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Tuesday, April 16, 2024
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BOLLYWOOD BOLO RAAM
EDITOR'S PICK
Rating: **
"Bolo Raam" can be compared to thriller "Aamir", which
starred Rajeev Khandelwal. With newcomer Rishi Bhutani teaming up with director
Rakesh Chaturvedi, the USP of the film lies in it`s novel plot.
Also, the ensemble supporting cast - Padmini Kolhapure, Om Puri and Naseeruddin
Shah - could be any filmmaker`s dream.
But an unconventional film like this should have been pitched well through
adequate marketing and promotion. This is where "Bolo Raam" suffers
because even though it has an interesting plot, it doesn`t quite reach out to
audiences.
The minimal buzz and a poor release notwithstanding, "Bolo Raam"
doesn`t carry enough punch to warrant a strong word-of-mouth.
The plotline, which is based on Tamil film "Raam" (2005) that starred
Jeeva as the protagonist, is actually quite novel. There haven`t been many films
made in the past where a youngster (Rishi) is shown to be the prime suspect
after his mother`s (Padmini Kolhapure) killing. He goes silent and the world
around him wants him to speak up, hence the title "Bolo Raam".
Given the fact that he was a recluse to begin with, had a troubled past, loved
his mother the most, was disturbed by all the injustice around him and was
fist-happy, Raam is a tough nut to crack.
"Bolo Raam" has a slightly offbeat appeal to it but it does turn filmy
towards the latter part.
Yes, there are shocking moments, especially during the entire build-up phase.
The introduction of characters played by Om Puri, Govind Namdeo and Naseeruddin
Shah keep the wheels turning.
Milestone moments in the movie aren`t bad as well, as evidenced in the opening
sequence as well as the interval point. However, it`s the culmination that makes
you believe that "Bolo Raam" could well have been a suspense thriller
for television viewing.
With the kind of budget that "Bolo Raam" has been made, it did stand a
good chance of at least a decent recovery if it could have waited a little
longer. A release at a time when "3 Idiots" is going super strong and
there are a line of biggies for the next two months isn`t really a good
decision.
This is a fast-paced and gripping thriller, murder mystery. A boy, Raam, is charged with the murder of his mother, Archana. On the other hand, Raam falls into a state of shock, brief psychotic disorder, after his mother`s death and becomes silent, refusing to talk or react in any manner. The story unfolds as the investigating officer, Indrajeet Singh Rathi, much to his frustration is puzzled and unable to make Raam speak. He consults a Psychiatrist, Dr. Ns. Negi to determine the cause of Raam`s state of mind and the reason for his silence. The movie progresses as he interrogates various personalities for the case, questioning Raam. Every possible motive that Raam might have for murdering his mother is explored. Furthermore Raam`s neighbors, Sub-Inspector Sajid Khan, his daughter, Juhi and son, Sameer are summoned by Rathi for interrogation. This is BOLO RAAM, will his silence solve the puzzle?
