Agneepath

This film deserves about 15 stars. Of course, this applies for advanced viewers who at least suspect that the standard of recent Hrithik films is above anything that can be imagined under the basic term "Bollywood." And for those who understand why Katrina Kaif was thanked. This is also the first time that I'm excited about the Festival audience because they can absorb the latest films without awkward giggles and with all the vigor given to incomprehension for admiration. Path of Fire provided me with an absolutely perfect confirmation of my now age-old impression that the year 2000 was year zero for Bollywood cinema and in the decade that followed they made progress equivalent to at least three decades in the west. While I still haven't become a friend of that era of violence, I recognize the new nature of cinematic pleasure in its transformation into the contemporary style. I could have endured at least double the runtime at the same perfect pace, which doesn't let up and only intensifies the fascination and satisfaction. The music by Ajay and Atul Gogavale is surreal and the cinematography is great, but what is indescribable in words is the mountain of devil meat that Sanjay Dutt has become. How can this guy play the disgusting hell incarnate with ease and be a lover at other times? The entire host of so-called actors should learn from this. Perhaps my only regret is that Priyanka was so perfectly overshadowed in a supporting role by the mere Katrina item. After the Chikni Chameli whirlwind, it's like there is no Kaali. But the likes of Rishi Kapoor or Om Puri are a sure thing anytime and anywhere. (20/10/2012)