Shabd – Suffers from an implausible story line

Rating:- *

Surely, Hindi cinema is evolving, with the new directors and writers attempting stories that defy the set rules of commercial cinema.

But in an effort to come up with a refreshingly different story, sometimes the end product looks bizarre. That’s what happens to SHABD.

In SHABD husband [Sanjay Dutt] encourages his wife [Aishwarya Rai] to have an extra-marital affair with her colleague [Zayed Khan], so that he, a writer, can incorporate life-like, realistic situations in his current novel.

Debutante writer-director Leena Yadav ought to have known that certain topics are taboo for Indian audiences. Would anyone in his right senses tell his wife to have an extra-marital affair just for a novel and would the wife also readily agree.? Unlikely. So, the very premise of the story is faulty!

Leena Yadav has had a dream debut. With actors like Sanjay Dutt and Aishwarya Rai , Leena should've come up with a more plausible fare.

Sad, Leena let go of a golden opportunity from under her nose!

Music [Vishal-Shekhar] is melodious and very much with the times. In fact, a couple of songs do stand out - 'Khoya Khoya Thha Duniya Ki Raahon Mein', 'Chahaton Ka Silsila' and 'Sholo Se' [picturized brilliantly]. Another winning score from the duo! Cinematography [Aseem Bajaj] is excellent. The film is visually striking.

Sanjay Dutt enacts his part well. The sober look - crew-cut hairstyle, glasses et al - suits him well. Aishwarya Rai takes to the role with conviction. And like always, the screen fills up with her persona.

Zayed Khan is a complete miscast. He doesn't look like a college professor. Sadia Siddiqui is very effective. Kamini Khanna, as the nosey professor, goes overboard.

On the whole, SHABD is unlikely to be lapped up in a big way, given its faulty premise.