Aashayein Review

What is it all about?

Yes we all know that Nagesh Kukunoor has a unique flair, but this `Aashayein' is out of synch with any genre. Nagesh has told us touchy and good human stories in `Dor' and `Iqbal' made us feel good with his debut `Hyderabad Blues' but `Aashayein' ends up as a mess where weirdnessflews over Kukunoor's nest, as he makes a mess of the audience 'Anand' by getting himself lost in his strange new age ark.

Anyways Big walas have a really 'Big' heart and this nirasha in the attire of 'aasha' wont affect the `Big' entrainment conglomerate.

The Story..of course

At a party to celebrate his big win at gambling, Rahul (John Abraham) proposes to his girlfriend Nafisa (Sonal Sehgal). Within minutes of announcing his engagement, he collapses on the floor. After a medical diagnosis, Rahul discovers that he has only a few months left to live. He is diagnosed with lung cancer.

A distraught Rahul learns of a hospice and without sounding off his girlfriend about it, packs his bags and leaves in the middle of the night. He meets a number of people at the hospice, who may have failing health, but unfailing spirit.

What to look out for?

Aashayein has its moments but they are very few. As for John, he tries his best. The sequences between John and Anaitha Nair are interesting but it ends up vaguely. John orders butter nan and tandoori chicken for food but doesn't eat cause he suffers from lung cancer is touchy.

Performances are sincere, where Anitha Nair steals the show Sonal Sehgal is decent. Girish Karnad, Farida Jalal, Prateeksha Lonkar Ashwin Chitale, Vikram Inamdar and Sonali Sachdev are alright.

Salim-Sulaiman's music is fine while ones watching the film. Sudeep Chatterjee's camera talks well. Production values are excellent.

What Not?

`Aashayein' struggles against the framework of a human story based on the principle of living the life to the fullest where it tries to tell the story of a person who discovers that he has not much time left (hmm.. flashes of Hrishida's `Anand' starring Rajesh Khanna coming to your mind) well then take a break.. the movie does show some of its scene to highlight the spirit but boy its gets so bizarre and abstract that it makes you go numb.

Nagesh even tries to give a spiritual twist by introducing a character who knows much, who can tell stories and can receive messages but he flounders by going into fantasy. The movie asks questions like why the hospice looks more like a small-town resort where people have come for a vacation. And when the in-charge who they have a problem with donations, multiple dinner options is, available. But alas, not much for the audience.

Conclusion: `Aashayein' changes many lanes for that elusive entertainment and fails to impress. Wait for its satellite premiere.

Rating **