 Sanjay Gupta has often been associated with the so called ‘Hollywood’ style of film making. Sanjay has a fascination for technique and style not many in India believe in. Now, with ‘Woodstock Villa’ Hansal Mehta directs debutants Sikandar and Neha Uberoi very much the Sanjay Gupta way.
The film takes off with the kidnapping of a successful businessman’s wife (Neha Uberoi). The businessman (Arbaaz Khan) is soon threatened by the captor (Sikandar) for a heavy ransom. Things go wrong as the lady is murdered by someone and the captor in a fix buries the body. Soon things start to reveal itself with the re-appearance of the damsel.
Director Hansal Mehta goes very much the Hollywood style by trying to make his film look sleek be it the grainy look , the cinematography , the intensifying moments etc, but looses hold on the basics-the plot. Hansal definitely has got all the style elements in places be it the looks, bikes , cars , eye candy etc but the plot just intensifies and boils down to being pretty lame. Many will argue that the film boils down to a done to death concept.
 But one must say that at no point of time is the film boring; Hansal ensures that either with the drama/action on scene or else there are some tracks to keep you glued. There is either Neha Uberoi impressing you with her beauty and dance moves and at a point when you have forgotten that this movie carries a Sanjay Gupta link, just for the record Sanjay Dutt does his bit in a rock number.
On the acting front, Sikandar needs time and more films to make an impact. He definitely stands nowhere close to Anupam Kher or Kiran Kher. Sikandar struggles with his dialogue delivery and as far as your dance numbers are concerned, keep Sikandar aside. To a large extent he reflects Abhishek Bachchan with his body language and will surely do well as your unconventional hero.
Neha Uberoi is pretty and impressive. She carries her character with elegance and ease. She is sure to give the so called ‘sexy’ ladies of bollywood a though time.
 Arbaaz Khan too shows great maturity. He fits the bill and delivers well. Sachin Khedekar , Shakti Kapoor and Dayashankar Pandey are wasted.
Cinematography by Vikas Nowlakha is good carrying the thriller theme through the lens. Dailogues by Milap Zaveri are ok. Screenplay by Sanjay Gupta ,Farhan and Rajiv isn’t great.
The music of the film hinders the flow of events but the background score by Amar Mohile is good.
On the whole, ‘Woodstock Villa’ may find it hard to be accepted by the viewers who may consider this venture to be an episode from a serial or so. The film is sure to provide a decent platform for both Sikandar and Neha who are bound to feature in more Sanjay Gupta films. Business at the box office will be hampered by the IPL semi-finals and finals.
Rating : **
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