A failed script

There are some movies that are bad. They do not put you off for you would already know what to expect when you go into watch. Some others turn out to be marvelous when you do not expect anything out of them. There is a third category of films - Those that have a marvelous potential but falter right from the start. "Striker" is one such film. The promos of the film raised enormous curiosity and the trailer was extremely appealing but the end product was far from anything expected.

Set in the ghettos of erstwhile Bombay, the movie talks about the life of a kid Surya who dreams of a good life. The dream of happy life makes him reach out to seemingly greener pastures (Dubai) which culminates abruptly due to the "agents" scam. Left with little choice and redeeming the lost money the young man uses his extraordinary carrom skills to make a high living. All is well until he loses gold ornaments ranging into lakhs which is to be delivered to a merchant. his friend Zaid introduces him to a local goon who is into gambling and betting business. Though unwilling at the outset, Surya realizes the Game life is playing with him and decides to take it on with a striker in hand - In the process getting Surya to be involved with gangs, goons and police. The result of which Surya departs from his family.

Striker impresses in its set up, feel and originality. First timer Chandan Arora captures the ghettos in most believable way, making the city a character itself. The camera work and the dialogues have authenticity and are believable. The director has done an commendable job in sketching characters that are appealing and create an instant connect with the audience. The free spirited Zaid (Ankur Vikal ) lights up the screen with his infectious enthusiasm. Ankur delivers a superb performance as a man full of hopes. The friendship between Surya and Zaid is also sketched perfectly. The rest of the cast is also aptly chosen. Surya's sister played by Vidya Malvade, the scar faced goon played by Aditya Pancholi or even the elder brother played by Anoop Soni deliver believeable performance . Siddharth gives blood and flesh to the character Surya with his splendid performance. He is good with his choclate boy charm and fantastic during the emotional scenes as well. He makes us believe in Surya's desire for success.

What's really disappointing is the uncooked script of the movie. The side track of communal riots in mumbai is under developed. Both the love tracks of the protagonist are either unwanted or badly developed. Nicolette Bird looks pretty in the short role but is wasted. The south indian actress Padmapriya is refreshingly beautiful - but she could have chosen a better role to make a debut in bollywood. Singularly taken by each character, the movie might make a statement, but film fails to make to create any impression as a whole product. The film never has a moment that hits you. With a theme of gambling, underworld and a character such as Surya, you would expect an intriguing tale. But you would be utterly disappointed with the tame screenplay. There is hardly any scene that you would cling to your seats and marvel at it. The movie though two and a half hours, feels like a soap opera. The soundtrack of the movie ( being created by six music directors ) is better heard alone. The song "Bombay Bombay" is not even there in the movie. The song " Cham Cham" sung by sonu nigam is wonderful when you hear it alone, but it does not feel the same when you watch it on the screen.

It might be unfair for a first timer to be measured on a tough yardstick, but it is disappointing to see a movie with a great potential being robbed of its charm due to an undernourished script. A movie that could have been a Vishal Bharadwaj material falls flat on the face midway (or probably even before it) just because fails to captivate the audience.

If there is anything that you'd ever take away from the movie, it would have to be Ankur Vikal's exceptional portrayal as Zaid. Siddharth creates an impression too. Otherwise "Striker" fails to strike a chord.

Cheers

rammy