Eight Shani
Last week, it was SAAWAN - THE LOVE SEASON. This week, it's
EIGHT - SHANI. Although the two stories are diverse as chalk and cheese, the
common thread that binds them is that both talk of supernatural forces.
Perhaps, it's the first time that an entire Hindi film talks about the
after-effects of Shani. In that respect, yes, EIGHT - SHANI has a novel theme as
its USP. But it's the execution of the subject that acts as a spoilsport.
What could've been a chilling experience runs out of steam halfway through the
narrative. It's only towards the climax that the viewer starts getting involved.
But it's too late by then!
Raj Raj Tara lives with his brother Suraj Gulshan Grover and sister-in-law Radha
Padmini Kolhapure in U.K. Raj is a clairvoyant; he sees souls and spirits with
his compass. Suraj thinks Raj is a good for nothing guy, while Radha sides her
brother-in-law.
But one night changes everything: The spirit of Kamini Vastavikta targets their
home. A disturbed Suraj blames Raj for the chain of events and throws him out.
Raj seeks help from his friend Sadhvi and does chanting. The mystery deepens as
the figure of 'eight' appears on Sadhvi's back in blood. Sadhvi concludes that
whatever is happening is due to the anger of Shani Saturn.
The attacks continue at Suraj's household and he is forced to seek Raj's help.
Raj, Suraj and Radha move out of their London home to Balwant's Raju Kher
farmhouse. But the spirit of Kamini continues to haunt them.
The moment the reels of EIGHT - SHANI begin to unfold, you get the feeling that
the plot is similar to NAINA/NAZAR, which in turn were inspired by Pang
Brothers' Cantonese-Thai language film JIAN GUI THE EYE. Meaning, the
protagonist can actually see spirits. But there's a twist in the tale the moment
Vastavikta enters the scene. The mystery surrounding her character is slightly
interesting. You are eager to know the motive behind her wrath.
In the second hour too, the story appeals when the spirit of Vastavikta follows
the family everywhere. The last 20 minutes of the enterprise, starting with
Gulshan Grover spilling the beans, right till the end, keep your attention
focused on screen.
But EIGHT - SHANI is not without its share of deficiencies. One, the execution
of the subject material ranges from ordinary to tacky. Two, the love story,
involving Raj Tara and Meghna Naidu, just doesn't appeal. And three, the songs
that follow only act as a hindrance. Ideally, EIGHT - SHANI should've either
been a songless film or if need be, just one song the eerie track filmed on
Meghna/Vastavikta could've been used.
Karan Razdan's writing and execution leaves a lot to be desired. Although he has
opted for a plot that's identifiable by most Indians, it's the unwanted
sub-plots romance, songs and the execution at times that could've been worked
upon.
Daboo Malik's music is lackluster. The songs sound monotonous and barring the
eerie track, which has a haunting feel, the remaining compositions sound
monotonous. Cinematography Rajendra Prasad looks like a rushed job. Special
effects are outright tacky.
Raj Tara is decent in portions, but needs to control his expressions and voice
during hi-pitch scenes. Meghna Naidu is only there to add to the glamour
quotient. Vastavikta looks the character, although she could've been more
expressive in the flashback portions.
Gulshan Grover and Padmini Kolhapure are passable. Gulshan, however, impresses
in the outburst scene. Raju Kher hams. The actress enacting the role of Sadhvi
is okay.
On the whole, EIGHT - SHANI is a good concept that could've worked had it been
executed with panache. At the box-office, the lack of an aggressive promotion
and face-value will go against it.
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