Movie Review – New York: A must see!

New York – helmed by director Kabir Khan (of Kabul Express fame and Mini Mathur’s husband) is the first major movie from the premier production house (Yashraj Films) to hit the screens after the recent long dry spell in the Hindi Film Industry. Being an ardent fan of Yashraj Films (no matter how many bad movies they churn out these days), I was always eager to see the film. And the movie truly lives up to the expectations. Kudos to Kabir Khan for handling the subject with extreme finesse and utmost sensitivity.

New York narrates a contemporary tale of three friends – Omar (Neil Nitin Mukesh), Maya (Katrina Kaif) and Sam (John Abraham) who initially study together at the New York State University. Omar arrives New York for the first time and finds his close friends in Maya and Sam. He starts loving Maya but suddenly realizes that Maya loves Sam. And then an event changes the world around them. At this time enters Roshan (Irrfan Khan), an FBI agent who ignites a series of tumultous events that change the lives of these three friends forever.

As against the speculations, New York is neither entirely based on 9/11 nor it is similar to Khuda Kay Liye. In fact, 9/11 just forms the basis of events that bring waves in the lives of the three protaganists. New York focusses on the subject of innocent foreign civilians being suspected as terrorists post 9/11 and how they were detained and tortured by FBI and how this injustice and humiliating treatment may have been instrumental in turning such innocent people towards terrorist activities for seeking revenge. The director Kabir Khan’s execution of the plot is worth mentioning. Not once during the movie, you loose your interest. One gets completely engrossed in this gripping story (By Aditya Chopra). There are several instances in the movie that lift it several notches up such as Neil Nitin mukesh torn in a conflict between helping FBI to disclose his terrorist acts and at the same end not to betray his friends, John Abraham recounting his past tortuous experience, the climax scenes between Neil Nitin Mukesh and Irrfan Khan. But movie has its share of loose ends in the second half. A few sequences are unjustified. Still, overlooking these minor glitches the director has treated the story with conviction and maturity. Brownie points to him for conveying a thought provoking message (that otherwise is meant for documentaries) in a convincing yet subtle manner.

Now coming to other aspects of the movie. First, the performances. This is Neil Nitin Mukesh’s finest performance. His display of emotions in various situations is perfect. Watch out for this guy in the upcoming Madhur Bhandarkar’s Jail. If we go by the promos of Jail, there is a possibility that movie may fetch him a National Award. John Abraham is topnotch in the scenes when he recalls his past. Especially in the second half, his strong performance makes you notice. Katrina Kaif, as usual is there to add beauty to the fim but this time her performance has also improved to a great extent. This is her first serious role and proves that given a good director and strong subject, she has the potential to build up her acting skills. As far as Irrfan Khan is concerned, its always a pleasure to see him act. He is simply terrific. Cinematography is perfect and gives a real look to the film. Screenplay is brilliant. Music is good on screen and the director has incorporated songs only when required.

In all, New York is truly an enriching cinematic experience with a strong relevent message conveyed in an effcient way. Going by the positive reports it is carrying and a good initial start at the box office, the movie is going to create ripples at the ticket window and hence bring smiles on the faces of the industry people. Go for it now!

Rating: 3.7/5

Also see :

1. New York movie Trailer – Hindi
2. Movie Review: De Dana Dan
3. Movie Review: MY NAME IS KHAN
4. Movie Review – Kambakkht Ishq: a time pass fare!