Two days in New York so far, two films from India, two radically different approaches. If Ram Gopal Varma's Company represents a break from the traditional approach of Bollywood films, then Rakesh Roshan's Krrish is a film that revels in those same traditions. Yes, this is the film that brought in legendary action director Ching Siu-Tung but while Ching's touch is very evident he is only one part of a much larger whole and that whole is purely Bollywood. Krrish, at its core, is a full on Bollywood romance and you get everything that comes with that: the gooey eyed youths, the song and dance numbers, the saccharine sweetness, stunningly shameless product placement, and a seemingly endless supply of clothing and cosmetics. I kid you not, the lead actress completely changes costume for every single scene with no piece of clothing ever being repeated. Yes, the superhero element is there, and strongly there, but it exists purely in service of the larger romantic thrust of the film. Take it on its own terms and Krrish is a bubbly good time, but if you try to force it into the North American super hero mold you will be in for a world of hurt.
Right. Plot. Krrish A sequel of sorts to Roshan's E.T. knock off Koi ... Mil Gia, Krrish tells the story of that earlier film's son. The hero of Koi was a brain damaged youth who encounters an alien who, in turn gifts him with special powers - making him a certifiable super-genius in the process. This story picks up five years later. Abused and exploited Koi's hero has perished in a laboratory fire, followed in death days later by his distraught wife, leaving their newborn infant Krishna in the care of his grandmother. Her only wish is to raise the child in seclusion, but that wish is shattered when a school administered IQ test - a scene played and scored hysterically as a horror piece - confirms what she has suspected: that her son's powers have now passed to her grandchild who seems to have surpassed his father in strength. Fearing that Krishna, too, will be exploited grandma packs him up and moves secretly to a remote mountain village where she hopes to raise him out of sight. As he grows so do his powers and little Krishna becomes excluded from the village around him, the boys his age fearing his differences until finally, as a grown man his best friends are the mountain animals and the village children, easily ten years younger than he is. But this all changes when a group of adventure campers - and their inexhaustible wardrobes - arrive in the village and Krishna falls in love with the rather fetching Priya, who thinks that Krishna is a ghost. The ghost business gets cleared up, Priya returns to her home in Singapore from whence she summons Krishna for dubious reasons, and Krishna saves a quintet of children from a burning circus tent, becoming a hero in the process. Oh, and there's an evil genius scientist - daddy's former employer - intent on becoming god and destroying the world from his island fortress guarded by ninjas.
This may strike you as rather a lot of plot. Well, Krrish is rather a lot of movie, clocking in at roughly three hours, and true to Bollywood form there's not a quiet moment to be found. This thing is constantly on the move and constantly shifting genres and gears. In the early going Krrish feels surprisingly like a Bollywood Steven Chow film, with Kirshna played as a sort of naive idiot-savant, immensely intelligent and yet incredibly ignorant and childish at the same time. Until things heat up between Krishna and Priya the film goes largely for slapstick, hitting its marks more often than not. The middle third rides the budding romance between the pair - most, if not all, of the musical numbers fall in the second act - with action split between India and Singapore, with the film finally shifting into full on action mode as it nears the end and Krishna is hit with not one but two stunning revelations. And a fire extinguisher.
Is the length of the film a problem? Not really, though it is certainly a good stretch more than an equivalent story would get in Hollywood. A bit more of a problem, however, is Hritihik Roshan's performance in the early going. To be fair he is given virtually nothing to do in the opening act but smile vacantly and act silly so you can't really pin it on him, but his early work as Krishna is more irritating than charming, and things don't really turn for the character until he arrives in Singapore at roughly the half way mark. But, frankly, there's more than enough loopy energy in that front section to carry you through the weak character, even if much of that energy comes in the form of "Hey, was that a product placement? Hey! There it is again! Wow, those labels are really well exposed ... and look! She's changed her clothes again! And again! Why would someone bring that skirt on a mountain climbing trip?"
Where Krrish excels is - no surprise here - Ching's action work. Though he's given less to do here than he would be in a Hong Kong production Ching owns all of the films best moments with the Bollywood approach to film making pushing him into some interesting new directions. I was curious to see how he would mesh with this sort of production and the answer is very well indeed. There's no attempt at realism whatsoever with sequences left deliberately cartoony but the stunts are very inventive and very fun. Roshan also proves himself to be more than capable in the action department - Ching has apparently gone on record saying that he was one of the very best non-martial artists that he has ever worked with - which really shouldn't be a surprised considering the amount of physical discipline and choreography that goes into Bollywood dance numbers.
Krrish will not be for everyone. It is wafer thin and flouts many of the film making conventions we're used to in this part of the world. Many will, no doubt, be put off by the emphasis on romance rather than action. But I've always been a believer in judging a film by whether it acheives the goals it sets for itself more than whether it meets the goals others may wish to impose upon it. And by that standard Krrish is a total success. This is a film that clearly knows exactly what it wants to be and - with only a few mis-steps along the way - it gets there. Wafer thin, yes, but it's a pretty tasty wafer.
I was there tonight, and I have to say I was bowled over by the good vibes Krrish generated. I don't think I've smiled continuously for that long in some time. It's like a doublestuf of a movie. Too, too much. Which is, of course, just enough.
Hey, Todd,
Welcome to New York. I will be at EK HASINI THI and SHIVA next week. Maybe I'll see you there.
I kind of feel bad about saying this. I've only seen about fifteen Bollywood films, including KOI...MIL GAYA and MAIN PREM KI DIWANI HOON, both featuring Hritik Roshan, and despite his popularity and his impressive physique, I strongly suspect that he is a terrible actor, and re-casting his roles with nearly any other Bollywood star would improve the films he's in tremendously. Attribute it to small sample size, if you must. I mean, I realize the over-the-top nature of many Bollywood productions lends itself to a kind of exuberance in performance, but I think Shahrukh Khan is about my tolerance level for that kind of acting, and he, at least, seems able to vary his performance according to the role. I actually thought he was quite good as the action hero in Main Hoon Na. I'm still waiting to see Roshan accomplish something similar.
It was fun and didnt seem as long as it was, but not the sort of thing I could watch everyday...
nyone else get a kick out of the musical notes from the computer at the end of the film.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdFdOxpa7tc
(Yes, I know the original sample is Kraftwerk, but I'm sure this is what they were refering to)
Hritik IS a terrible actor. I would strongly recommend seeing Shiva, since I believe its Ram Gopal Varma who directed the movie.
Honestly, I think your review is pathetic. Obviously, no matter how hard you try, you will never be able to grasp what Bollywood is all about, and it's quite evident in your review. Therefore, I suggest you stop wasting your time and stick to Hollywood only.
Hi Todd.
Saw the film in the UK last night. Hmm... the problem I think with this film is the characterisation of the leading hero. Roshan cannot decide if he wants to be a chocolate lover boy or a super hero. What was the need to act like an imbecile when the mask isn't on you? Why not act normal?Thats where Superman works. He's like everyone else walking on the street.
forget it guys u are hopeless. dont even see a Bollywood movie if its that big of a problem for u guys. They are movies to make people forget busy work or all tensions of the day. They are actually made for people who have other work than just finding errors in a movie or even thinking too much about a movie.
Yes, foolish me writing a positive review of a film I enjoyed. Whatever was I thinking ...
I actually think Todd's review was a very good one! I can't believe someone who is used to Hollywood movies can actually appreciate Krrish - which is Bollywood at its best - songs, comedy, costumes, emotions, action, melodrama etc etc!
Nice one!
Hi Todd,
I honestly don't understand what is the problem with some of the people criticising you. The strike me as paranoid. I thought you wrote a very thoughtful, objective and interesting review.
I have seen Krrish twice now, and I think I might go the third time! No surprises, but I am loving this film. It's getting better with each viewing.
It's totally unabashed Bollywood popcorn, worth every dollar of your money spent, entertainer and it's loads of fun. Even though so much is derivative about the action and effects, whether from Hong Kong or Hollywood, there is a certain originality about Krrish, his style, mannerisms and quirks and Ching seems to have reinvented his style!
He strikes me as a much more human superhero. This is why I disagree with you about the early portions of the film. I think they succesfully establish Krishna as a normal human being, with emotions, innocence, and a desire for acceptance, as well as a longing for being liberated. As the film continues on, we are witness to how Krishna, slowly develops into Krrish, a superhero, and by the end he's fully realised all his talents and powers. Thus the entire film is about the development of Krrish, a sort of Bollywood Batman begins.
If you watch this film for what it is, an poignant emotional story of the growth of an innocent and extraordinary man-child, into a suave and confident superhero, it is so much more fulfilling. Then all of the cool action and special effects are just a bonus, the main thing is the story of Krrish.
Krrish is probably one of the most likable superhero characters I've seen. I can't wait for the sequel! Meanwhile, I'll pacify myself by watching it again!
all of u who think hrithik is a terrible actor need a mental checkup.agreed,his roles does not vary but her has done only 12 films where as srk has done more than 50 films.u mean to say srk could fit into the role of krishna?u must be joking.he would look like a joker!so,shutup and appreciate honest work.
i agree with mike's prev comment... the first half seems slow coz a superhero is being born...
krissh is not a comic book character as in there is no krissh comic strip... the director is slowly trying to build the character...
i am already waiting for the sequel
The reviews and comments seem to be very objective and honest on this board. If you dont agree with comments here please make appropriate remarks and please refrain from foul and abusive language.
I watched a few H.Roshan movies. I think he is a decent actor. I recommend Fiza and Mission Kashmir. I liked his performances in these movies far better than any of his other movies.
I'm a die hard bollywood fan and I can appreciate any filmaker who attempts to think outside the BOX. Lagaan, Swades, rang de basanti and Krrish are a few examples.
I have no respect for anyone who tries to make another "triangular love story" This is my biggest complaint with SRK. I cant take another of his movie where he goes after a girl that is engaged or married to someone else...GAWD..no more!!! I enjoyed main hoon na and swades although they are not his biggest movies.
I see a lot of innovation in bollywood movies in the last couple of years...Its a great sign to see one of the bollywood movies (Munnabhai mbbs) being reamde in hollywood (Gansta MD). Not sure how this will fair but cant wait to watch it....
its very good style i hope no any competion with him
wonderful
It is so nice to see people appreciating Krrish and can understand the change he has attempted to bring to the routine Bollywood films. The acting of Hrithik is really perfect due to the efforts he has put in the making of the movie. This is definitely going to trigger a new trend and help other directors and producers to venture where Indian films fear to tread. The audience is mature enough to accept change. The repetitive films like those of Sharukh Khan [ the self proclaimed King Khan] are over.
Another person who is trying hard to innovate is Amir Khan and I really enjoy his movies. Although I live in Toronto, I cannot understand why some cynics pretend to be too westernised to watch Bollywood movies. If you can appreciate films that are completely cut off from reality like Harry Potter or Lord of the Ring, I do not understand what is wrong for Rakesh Roshan to innovate. Shake off your cynicism and appreciate novelties like Krrish.
Keep up the good work and ignore the pretenders who will always be negative since they are used to compare apples with oranges, Be bold film-makers like Rakesh Roshan and Amir Khan.
go krish go krish it rocks if any body think it's bad i think u shud take a good look at this movie again. it was sooo good it got me hooked. every dollar was worth it when i watched its movie. hollywood reviewers dun know abt bollywood movies. it's a gr88888888888 movie.superman is nice too, too bad it's remade. and krish it's original. krish rocksssssssssssssssssssss
A lil KRRISH vs SUPERMAN talk
Absolutely agree with your review TODD. I was looking forward to Krrish for a long time and had lots of expectations. Watching the first half of the movie sorta disappointed me at first but overall I liked the movie and enjoyed it really.
A week later SUPERMAN is released in India and I expected it to be way better than Krrish. But it turned out to be really bad. Compared to Krrish this one had no entertainment value. The Superman looks like a emotionless PUPPET. (Not really Routh`s fault. He looks like the perfect sucessor to Reeves. May be the script had nothing for him to do.) The special effects were technically way better than Krrish. But thats it. Only technically. I didnt(neither did anyone I know) enjoy them even half as much as Krrish`s special effects. Which might look Cartoonish but still very well done. BTW i watchede Superman in iMax 3D. A complete pain in the a#$.
Krrish may be flawed in more ways than one, But you cant deny that it`s 3 good hours of entertainment. Compared to SUPERMAN. I want my 2.5 hours of my life back I wasted watching Superman Returns.
I hope Spiderman 3 aint as bad as Supes. The first 2 parts were pretty good. I know I`d love the movie even if it`s only half as good as the first Spiderman flick.
Hey ,the fan of shk where ru now?.I`m here .You think that shk will be the best forever no ,even Rajesh kana was the great in the erlier but the Big B has done the same in the past,no one can stay on the top forever!!!!!!!!!!!!And now is the same shk was for the 90`s but now my Hrithik Roshan is here ,he had already prove it in the bigining 2000.So want on ,he will rock the bollywood industry now.His father have made very presisely so that he can honor his father now.SOOOOOOOOOOOO What can i tell more watch u will seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.He the gggggggggggggggggggggggeat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
krrish was the super brilliant movie. My younger brother like it so much that, now when we talk about krrish or if we take the name of krrish or krrishna he said nobody will talk about krrish beacause it is me. He is having all merchandise of krrish except the costume.
Krrish was an extraordinary movie at bollywood standards...The production values were large, the stunt work was big, but the screenplay was weak...The first half was too long and the girls (priyanka and manini) were ultra irritating, seeing these kinda actresses, I wonder why Rani Mukehrji and Kajol or Kareena Kapoor weren't asked for a role, I guess they would have turned out this kinda idiotic role (preity zinta was equally irritating in Koi Mil Gaya)...I guess the story took too long for revealing the facts to krishna which was a more important part of the movie..Nevertheless it was an enjoyable movie, but I would have enjoyed it more if Krishna would have become Krrish in the starting 15-30 minutes...Well, Rakesh Roshan said in an interview that they are working on a sequel, which will have Krrish in full-blown superhero avatar and also will mark the return of the lovable Jaadoo (from koi mil gaya)...
ausome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am very happy about this film,i have no word to coment my favorite Krrish,thanks to the producer for this fantastic love and the actors are perfect,specali Priyanka Chopra she is best!
Thank you!
i've watched krrish more than six times and i love hrithik he is soooooo great. and actually what i loved the best in the movie is krrish man-child attitude so cuuuuuteeeee!!!!!!
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