Kaanchi

The showman re-creates his magic of powerful cinema again. But this time with issue of women-empowerment.

Beautifully captured scenes.

Songs, especially Tu Hi Sab Kuch Re are melodious.

Debut performances are excellent. Mishti's varied spectrum of acting is just worth applauds.

Chandan Roy Sanyal again shines and its good that he gets a meaty role especially in 2nd half, almost of a 2nd lead.

Rishi Kapoor and Mithun are decent. Rishi Kapoor is uninhibited in his Vijay Mallya inspired corrupt businessman character. Mithun Chakrobarthy again shines. Beautiful cinematography. Crisp editing.

Worth watching for sake of old times!

I am a huge movie buff and I can sit through any movie. I usually find the silver lining in any crap movie. I am a big movie analyst. But this film left me zapped. It offers nothing. Poorly acted, same old concept of revenge. Famous actors given filthy roles. Dialogue is pathetic. Did not expect this from Subhash Ghai

The struggle of a girl against "the system". When her beloved husband to be is killed by a wealthy suitor, Kaanchi refuses to simply accept it and move on with her life. Despite her family's pledge to not fight she, convinces everyone se is dead and begins her struggle against the corrupt system.

This film deals with an age old issue that is still prevalent in some cultures today. If you are rich and influential it makes you above the law. If you like a girl, you can have her and if her heart is won over by someone else you just kill him.

Kaanchi might appear as a hopeless and helpless poor girl but she will not take a no for an answer. The system is manmade and men can fall. Losing the man she loved, meant that she has nothing to live for and therefore nothing to lose.

It is rather unfortunate when a powerful story and moral is not conveyed in the right light on the big screen. The presence of tension is somehow subdued by way of prevalence of a rather shallow acting and plot development, minus the leading lady, of course.

The Showman of the 80's & 90's, Subhash Ghai, delivers a rather ordinary film with 'Kaanchi'. Though Ghai manages to churn out impressive performances & even a fairly engaging first-hour, he fails by delivering a dull second-hour, which completely under-whelms.

'Kaanchi' Synopsis: A rebellious girl seeks revenge of her lover's death, but faces opposition from a strong political family.

'Kaanchi' begins well & has a few sparkling moments in the first-hour. The romance is nicely build-up. The second-hour is problematic. The track involving Rishi Kapoor falling for Mishti, the protagonist, is plain ridiculous. Also, the excessive running-time over a 145-minutes, needed some sharp trimming.

Ghai is not in command this time around. His Direction, though lavish, has an outdated vibe to it. The Screenplay loses pace in the second-hour completely. Cinematography is good. Editing needed to be sharper. Music by Ismail Darbar is super.

Performance-Wise: Mishti as Kaanchi, has the intensity & the fire, this character demands. However, she needs to work strongly on her voice. Kartik does a decent job. Rishi Kapoor, in an ill-written role, is over-the-top. Mithun Chakraborty is excellent as the wicked politician. Chandan Roy Sanyal is effortless. Rishabh Sinha is impressive.

On the whole, 'Kaanchi' is an half-baked effort from Subhash Ghai.

Kaanchi review:

Dear Subhash Ghai Sir,

I write my review in form of an open letter to you only for the nostalgic feel of your past blockbusters (Karz, Meri Jung, Ram Lakhan and Saudagar are my personal faves) I have grown up on.

Moving on to your latest offering, sorry Sir but Kaanchi is a sitting duck. The plot somewhat reminiscent of 1985 Raj Kapoor film 'Ram Teri Ganga Maili' (minus the waterfall scene) is totally outdated in 2014. Sirji, you should enrol your new find Mishti in your own acting school pronto. And pray, how could you get veterans like Rishi Kapoor and Mithunda to ham so outrageously? The new boy Karthik Aaryan has no role to speak of while Chandan Roy Sanyal is made to imitate Anil Kapoor's Lakhan.

As your ardent fan, I can tell you sir that though Kaanchi will fail, you should not. Please take your time and come back recharged with an entertainer which will equal, if not better ur past glory. With this hope, I end my open letter cum review sirji, still ilu ilu.

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.