Kaho Na Pyaar Hai (1999)
Starring: Hritik Roshan, Amisha Patel
Director: Rakesh Roshan
Synopsis: Lightweight story adrenalised by Hrithik's dynamic debut
Reviewed by: Faiz Khan

 

 

Rakesh Roshan has made some extremely successful films over the years—Khudgarz, Khoon Bhari Maang, Kishen Kanhaiyya and Karan Arjun among them. He is not necessarily known for originality, many of his films borrowing heavily from existing material (Khoon Bhari Maang from the Australian soap Return to Eden, Khudgarz from Kane and Abel, Koyla from Revenge, to name but a few), but he has always possessed the ability to adapt these stories cleverly for Indian audiences.

Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai serves as the launch vehicle for his son Hrithik Roshan, and this time Rakesh Roshan attempts something with a slightly different feel. One expects the usual romantic drama, but the film has a few surprises up its sleeve.

Rohit is a poor orphan living with his younger brother and earning a modest living selling cars at a showroom. His real ambition, however, is to become a singer. His path crosses with Sonia, the wealthy and pampered daughter of a rich businessman, and before long the inevitable happens—love blossoms between them. Sonia's father naturally disapproves of the relationship, prompting Rohit to promise that he will make something of himself before returning to claim her hand.

Up to this point, the film appears to be a conventional love story. However, events take an unexpected turn when Rohit witnesses the murder of a police officer. From there, the narrative moves in an altogether different direction, and revealing anything further would spoil one of the film's main surprises.

Unfortunately, the screenplay suffers from an implausible storyline. In attempting to move away from the traditional romance, Rakesh Roshan ventures into territory that stretches credibility rather too far. Even so, the film remains consistently engrossing, although one is left with the feeling that certain aspects never quite come together as convincingly as they should.

The film introduces Hrithik Roshan and Ameesha Patel in the leading roles. For a change, the heroine has a substantial part to play, and Ameesha makes an effective, if hardly extraordinary, debut. She is likeable enough, although she could certainly have been photographed more flatteringly.

Hrithik Roshan, however, is nothing short of a sensation. Among the current crop of star sons, he immediately stands apart. Whether acting, dancing or handling the action sequences, he performs with remarkable ease and confidence. Nothing about his performance feels forced or laboured. The film is worth seeing for Hrithik alone.

Rajesh Roshan's music is consistently pleasing, while the cinematography is first-rate. The overseas locations have been photographed beautifully, though sadly much of that visual splendour will inevitably be lost on poor-quality pirate videos.