with controlled demeanor and he has done exactly the same.
Cinematography of Arth is eye candy and music is phenomenal. There are many beautiful songs in Arth which give soothing effect to listeners but it is really surprising why makers of new Arth has not promoted song like "Kabhi Main Sochta Hoon" which in my opinion is one of the best songs of this year.
On the whole, Shaan Shahid's "Arth" is one of the good films of 2017. The kind of heart and soul Shaan Shahid has invested in this project as producer, director and actor, one may expect from "Arth: The Destination" to emerge as classic out of a classic in years to come.
