NEW YORK
Earnestly intriguing drama well backed by powerful performance, the flick is a welcome addition to the list of multi-stranded hyperlink cinema.
by Vishal Verma

A Yash Raj Film Presentation & Release.

Producer : Aditya Chopra
Director : Kabir Khan
Story : Aditya Chopra
Screenplay : Sandeep Srivastava
Genre : Thriller- Drama
Target Audience : General

Starring

John Abraham...... Samir
Katrina Kaif...... Maya
Neil Nitin Mukesh...... Omar
Irrfan Khan...... Roshan

Technical Analysis

‘New York’ is interrogating yet revealing, Kabir Khan in the company of Aditya Chopra give YRF - Bollywood’s premiere movie production house a reason to begin the year 2009 with a smile. Falling safely in the league of hyperlink cinema or multi-stranded international intrigue films, in ‘Newyork’ helmer Kabir takes the plight further from ‘Kabul Express’ & shifts the focus from Pakistani army to the FBI.

‘New York’ is the latest filmic attempt to draw attention to what has already numbed us in the news. 9/11 has changes many things; many lives’s & has also provided fodder of thought to many filmmakers. Screen writer - Sandeep Srivastava convincingly establishes the ire & anger of an innocent who due to sheer frustration & the torture is forced to choose the wrong path. An achievement indeed.

The idea of how an incident causes turmoil in the lives of three close friends was a masterstroke that demanded sufficient legs by the narrative to stand on its own & helmer Kabir along with the company of Sandeep have complemented each other & given bollywood an intriguing, intense cinema that also takes care of the normal spicy elements.

Anyway, the movie has its flaws, like the debate could have gone further. Such important and widespread problems & sensitive issues should carry more emotional journeys and red tape safaris but here though it has its heart at the right place but still it comes out as a personal vendetta.

Kabir managed to attract some word of praise in the festive circuit with ‘Kabul Express’, it doesn,t seem to be the case over here in ‘New York’ cause the movie is more tilted towards the popular genre. The movie drags in between. Music by Pritam Chakraborty, Pankaj Awasthi & Julius Packiam is a let down. But, all this doesn,t stop ‘New York’ to be a film that one should not miss.

Aseem Mishra’s lense work is fantastic. Background Music by Julius Packiam sets the mood, Editing by Rameshwar S Bhagat is sharp; Dialogues by Sandeep Srivastava are probing. Production values are first rate. Costumes by Rocky S are apt.

Last but not the least, ‘New York’ is a revelation as far as acting talents of John, Neil & Katrina is concerned. The three bond very well on screen & the on –screen chemistry between John & Katrina is cute. Neil proves his mettle in ‘New York’ the first half belongs to him. Anyways, the punch comes from John in the second half who carries the entire film on his shoulders with remarkable ease. Katrina looks stunning & the lass gives a noteworthy performance. As usual Irrfan Khan is fantastic.   
                       
New York’ gets 3.5 out of 5.
1.5 For the acting
1 for technical brilliance
& the last 1 for the idea & the execution.

The movie losses on length & failing to provide more dimensions or layers to the story.

The Story

New York is a contemporary story of friendship set against the larger than life backdrop of a city often described as the centre of the world. Omar (Neil Nitin Mukesh) has gone abroad for the first time in his life and soon enough he begins to see and love America through the eyes of his American friends - Sam (John Abraham) and Maya (Katrina Kaif). It is the story of these three friends discovering a new world together.

But one day the world around them changed...

For most of us, larger events in the world are just headlines in the newspapers but these events can change our lives... forever. New York is one such story of 3 young friends whose beautiful lives are turned upside down by larger events beyond their control.

At this point enters Agent Roshan (Irrfan), an FBI undercover agent who sets the ball rolling for a series of tumultuous events that turn the lives of these friends into a dangerous and thrilling roller coaster ride.

Promotion

Honestly, the outdoor & indoor publicity is doing the trick. The gossip columns of Katrina & John’s friendship have gained enough curiosity. Media Awareness by the YRF’s in house PR department has been reasonable.

Business Analysis

The movie has opened with 40-50% opening & is likely to improve by positive word of mouth due to its Earnest & intriguing subject backed by emotional appeal & powerful performance. With hardly any competition, ‘New York’ is likely to benefit more from Metros. Careers of John, Katrina, Neil & Kabir are likely to get a boost with this film.

Other Credits
Executive Producer / Co-Producer: Aashish Singh. Cassettes and CD's on YRF Music. Lyricist: Sandeep Srivastava & Junaid Wasi. Music Director: Pritam Chakraborty, Pankaj Awasthi & Julius Packiam. Background Music: Julius Packiam.Cinematography: Aseem Mishra. Action: Shyam Kaushal. Sound: Debasish Mishra. Dialogue: Sandeep Srivastava.
Publicity Designs: Fayyaz Badruddin. Reviewed at YRF studios on June 26, 2009.

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