Movie Review: Luck
Film Critic: Goher Iqbal Punn

Producer: Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd.
Director: Soham Shah
Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Imran Khan, Shruti Haasan, Mithun Chakraborty, Ravi Kishan and Danny Denzongpa
Music: Salim-Sulaiman

The much-awaited venture of Sanjay Dutt, Imran Khan and Shruti Haasan starrer, ‘Luck’ is out in theaters. Huge hype had been done for this movie and this will surely pay it back to the makers when a number of viewers would make their route to the cinema halls. This action thriller goes on the lines of Hollywood and is swaddled with the hardcore action sequences, which will certainly make the audience talk big when they come out of the theaters after watching the flick. Although, a good action is viewed in Bollywood films, but this type of action that is in ‘Luck’, was last witnessed in Yash Raj Films’ Dhoom 2. Utterly laced with style, this project has a heart-hitting concept, which has hardly been seen on Bollywood front earlier or even one may claim that this one has been touched for the first time.

Although there are loads of thrills in the movie, but ‘Luck’ seems low on story. And the script does not appear to be watertight. Had the writers’ duo – Soham Shah and Rensil D’ Silva worked on the script with care, the result would have been much better on the screenplay (which lacks).

Director Soham Shah seems to be having an eye on the visuals, which is why he has executed the thrills on the celluloid in a manner where they arrest the hearts of all types of movie going audience. ‘Luck’ works high on the star power and the stylishly executed thrills.

‘Luck’ tells the story of the mafia linchpin Musa (Sanjay Dutt), who has one obsession and that is to revolutionize the betting industry. He is of the view that life is a gamble and what better way to skew the odds than play with those with luck on their side. Musa takes this game of betting to an utterly different level where he involves the human beings as betting objects. Tamang (Danny Denzongpa) is Musa’s trusted aide, who assembles 20 participants from across the globe for Musa every year in South Africa. These are the people who have a proven record of extreme luck. Through Musa’s syndicate, a huge money is put on these humans by the betters from around the world. For the new season, the ones who have been brought into this game of death across the globe are: Ram (Imran Khan) – a white collar job young guy, who likes to earn mammoth amount to compensate the huge fraud his father was the reason for that – Ayesha (Shruti Hassan) has her own agenda for money – Retd. Col Singh (Mithun Chakraborty), who is in desperate need of money for his wife’s operation – Shortcut (Chitrashi), who is a Pakistani camel racer girl and wants to buy a Lexus and Rghav (Ravi Kishan), who is a serial murderer. These people are put into the dangerous game, where their life is in danger. Who will win and what will happen to all of them is what forms the rest of the story.

From the beginning of the film, the moviegoer is taken into the world, where the bets are put on humans. In the initial reels, the sequence on train takes place and this one is the one, which has barely been seen in Hindi films before. In reality shows, people have wtached many games where the participants put their lives at stake. But the games, which have been done in this film, are the ones which are much dangerous. The underwater scene with sharks, the revolver scene and the jump from the helicopter are really breath-arresting.

Now let’s move to the flaws of the movie. The most prominent one is ofcourse the writing, which is weak. The romantic track has not been treated with care. The climax is not convincing. It should have been concluded when Ram wins the money. As his ultimate goal was to win this big amount then why appears the need to confront Musa after winning the prize? Strange…! If there was some personal matter to settle the scores with him, then it’s okay (but there was nothing of this ilk of thing). Hospital scene is senseless and so is Shruti’s double role.

Director Soham Shah deserves hats off for churning out a stylishly executed film. Music by Salim-Sulaiman is melodious. ‘Aazma’ is the best track of the album – a very hummable tune. Amar Mohile’s background music is appealing. Santosh Thundiyil’s cinematography is of international standards. Dwarak Warrier is first rate with his sound design that seems Hollywoodish. The main USP of the film is stunts. And for this, Allan Amin deserves distinction marks. Stunts are what appear to be the life of this venture.

Sanjay Dutt is a true fit for this role. No other actor could do this except he. His brawny personality, looks and dialogue delivery all are up to the standards of this character. He enacts the role with much ease and conviction. Imran Khan is another treat to watch. He is improving as an actor with every coming film. Shruti Haasan delivers a fine job. Ravi Kishan is classy. Mithun Chakraborty is a class himself in his character. Danny Danzongpa fulfills justice with his role. Chitrashi is excellent. Rest of the cast does well also.

On the whole, ‘Luck’ is a MUST watch. It carries a novel concept, well executed thrills of international standards, style and the star power. Go for it.

Rating: 3.5/5

- The writer is a popular and experienced Bollywood and Indian TV Analyst. He shares a good rapport with Hindi film industry, Indian television fraternity and the celebs of these swanky worlds. You may contact him at the e-mails: goheriqbal@yahoo.co.uk, goher.punn@yahoo.com and goher.punn@gmail.com