Insight
"Bollywood" it's a word most cinema fans have heard. No, "Bollywood" isn't films like "Bend It Like Beckham", "Anita & Me", "Monsoon Wedding" or "Ghandi". "Bollywood" is pure Indian pleasure. "Bollywood" means big producion numbers threaded into the storyline of a film where everything can turn as the storyline becomes a 'song and dance' number reminiscent of those heady days of hollywood. Of course "Bend It Like Beckham" and "The Guru" took on some of the characteristics you'll see in a film like "Kaante" a film touted as a remake of Quentin Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs". "Kaante" is different from anything you may have seen before. Director Sanjay Gupta who also co-wrote "Kaante" with Milap Jhaveri takes the audience on a heady ride into hell as six colorful characters join forces to pull off a major bank robbery. The cast is a solid one and a mixture of delightful contrasting characters all drawn together for one purpose, to become rich. Each of them has a secret to keep from the others. They are constantly horseing around and the film has a definate 'buddy' feel about it. Shot entirely on location in the USA "Kaante" is further enhanced by the choice of settings used throughout it. The images of "Kaante" are very up close and personal, drawing the audience closer and closer to its major players, producing a solid feeling of interaction between them and the audience. Thrown into this heady mix is those song and dance numbers. They really are enjoyable. Flashy with a rhythm that is wickedly infectious. "Kaante" is certainly a good starting point for those who want to expand their appetite for a wider film experience. Like all things seen as 'new', it remains to be seen how much of a following "Bollywood" films can generate at the box office down under. If the quality is there, if the 'right' films are screened and if the exposure is wide we may just see a "Bollywood" down under boom. The proof of that will be at the box office.
The Story
The Major [Amitabh Bachchan] has hatched a plan to rob a bank. Sounds simple but when the cops are breathing down your neck it makes life difficult. After being interviewed by the police in relation to another matter the Major takes his plan to the next level. He invites the guys he's shared a cell with to join him on a one off robbery which will make them all rich. Baali [Mahesh Manjrekar], Bouncer [Sunil Shetty], Ajju [Sanjay Dutt], Mak [Lucky Ali], and Andy [Kumar Gaurav] are a good natured bunch of guys who seem to gel well. They respect the Major and hang on his every word. But one of them is an informer working as an undercover cop and passing on every detail of the robbery plan. Now the finger of suspicion points at them all. Which gang member would dare betray them all. They are about to find out.
The Verdict
"It's big, bold and brazen, but could you expect anything less from Bollywood. Has all the elements of a big production plus a few surprises for the uninitiated. Not only is "Kaante" a good crime film, it also features some great song and dance segments which will have your toes tappin' and your fingers snappin'. "Kaante", definately different, decidedly colorful. If curry and rice is your cuisine, "Kaante" will provide a tasty treat."
The Cast & Crew
Amitabh Bachchan
Sanjay Dutt
Sunil Shetty
Mahesh Manjrekar
Lucky Ali
Kumar Gaurav
Malaika Arora
Jeff Davis
Morgana Di Castlebesozza
Sanjay Sippy
Gilbert Aguilera
Ike Bram
Namrata Cooper
Aslam Khan
Kurt Sinclair
Chris Chudney
Mils Stewart
Jim Nelson
Deya Simone
Peter Esquivel
Lucas Burke
Ajay Vidure
Michelle Deangekus
Sterling Moore
Rebecca Ritz
Nathaniel McClure
Jim Bradley
Rati Agnihotri
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'Major' Yashvardhan Rampal
Jay Rehan 'Ajju'
Marc Issak
Raj Yadav 'Baali'
Maqbool Haider 'Mak'
Anand Mathur 'Andy'
Lisa
Det MacQuarrie
Receptionist
Mr Adler
Drug dealer
Sonny
Renu
Pathan
Police chief
Bouncer
Bouncer
Bouncer
DProstitute
Gun dealer
Guy
Lawyer
Bank receptionist
Bank teller
Female cop
GD Shooter
ATM cop
Major's wife
Directed by Sanjay Gupta
Written by Sanjay Gupta & Milap Jhaveri
Cinematography by Kurt Brabbee
Film Editing by Bunty Nagi
Casting by Jennifer Alessi & Kristan Berona
Production Design by Peter Jamison
Art Direction by Linda Spheeris
Set Decoration by Linda Spheeris
Costume Design by Akbar Gabbana & Jerry Ross
Stunt Coordinators Spiro Razatos & Gunter Simon
Run Time 165 minutes
Rated MA15+ [AUST]
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