Director: Rakesh Roshan
Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra and Naseeruddin Shah
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actresses in India are as beloved as Priyanka Chopra. Ever since her rise to fame in the 1990’s, Chopra has become a beloved actress with iconic movies. Whether it’s famous fashion figures, doomed lovers or criminals in danger, Chopra has played many iconic characters. Arguably, Chopra’s greatest strength as an actress has always been her powerful commitment to her craft. She is one of those rare actresses that has never been afraid to take risks in her career by portraying complex characters. Through her abilities to create characters which are simple to relate to, Chopra has become an actress audiences value. Even when she is not the main focus of a movie, Chopra has always left a lasting impression. Throughout her strong career, Chopra has created many memorable movies that are definitely worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Chopra and adore all the movies which she has made in her career. However, “Krrisb” definitely stands out as her most meaningful film. Released in 2006, Rakesh Roshan’s film offered a spectacular tribute to the superhero genre. Packed with breathtaking action sequences, engaging storytelling and bold acting, it’s a fantastic Bollywood superhero blockbuster. At centre of it all is a strong performance by Priyanka Chopra, who embodies a woman that falls in love with a celebrated superhero in India. Although “Krrish” is a captivating Bollywood blockbuster, it isn’t a flawless film. It builds a formulaic conclusion without a satisfying resolution. Nevertheless, it offers engaging entertainment which would definitely satisfy fans of Priyanka Chopra.
“Krrish” tells the story of a superhero with a dream to accomplish. Hrithik Roshan plays Krishna Mehra, a troublesome orphan that grows up with questions about his identity in India. Raised by caring grandmother Sonia (Rekha), Krishna has often been in the dark about his identity. However, Krishna’s life is forever changed when he discovers that he has a superpower. With assistance from his girlfriend Priya (Priyanka Chopra), Krishna embarks upon a journey to discover his true identity as a superhero. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Krishna wonders whether it will ever be possible to fulfill wish of his father.
Rakesh Roshan has often been drawn to the themes of science fiction. An extraordinary Indian filmmaker, Roshan has often created engaging Bollywood movies about galaxies in dangers. His iconic movie “Koi…Mil Gaya” offered a strong portrait of extra-terrestrial aliens developing relationships with boys in the galaxies. With “Krrish”, however, Roshan made his first superhero blockbuster. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of superheroes facing adversity but he succeeded tremendously. Using captivating cinematography, Roshan captures a hero on a journey to find identity. Emulating Richard Donner’s “Superman”, Roshan successfully uses montages to capture a hero seeking to discover strong superpowers. For instance, montages enhance the superpower scene. During this heartfelt scene, Krrish is thrilled to discover his magical powers that he finds exciting. Using stunning montages, Roshan creates a portrait of superheroes which is engaging. Montages are tricky techniques. As Farhan Akhtar’s “Don” proved, montage enhances Bollywood remakes. However, it works immensely in this movie. Using bold visuals, Roshan captures the tensions that superheroes are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Krrish” which merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the most impressive superhero movies ever made in India. Inspired with Bryan Singer’s “X-Men”, Roshan expertly uses slow-motion to stage action sequences which are engaging. For instance, slow-motion elevates the city jump scene. During this memorable scene, Krrish leaps across buildings to save civilians from danger in slow-motion. Using slow-motion, Roshan creates action sequences which are captivating. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. It gives the movie an engaging atmosphere capturing heavy burden which superheroes bear. Using strong production, Roshan captures the lives of superheroes on a mission.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Krrish” is a superhero film that’s engaging. Amid the thrilling action entertainment, the film finds time for character development. The film is extremely well-written, and uses flashbacks to capture the hardships which superheroes are facing. The film effectively switches back and forth among two distinct timelines: flashbacks of Krishna’s father as a scientist and his present-day journeys to find his identity. For instance, the flashbacks elevates the scientist betrayal scene. During this unforgettable scene, Krishna discovers the shocking truth about his father’s tragic past as a famous scientist. Through strong flashbacks, Roshan creates a portrait of a superhero audiences relate to. Flashbacks are complex techniques to use in films. As Farah Khan’s “Om Shanti Om” suggested, flashbacks elevate Bollywood movies about reincarnation. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through a fantastic screenplay, Roshan captures superheroes that face a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Priyanka Chopra delivers one of her best performances as Priya. Chopra achieved appreciation for playing romantic heroines in classic Bollywood movies. With “Krrish”, however, she took on her most unique role. It’s not easy to portray a woman that falls in love with a superhero that’s legendary but she succeeds immensely. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and strong in her most unusual role. With riveting expressions, she captures the angst, bravery and grief that’s faced by a woman that’s in love with a superhero. It’s a powerful performance by one of the most celebrated actresses that is working in India today.
While the film is mainly a bold showcase for Priyanka Chopra, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciation. Hrithik Roshan is remarkable, capturing dedication of a superhero that seeks to save the world from grim warfare destruction. Naseeruddin Shah is spectacular, capturing the charisma of a scientist that designs a dangerous tech machine threatening the future of America. Lastly, Rekha deserves praise. As Krishna’s mother, she is unforgettable.
Despite its superb performances, however, “Krrish” can’t entirely capture superheroes audiences cherish. If there’s a shortcoming to the movie, it lacks an engaging ending. It is an abrupt conclusion that lacks a strong resolution. It’s a formulaic ending following the strict convention of the superhero genre. Superhero movies thrive based on endings that are strong, and in this regard “Krrish” falls short of expectations.
Nevertheless, fans of Priyanka Chopra will enjoy “Krrish” and so would movie-goers seeking engaging entertainment. A riveting Bollywood superhero blockbuster, it honours an actress with charismatic nature.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking science fiction blockbuster about a superhero seeking to save a world from danger, it’s a riveting reminder about an Indian actress that has built an enduring legacy through her abilities to play powerful characters in memorable movies audiences treasure.
4.5/5 stars
The Film Buff 