Sanjay Gadhvi, the director of films like Dhoom and Dhoom 2 is back with yet another fast-paced high on action drama titled Kidnap. Kidnap comprises of a very interesting and potent star cast, the experienced Sanjay Dutt, the new-bee Imran Khan and emerging actress Minissha Lamba. Does Kidnap actually succeed in matching the expectations of a Gadhvi’s film? Imran’s second movie and a negative role, can he carry it? And this time, how has Gadhvi transformed his lead stars in their looks is something to watch out for.
Kidnap is a power tussle between a young boy and the father of the girl he kidnaps. Sonia (Minissha Lamba) lives with her mother, Mallika (Vidya Malvade) and grandmother because her parents divorced when she was ten. A week before her eighteenth birthday celebration, she gets kidnapped. The abductor, Kabir (Imran Khan) is interested in speaking only to her father, Vikrant Raina (Sanjay Dutt), an affluent New York-based Indian businessman, with whom he has an old score to settle. Kabir doesn’t demand ransom and Vikrant finds himself in a trapped situation where he has to follow whatever tasks Kabir asks him to carry out to find the whereabouts of his daughter. What is the task? What is Kabir’s motive? What compels Kabir to adopt this dangerous path of abduction? This forms the rest of the story.
Sanjay Gadhvi treads the same, all style and no substance, path once again. The Dhoom series, if not for a great script, had fabulous performances and memorable characters. But in Kidnap except for the gorgeous beaches and action scenes, nothing works. The director doesn’t beat around the bush and within just 10 min of the story, Minissha is kidnapped. Kidnapper Kabir doesn’t demand ransom instead initiates a game where he leaves puzzling clues for Raina through various mediums. The fast paced beginning and the suspense is just the right track for a movie of this sort. But again, it isn’t without its share of flaws. Quite a few things don’t seem to make any sense. I wonder as to how Minissha has access to all the deep neck cleavage revealing outfits, while in hostage. And which kidnaper would ever land up at the house of the captive just because her father refused to answer his calls? Eluding with an illicit from a jail well guarded so easily is something beyond my understanding. After an exciting beginning you expect an even more exhilarating second half, but unfortunately it disappoints and lacks pace and prudence. The brickbats should go to the writer Shibani Bathija who also scripted Fanaa and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. The concept was good, just the writing suffers. Allan Amin has modishly designed the chase sequence with some credibly crafted Spiderman
styled stunts on an under-construction edifice. Dialogues are pathetic. Pritam for a change comes up with an average soundtrack.
When it comes to performance, Imran surpasses the rest of the cast. Imran Khan once again strikes the right chord and delivers an excellent performance. But he sure does deserve a better second outing. Sanjay Dutt needs to work on his physique. He looks tired and disinterested in the project. Minissha Lamba can get better. She is more skin and less talent. Vidya Malvade is competent and looks hot in those figure hugging outfits.
To sum up, Kidnap is a puzzle mismatched. It takes the backseat when it comes to a logical story but manages to get through as a good time-pass.
Banner: Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd
Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Minissha Lamba, Imran Khan, Vidya Malvade, Malaika Arora, Amrita Arora, Rahul Dev
Direction: Sanjay Gadhavi