The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Just let this one ‘GO’

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Oct 06, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Just let this one ‘GO’

Gautam and Nisha Kothari in ‘GO’.

GOING, GOING GONE:

Film: GO

Cast: Gautam, Nisha Kothari

Direction: Ramgopal Varma

In this age of dumbing down, movies just got a tad dumber. And Ramgopal Varma proves the dumbest of the lot. With ‘Go’ he complete a hat-trick most ignoble: remember over the past few weeks he has tested our patience with ‘Aag’ and ‘Darling’. This time we fail the test of patience. Whether he is suffering from amnesia or plainly needs a long holiday from work is open to debate. What cannot be debated is that today he is a pale, no, pales t shadow of the man who gave us such engrossing films as ‘Rangeela’ and ‘Company’. Without the poise, the restrain of old, he is like a magician who has forgotten his wand at home. Even his technical wizardry seems to have deserted him.

So, what is ‘Go’ all about? Nothing. Here he takes two youngsters – his favourite non-actress Nisha Kothari and new boy Gautam – and makes them run, no elope. Is it for love that they are running? One would think so. Both are blessed with families constantly involved in a screaming match.

Nisha’s “amnesia”

But then the director thinks he has not quite exploited Ms. Kothari perceived sensuality. So, Nisha gets into costumes that keep getting tinier and tinier. In between she shows a penchant for walking down Mr. Varma’s lane of amnesia.

So, in one shot she forgets to put on her pants. In another she forgets to put on her shirt.

And almost all through wears next to nothing. Not quite the way to ‘Go’, one would say! Still she leaves the viewers cold. That is a sad commentary on a desperate actress trying to be the next sex symbol. If she is awful new boy Gautam is a shade better. He just looks ordinary, but at least he does not get on your nerves as his companion here.

So, is ‘Go’ yet another love story? No, far, far from it. There are evil politicians involved in their game of one-upmanship.

There are cops in a hot pursuit of a henchman who is holding the Chief Minister to ransom.

Not to forget their nexus with the evil side of life. And out little lovebirds – whose passion reminds you of a pressure cooker after the last whistle – are just caught in the crossfire! Add to that a music score that is made from leftovers.

And a soundtrack that does nothing to heighten the viewers’ interest. Then there is a pace of story-telling that makes frequent allowances for song and dance detours! Phew! Isn’t that too much to digest?

One simple piece of advice? Just let it go. In ignorance and distance lie peace and contentment.

ZIYA US SALAM

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