Simply fantastic! Agneepath has set very very high standards, and what a brilliant start to the year 2012. This film is not a remake! This version may use the same concept, and character names, however it dies not run on the star power of any of the actors. The two Karan's are very brave to even consider this film, especially after the cult status of the original Agneepath, but by changing the story to make it unique, they have delivered a power house film.
Hrithik Roshan is the life and soul of Agneepath, and it is clear why Karan Malhotra had chased him for 7 months to do this film - He is perfect for it! Hrithik looks every bit the real hero in this film, and puts across a performance on the same level of Jodhaa Akbaar. The intensity, passion and emotion he has put into this role will take him a long way, and certainly very close to another award. I always thought Hrithik suffered when it came to dialogue delivery, but a long with Jodhaa Akbaar, his delivery is second to perhaps the likes of Amitabh, Aamir Khan and Sunny Deol.
Sanjay Dutt is going to rewrite the manual of a Bollywood villain. He puts across one of his best roles to date a long with the likes of Khalnayak and Vaastav. When watching the film you sit and wonder how is Vijay going to defeat this giant, and at times there doesn't seem like there is way. For once I am happy to say that the villain looks like a villain - something that went missing in the original Agneepath.
Rishi Kapoor is the show stealer. Why has he never done a negative role before I will never know, but after this film he will surely get more chances to do so. He carries off every scene with pure class, and it is obvious to see why he is regarded as such a great actor.
Priyanka Chopra plays the role of Kaali perfectly. She does not have much screen time, but neither should she, and it is a credit to her to take such a back seat role. However, she excels on screen and her chemistry with Hrithik is fabulous.
Other notable performances are Zarina Wahab as Vijay's mother, and the child actor playing Vijay in his early years - some of the early scenes certainly leave you enticed.
If you are a Hrithik fan, this is a must see, and even if you're not a Hrithik fan, you will become one after watching this. He simply oozes class, and plays the simple guy image with ease.
Hearing that the film broke Bodyguard's opening day record is no surprise. If you compare the content of Agneepath to Bodyguard or Ra One, then you will be confused why they did so well compared to this film. All in all, Agneepath rewrites how a film should be made, and with help of quality actors - will go into the all time record books.
