The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Certainly, not for the family

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jan 14, 2006

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Certainly, not for the family

Family (Hindi)

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Aryeman, Akshay Kumar, Bhumika Chawla

Director: Rajkumar Santoshi

Last time around, Rajkumar Santoshi draped the silver screen with "Khakee". Now, he has come up with "Family", a film that promises great heights, and ends at the plummet. Frankly, you take away Amitabh Bachchan from the film, and it is hard to believe that this is Santoshi's film, the man who has given us films like "Khakee", "Ghayal", Damini" and a whole lot of others. Probably, he completed this film for the sake of producer Keshu whose son Aryeman makes his listless, lustreless, lousy debut with "Family". If every family - and film - has a black sheep, Aryeman is the one for this film. As the good-for-nothing kid brother of Akshay Kumar here, he shows he has a long way to go, and his first step does not augur a great journey ahead either.

Sorry about that, but frankly, despite Bachchan at his sinister best, there is little to recommend

'"Family" to family audiences. It starts off as a comedy with Kumar doing his trademark act, and Bhumika Chawla managing to add a note of seduction to her sweet girl persona. Three forgettable songs out of the way in the initial reels and one waits for Bachchan, a seasoned don who operates from anonymous lands, to take over. One waits. And waits. Aryeman suddenly transforms into a lethal guy, ready to bust the don's empire with his louts. All so incredible!

We wait for Bachchan to step from the sidelights and occupy his rightful place. He does so. But only fleetingly. By then enough damage is done. Stay clear of "Family".

ZIYA US SALAM

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