Radio Review

Oops! If `Monty' was back with vengeance in `Karzz', this time RJ Vivan is up with a curse. Sorry to say! `Radio' makes you pesky with its swarming with unsubstantial elements. Incisively, the film has an interesting storyline, but the flimsy ideation of dividing the film into 15 chapters with ludicrous titles - `Paranjabi Lassi', `Mutter mein keeda' and so on puts it down badly.

In simple terms, `Radio' establishes Himesh's prominences over songs (nearly a dozen) and doesn't strike spectacularly in narrative aspects.  But on whole, the film offers a galling experience and never intends to impress audiences.

Vivan (Himesh Reshammiya) is a successful RJ on a popular radio channel in the city of Mumbai... He has acquired everything in life but his marriage is unsuccessful. Naturally he takes divorce from his wife Pooja (Sonal Sehgal), the reason cited are lack of compatibility between the two. In their hearts Vivan and Pooja don't want the divorce but the fast pace of life and busy schedules interfere with their emotional balance. Instead of suffering more, they choose to go their separate ways.

Enters Shanaya, who is like a ray of sunshine in Vivan's insipid life. But initially he doesn't realise that Shanaya (Shenaz Treasuryvala) brings a smile to his face. He blatantly discusses Shanaya with Pooja, but being a woman, she can see his love for Shanaya. She becomes the catalyst to bring this realisation that his true love is Shanaya. Why has he closed his eyes? His attitude and response towards Shanaya go through a sea of change. Vivan reciprocates and tries to get close to her family too. Although he still has a soft spot for Pooja and cares for her but he realises that he wants to spend his life with Shanaya.

Who will be eventually reigning on his heart? Will he take the step to make his vows with Shanaya?

On performance level, it's really pathetic to witness none of the actors coming up with better show. Blame it on filmmaker Isshan: it looks like the auteur roped in actors by picking lots. Most of them are so amateurish and Himesh Reshammiya isn't an elision. He's so emotionless at the situations, where he's supposed to be. Sorry to say, his close-up shots are sure to make you exasperated.

On pars, the female leads overshadow Himesh. Sonal Sehgal looks fantastic, but all the time is spotted lamenting. Her dialogue deliveries are again a big disappointment. Shenaz may look cute in initial phases. But when she persistently keeps smiling, there's no doubt about getting chafed.

Some of the characterizations are seemingly creative, but the Isshan doesn't establish intensities over it. Say for instance, `Boss' played by Rajesh Khattar on wheel chair is quite commendable. Paresh Rawal's role is so subtle.

The biggest plus is musical score by Himesh Reshammiya. Exactly, every song sounds to be fantastic and that keeps you intact over the times. Especially, `Teri Meri Dosti' outstands with an appealing visualization.

But, you can't afford to watch it patently for the songs. Well, producers can better launch the home videos shortly or at least video songs that would fetch them some profitable business.

Himesh Reshammiya has two options - Choose a better script and perform well. Or else drop ideas his onscreen ideas.

Verdict: Dashes down your expectations

Rating: **