Andaaz (Akki-Pri Special)

Reminiscing Anarkali ! 

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta

Directed by: Raj Kanwar

There is nothing relatively novel about Andaaz. Why then do I still LOVE it?? Of course because I am fixated with romance. However, it is also because I love Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra. And this feature is especially for Akki-Pri fans. 
 

Aww ! I wish I could give Akki a hug. Just look at that adorable face.

Andaaz was the 9^th highest grossing films at the box office in the year 2003. It was nominated for several awards and the two main female leads received the best female debut awards at various events.

The story starts off as a simple one about two best friends Raj (Akshay Kumar) and Kajal (Lara Dutta). They are like ‘Do dil ek jaan’ (Two separate beings with one soul). Audience at first think that the two might get married as it is revealed initially that Raj has huge feelings for Kajal. And by huge I mean like ‘Sumo wrestler’ HUGE. J However, Kajal marries Karan (Aman Verma). Poor Raj. We feel soo sorry for him. Enter Jiya (Priyanka Chopra), who tries every trick in the book to woo (and seduce) Raj. Raj eventually gives in (He is a ‘man’ for Gods sake) and gets engaged to Jiya. 

Amazing Chemistry

Raj finds out that Jiya is actually Kajal’s sister-in-law (Only a writer in Bollywood could have thought of this). However, Karan has died and Kajal has severe depression, often wanting to kill herself. Raj helps Kajal get her life back and in the process Raj’s suppressed feelings for Kajal resurface. The climax of this film is rather been there done that. However, Priyanka truly impresses audience in the final scene. 

LOL ! Priyanka proved that she also has amazing comic timing.

If you haven’t seen this film yet, it should be on your must watch list now. As I said the plot isn’t anywhere near novel but the way it is narrated is quite fresh. Akshay Kumar is someone who can do it all. Action, comedy, romance. You name it, this guy can do it without blinking an eye. Personally, I think that Akshay should go back to doing such roles rather than the brainless comedies he is so intent on doing these days. In Andaaz, he gives a fine and mature performance.

Priyanka was fierce in the climax scene !

The two leading ladies, Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra were quite good for newcomers. I feel Priyanka Chopra has evolved so much as an actress. But for a first film, she wasn’t bad – at all ! Lara on the other hand was just Okay ! I didn’t find her act too impressive. Clearly, Priyanka stole the show. Aman Verma has a blink – and you miss him -character. He doesn’t have much to do. Johnny Lever as G I Joe is unfortunately annoying (I hate to say this though). 

Here are more screen caps from the film for Akki-Pri fans.  

 

Raj Kanwar’s direction is excellent. More credit for picturising the songs flawlessly.

Music: The songs of Andaaz are remarkable. It was generally ahead of its time and are still quite popular even today – nearly a decade after its release. My favorites: Rabba Ishq Na Hoye, Kissise Tum Pyar Karo, Yeh 

Pyar Toh Hai Ek Dhoka and Aaj Kehna Zaroori Hai.

Sati Savitri ??

Thumbs up:

Akshay and Priyanka

Songs

If you are a romantic buff (like moi) then, this one is for you

Thumbs Down:

Storyline is not new (It has been recycled many times in Hindi cinema)

Rating: 8.5/10