The Killer - A watch just to kill time
Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt produce The Killer, with their steady favorite Emraan Hashmi. Just recently the happy trio were celebrating the success of Gangster, a sincere film truly deserving the heights of its appreciation, and now without wasting much time they’re back in the scene.
Debutante director’s Raksha Mistry and Hasnain Hyderabadwala have it easy in a sense. They direct a film that’s already been done. Well… at least in Hollywood. They take the liberty of presenting the Indian version of Collateral. Of course a re-make comes to no surprise, as the Bhatt’s are in the business of supporting films of this nature. However a Bollywood conversion is always a gamble. This time the dice does not role in their favor. Even with it laid out plain and simple, just so easy, the film does not meet the gusto of the western flick.
Emraan Hashmi steps into the role of the cab driver while Irfaan Khan is the killer. Somehow the base of the Indian screenplay is dense, but it’s our desi dudes that hold it together. Emraan and Irfaan have great camaraderie through out the film. Granted they’re not on the same team as best of pals, but their exchange of dialogues and time shared onscreen, are what bind the viewer to the film. Emraan improves with the transition of his character from flimsy to courageous. Irfaan Khan is confident, cold, brutal, and just what the director ordered!
Nisha Kothari, Emraan’s love interest in the film is far from impressive. She displays her anatomy in a tasteless dance number. However she’s sure to get some whistles of admiration.
Director’s Raksha Mistry and Hasnain Hyderabadwala, make a fair attempt at mimicking the Hollywood hit. For first-timer’s they’ve delivered an average product. The duo’s excelled in striking a fine balance between romantic, comedic, and tense moments.
Technically the film has been handled with care. Cinematography captures Dubai at its best. Music by Sajid-Wajid is not up to par with the Bhatt camp’s level of distinction.
Nothing extraordinary about this film stands out. It’s something to kill time with. The Killer ranges a 2 out of 5 stars on Ritu's reviews.