The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Old wine in a new bottle

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Sunday, Oct 07, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Old wine in a new bottle

Rehash: Jimmy Sheirgil and Kim Sharma in the movie Chhodon Naa Yaar’

Film: Chhodon Naa Yaar

Cast: Jimmy Sheirgil

Director: Deepak Sood

With the big cats reserving their films – “Laaga Chunari Mein Daag” and “Bhool Bhulaiya” – till next Friday, mice continue to have a free run. Joining the fun is Deepak Sood’s “Chhodon Naa Yaar”. Well, actually no fun considering the film has opened to a tepid response and from the content on offer, it is unlikely to get any better.

Which is just so sad for Jimmy Sheirgil, the modern-day Vinod Mehra, who continues to gamefully illumine dark, forgettable films. Here he adds to the numbers with a film that is dishonest to its name, and quite disappointing in its wares. We have three mass communication students – hey, Jimmy look up the mirror, the time’s clock for student age just ticked over – who make their diploma film about a myth prevalent in the anonymous hills of our country. One knows from the beginning that it is unlikely to be a routine shoot-and-save venture for the wannabe filmmakers, but the way the movie turns from a youthful feel to a horror, leaves you, well, in a state of horror. The temple in the forest is visited, there is an atma at large, and the spooky sounds one associates with the Ramsay films of old.

Does the film get made? And how?

Never mind. Much before the final denouement many would have ventured out. Can’t blame them. Chhodon naa yaar. Better luck next time, Jimmy.

ZIYA US SALAM

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