SHIKHAR - UNCONVINCING SCREENPLAY MARS THE FILM DESPITE GOOD PERFORMANCES

Rating:- *

The conflicting point in the film is that while GG (Ajay Devgan wants to make tonloads of money, Guruji [Javed Sheikh], a leading industrialist- turned- philanthropist, believes that wealth means nothing if not used for society. Caught in the tussle between the two is Guruji's son Jaidev [Shahid Kapoor], who, while respecting his father's philosophy, until a point, falls hook, line and sinker for GG's manipulations.

While Guruji hopes that Jai will return to his roots, GG uses the glamorous Natasha [Bipasha Basu] to bewitch Jai and the unscrupulous politician Patil [Manoj Joshi] to exploit the adivasis into selling their lands. Madhavi [Amrita Rao] watches the man she loves being carried away to a world of wine, women and wealth. But, happily, Jaidev realizes his folly before long.…

The first half-an-hour of SHIKHAR unfurls with great fervor. Ajay's crafty nature, his striking a deal with the corrupt politician, the transformation of Shahid from a simpleton to a drunkard/gambler, the scheming games Ajay and Bipasha play to trap Shahid… the viewer is as involved as the characters on screen.

After Jaidev’s meeting John Abraham GG stands exposed.After he had a change of heart, what was warranted that Jaidev should have returned to his dad. Why add unwanted clap trap? Just to add to the length of the film?

The climax is long-drawn, tedious and a major letdown.

Viju Shah's music is nothing to rave about. 'Fitna Dil' is the only track that stands out. Cinematography [A.K. Bir] is first-rate. The locales of Bangkok give the film some glamorous visuals.

The performances in SHIKHAR are highly competent. Ajay Devgan excels in a negative role, although he is relegated to the backseat in the last 20 minutes. Shahid Kapoor is improving with every film. He matches up to Ajay in almost all sequences. Bipasha Basu is just perfect. She's not there for the glamour quotient only; her role has ample meat as well and she does justice to it. Amrita Rao is wasted. Javed Sheikh gives a good account of himself. Manoj Joshi tries to ape Sanjeev Kumar [at places], but in vain. Ash Chandler provides some light moments. John Abraham is almost wasted. Wonder why he accepted the role?