Race 2 Review - 2013 Bollywood Movies Review

Race 2 Movie Review by film critic and trade analyst Joginder Tuteja.

Unpredictable : This is the very factor that defines the core essence of Race as a brand. This is what made the original such an enticing affair and this is exactly what one expects from the sequel as well. Well, you aren't disappointed at all as far as the first half of the film is concerned. However as the film proceeds after a terrific kickstart, you realise that the narrative starts focusing more on set-piece action sequences and enthralling locales even as the focus on drama starts getting diluted. That turns out to be the undoing of the film which could have covered a much greater distance that it eventually does.

Race 2 Movie Review

The film starts in true blue Abbas-Mustan style. Twists after twists fill the proceedings as you try to decipher who is the one who is wrong and who has been wronged. The sequence at the casino where Saif meets a casino owner (Rajesh Khattar) and explains his plan, the game of double cross being played, the mind games played between Saif, John and Deepika, the secret being unveiled about Jacqueline Fernandes, inclusion of Anil Kapoor and Ameesha Patel into the plan, journey down the memory lane featuring Bipasha Basu, the motive behind each of the players coming together in this race of money and death : just about everything works in the film's favour.

In fact this part of the film is as per Abbas Mustan template and moves at a feverish pace. Despite the fact that you are prepared for the unpredictability, the twists and turns surprise and at places even shock you. In fact the interval point of the film gears you to check what's in store during the second half of the film.

However this is where the film gets into a different territory altogether. Just like it had happened in case of 'Don 2′ where focus had shifted to a heist instead of the escapades of the man himself, even Race 2 moves into the 'museum mein chori' episode. Frankly, after witnessing many a heist thrillers from the West, this one sounds like an unnecessary distraction. Moreover with the entire premise being set so well, you want to see Saif and John take on each other instead of the former carrying out a heist and latter fighting it out in the ring.


Race 2 Review

That doesn't mean the sequences aren't well done. In fact you do munch your popcorn as the sequences unfold. However the edge of the seat thrilling effect that the film had promised at the very onset isn't as prominent this time around. Moreover the pre-climax, when all actors come together in a secluded spot, is way too predictable to be taken seriously. As for the climax set in an aircraft, one still waits for the day when a Bollywood flick would actually get it right in the VFX department.

What the film still succeeds in doing is keep your attention alive right through it's narrative and not quite turning into a boring outing, even in the second half. Moreover with cinematography being top notch, locations eye catchy, background music excellent and music peppy, there is a cinematic value that Race 2 comes up with which makes it a good big screen watch.

Amongst actors, it is clear that the brief given to each and every one of them was to play it cool. So while John Abraham looks as good as ever with his mannerisms being cool enough to suit the film's requirement, Saif Ali Khan plays it right with a straight face and clearly seems to be having fun. Surprisingly Deepika Padukone has a relatively minor role to play. However she looks stunning in each and every frame that she appears. Jacqueline has a bigger part to play and she does it well while looking her best. Anil Kapoor and Ameesha do bring in smiles whenever they come on screen though one does feel that there should have been more of the veteran actor. Rajesh Khattar is convincing in his part while Aditya Pancholi in a guest appearance is solid as well.

Overall, Race 2 turns out to be a film which pretty much fits into the franchise template and doesn't intend at digressing from that. While that is good from the core thought perspective, one can clearly sense that the kind of water tight treatment that Race had boasted of is missing in the sequel. Though it is fun for a good part of it, one just hunts for that extra zing that could have turned it into an enthralling affair, a trait that had made Race a much watch outing.

Rating:
Movie Review: Race 2 (2013)
Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandes, Ameesha Patel
Director: Abbas : Mustan
Music Director: Pritam
Runtime: 145 minutes
Budget: 50 : 55 crores

Joginder Tuteja tweets @tutejajoginder







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