New York: Review

Rating: 4/5
New York was one of the most awaited films of the year. John Abraham and Katrina Kaif together for the first time promised eye candy for both sexes. On the flip-side John and Katrina in the same film raised a big question on either one's acting capabilities to shoulder the film. After the well made semi documentary Kabul Express, expectations were high from Kabir Khan to deliver. So how does the film turn out?

The film opens with Omar (Neil Nitin Mukesh) being framed for terrorism charges. The FBI officer Roshan (Irrfan Khan) offers Omar a deal to be acquitted of the charges. He has to become an FBI informant to unravel the sinister plans of a sleeper cell operated by his college buddy Sameer (John Abraham). A short flashback takes us to the New York State University where Omar meets Sameer, a know-all college jock and Maya (Katrina Kaif), an immensely like-able Indian American girl. Omar instantly falls for Maya. But Maya has feelings for Sameer. Omar is shattered as his best friends profess their love for each other. The personal story takes a backseat as 9/11 changes their lives. Seven years pass and Omar meets his college friends. This time though he is thrust with the task of snitching on them. The rest of the film is a mature look at both sides of the coin of terrorism and living as a Muslim in the post 9/11 world.

The movie is on the lines of 'Khuda Kay Liye', Pakistani film. It does not go into as many complexities as KKL, but is expectedly better in production values. Kabir Khan manages to keep the film interesting all the way to the end. The climax could have been better written. The editing is crisp. But the song 'Mere Sang' could have been trimmed to make the film shorter. Every other song is well embedded into the storyline. 'Tune Jo Na Kaha' is definitely the best of the lot. The background score blends with the films theme. The dialogues, in addition to being non-filmy, are well written.

John Abraham shines in an author-backed role. He carries off difficult scenes with aplomb. Katrina Kaif uses her Hinglish diction to embellish her Indian American Maya. She expresses well with her eyes in some well enacted scenes. Neil Nitin Mukesh does well in what seems more like a lead role than a supporting one. He is a part of the new brigade of actors who underplay their roles instead of hamming over the top. Having said that, he does have to get over his sometimes rehearsed dialogue delivery. Irrfan is impeccable as usual and raises the bar for the other actors in every scene.

All in all, the movie definitely deserves a watch. It is a unique combination of a good cast, story and intentions. Go for it!