Director: Abbas-Mustan
Starring: Saif Ali Khan, Anil Kapoor and Bipasha Basu
‘A Brilliant Blockbuster’
Few actors in Bollywood are as beloved as Saif Ali Khan. Ever since his rise to stardom during the 1990’s, Khan has become one of the finest actors in the Indian film industry. Whether it’s star-crossed lovers, dangerous gangsters or sacred police inspectors, Khan has proven that he can portray compelling characters in Indian films. Arguably, Khan’s strength as an actor is his versatility. He is one of those rare actors that has proven he can portray a wide range of characters in various genres. Through his versatility, Khan has created timeless movies in his career which Indian audiences value. A bright light shining in darkness, he has become an icon in the Indian film business whose films have always given audiences the emotions of happiness. A legendary figure in India, Khan has become an icon in Bollywood Cinema. Throughout his long-lasting career, Khan has produced several unforgettable films that are worth watching.
I’m a huge fan of Khan and adore all movies he has made in his career. However, “Race” definitely stands out as his most underrated movie. Released in 2008, Abbas-Mustan’s film offered a strong portrait of fierce race car drivers. Packed with strong production, engaging storytelling and amazing acting, it’s a captivating Bollywood blockbuster. At the centre of it all is a terrific performance by Saif Ali Khan, who embodies a ferocious businessman that seeks success. Although “Race” is a captivating blockbuster, it isn’t a flawless film. It builds toward a predictable ending without any resolution. Nevertheless, it offers engaging entertainment which will definitely without any doubt satisfy fans of Saif Ali Khan.
“Race” tells the story of two brothers that face obstacles competing in a horse race. Saif Ali Khan plays Ranvir Singh, a strong businessman seeking to attain success in race horse profession. Ranvir has always had a conflicted relationship with brother Rajeev (Akshaye Khanna), engaged in the career of horse racing. However, Ranvir’s life forever changes when he gets tracked down by a police officer. Inspector Robert D’Costa (Anil Kapoor) is a fierce cop with determination to solve crimes. As all odds become stacked against his favour, Ranvir questions his love for a career he used to treasure. With obstacles to face, Ranvir is forced to question whether he would be able to conquer a race.
Abbas-Mustan have often been fascinated with themes of crime. A fantastic directing duo, they have often made engaging films about criminals that face sorrow. Their film “Baazigar” offered a compelling portrait of vengeful businessmen whose lives are put in grave danger. With “Race”, however, Abbas-Mustan created their first ever horse racing blockbuster. It was the filmmakers’ attempt to capture the lives of horse racing brothers facing adversity but they succeeded. Using captivating cinematography, Abbas-Mustan capture a pair of brothers engaging in tense race rivalry. Evoking Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather”, Abbas-Mustan effectively use montages to capture business brothers in danger. For instance, montages enhance the horse racing scene. During this intense scene, Ranvir and Rajeev engage in a horse racing competition with fierce commitment. Using captivating montages, Abbas-Mustan constrict a portrait of horse racing which is compelling. Montages are tricky techniques. As Nikkhil Advani’s “Kal Ho Naa Ho” proved, montages enhance Bollywood movies about terminal illness. That being said, it works in this film. Using captivating visuals, Abbas-Mustan capture tensions that horse racers are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Race” which merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best Bollywood blockbusters you will ever watch. Inspired by Siddharth Anand’s “Ta Ra Rum Pum”, Abbas-Mustan effectively use cross-cutting to capture musical sequences about racing that’s engaging. For instance, cross-cutting elevates the Pehli Nazar Mein song. During this memorable song, Ranvir spends time with Sonia showcasing his passions for racing. Moreover, the musical score is great. It gives the movie an intense atmosphere by capturing the burden rivalrous businessmen bear. Through powerful production, Abbas-Mustan capture the lives of horse racers in a competition.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Race” is a Bollywood blockbuster which is engaging. The film is extremely well written, and effectively uses silence to capture the tensions that rivalrous brothers experience. Evoking Martin Scorsese’s “Raging Bull”, the filmmakers effectively use silence to convey the hardships that brothers experience. For instance, the silence enhances the betrayal scene. During this memorable scene, Ranvir is shocked when he discovers he has been betrayed by his brother. Through the use of silence, Abbas-Mustan create a portrait of horse racers audiences relate to. Silence is a tricky technique. As Farhan Akhtar’s “Dil Chahta Hai” suggested, silence enhances Bollywood movies about friendships. That being said, it work immensely in this movie. Through a bold screenplay, Abbas-Mustan honour the lives of horse racers competing in India today.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Saif Ali Khan delivers one of his best career performances as Ranvir. Khan first earned appreciation for romantic heroes in classic Bollywood films. With “Race”, however, the actor took on his most complex role. It isn’t simple to portray a horse rider experiencing adversity but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most methodical role. With captivating expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and grief faced by a horse rider. It’s a bold performance from one of the most beloved actors in India today.
While the film is mainly a strong showcase for Saif Ali Khan, the supporting cast is also amazing. Akshaye Khanna is astonishing, capturing charisma of a businessman that engages in fierce rivalry with brothers that cause a dilemma. Anil Kapoor is amazing, capturing the charismatic nature of a police officer seeking to apprehended criminals causing danger. Lastly, Katrina Kaif merits appreciation. As a fierce female leader, she is unforgettable.
Despite its strong performances, however, “Race” can’t quite capture hardships that horse race competitors face. If there’s one minor shortcoming to the movie, it lacks a strong ending. It’s a melodramatic ending failing to bring the movie towards a strong resolution. Whereas this ending enhanced Gary Ross’ “Seabiscuit”, it clashes with the tone of this movie. Therefore, “Race” is one of those Bollywood blockbusters which not everyone will embrace.
Nevertheless, fans of Saif Ali Khan will enjoy “Race” and so would audiences which seek enjoyable entertainment. A bold Bollywood blockbuster, it honours an actor audiences in India treasure.
Nearly 20 years following the release of an iconic Bollywood movie about the hardships that horse race rivals face, it’s a captivating reminder of a beloved Indian actor that has established a place in the industry through his abilities to portray compelling characters in memorable movies throughout his career audiences embrace.
4/5 stars
The Film Buff 