Aashayein

Out of the many shiny bollywood masalla action packed, brainless plots and pointless movies, here comes a treat to watch. John Abraham is getting better everyday in bollywood and I assume the day is not far when he will stand with the top line of bollywood. I don't know but he is the only actor I feel who gives a strange feeling of belongingness to the masses. Anyway ! About the movie.. It's a story of a dying man and his experiences after wards. (Full Stop! Find out the whole of it in the movie). This is a very touchy and sensitive subject and the way it was portrayed in the movie is the brilliance of the Production team. No fun intended, no typical bollywood happy-happy moments, Its a movie with hard facts and human emotions and PAIN. It's a difficult movie to watch because of the pain and hopelessness it carry. Throughout the movie you will be in pain and misery for the characters. And that credit goes to non other then John himself and the new talent portrayed in the character of Padma. They managed to transfer the agony to the viewers and that's the 'job-done'. With out a doubt this is the best ever performance by john Abraham as he himself claimed it in a TV show interview recently that people would be stunned to see the performance and they sure do! The music number 'shukrya zindagi' is very well pasted in the film at different moments when 'needed' (no pointless bollywood songs at least in this movie). And why an 8 for a movie which deserves at least 9? Yeah the Indiana Johnes segments (Dreams). This would have been a much better treat to watch without those scenes and the story should have focused more on the realities of life, but anyway still no hard feelings for a great movie. By the way this is not your weekend reliever and a pop corn flick!! As a whole it's a very serious movie and not many people would like to watch it (sorry for that John). But those who have a taste of such movies would definitely remember this one for a long time. Aashayein.. Yeah!

After the horrendous '8 x 10 Tasveer', Nagesh Kukunoor is back on track. Even though I was a bit skeptical seeing that Kukunoor has been going downhill since 'Bombay to Bangkok' and the casting of John Abraham in the lead role didn't sound very promising but I was wrong. 'Aashayein' is a heartfelt down-to-earth little film about a young man who, after being diagnosed with cancer, admits himself to a hospice, leaving behind the life he once knew (that includes a fiancée), only to find a new one. The premise sounds familiar but don't be fooled. This isn't another 'Anand' or 'Dasvidaniya'. Yet, Kukunoor doesn't shy away from showing who he's influenced by as he wisely makes references to classics like 'Anand' and 'Indiana Jones'. The Indiana Jones dream sequences are quite well executed. The songs, including the Shreyas Talpade item number, fit in well.

The setting of the hospice is quite beautiful. Hindi films usually depict hospitals and other medical centres as this cold, impersonal place where the ill are ignored or treated without affection. Thankfully Kukunoor sheds a positive light and hopefully there are more such options for people in India. In addition, I also liked how Kukunoor briefly depicts the struggle encountered by the medical staff in order to run the place.

John Abraham's performance may not be flawless but it's the best work he's done to date. Hot Sonal Sehgal has good screen presence. Girish Karnad, Prateeksha Lonkar and Farida Jalal provide great support. I would have liked to see more of the lovely Jalal as her character was very interesting. Finally, the star of 'Aashayein' is Anaitha Nair who steals every scene she's in with a commendable performance. I would like to see more of this actress cast in such significant roles in good films.

'Aashayein' may have its share of flaws but it manages to win the heart of the viewer and I hope, from this movie on, Kukunoor stays on track instead of stumbling with the likes of '8 x 10 Tasveer'.

Well, the last two flicks of Nagesh were a gross disappointment. But, not this time. He has come back to his forte, that of, sensitive and touching cinema. John has given his best till date and the seventeen year old Anitha was outstanding.

The story revolves the last few days of a lung cancer patient. The way he deals with his pain, his isolation and paradox of life. In this process he discovers that he needs a purpose in life which is shown by a child who resembles a monk. Slowly he discovers, instead of gloating and wasting life, he devotes himself for the happiness of others. There are frequent references to Karma and the hidden messages are nicely conveyed through this film. He uses his surplus of funds for the fulfillment of desires of his friends and thus kind of liberating them. The parallel story of Indiana Jones is well woven and strikes a parallel to the needs of the protagonist.The films ends on a positive note and the protagonist still seeking a new adventure.

The music is outstanding with the same team as that of Dor. It Blends very well with the situations and embellishes the movies further.

All in All ! Nagesh is Back ! Looking for further great movies from him.

I watched this movie because I like John Abraham and kind of liked some of it's songs, and I am literally thrilled after watching this movie. I agree that many things didn't go well in this movie like writing part, cinematography part and in some of the scenes acting was clumsy too but the overall impact of the movie was very intense. I don't know that is it a rumor but some of the sources claimed that John and Nagesh Kuknoor(director) didn't charge at all for this movie as the subject was beyond economics. Padma(Anaitha Nair) was the cream of the movie and she enlightened the screen every time she appeared, I hope she will get more project like this. Sonal Sehgal got the more publicity then Anaitha Nair although her appearance and impact was low, and I personally enjoyed the on-screen chemistry between John and Anaith. I recommend this movie as a must watch movie for everyone as it has a great message and elements concerning everyone

Movie seems to be a low budget movie.But i like the fact that there are no villains in this movies, at least physically. This movies is a great example to show how much fragile life is. Here 'Indy' get struck by fortune and disaster at the same time.

Whole movie is an emotional roller coaster while the main character struggles through his own illness and also struggle to cope with the deaths of his fellow mates. Movie has a good ending which make the audience think about life in a different prospective.

For me character 'Padma' was the main attraction where she enlighten the sad mood in the movie with her stubborn and obnoxious behavior.

I think everyone should watch this movies to understand life on prospective of people who already try to live while they are obviously dying. thank you!