I always get a fairly accurate gut feeling about the movie from its trailers. When I saw Katrina Kaif swaying to the outstanding beat of “Mere Sang” (another hit for Sunidhi Chauhan) I knew I wanted to watch New York.
New York is about the story of three friends – Omar (Niel Mukesh), Sameer (John Abraham) and Maya (Katrina Kaif) who meet at New York State University campus and build a close bond over the next two years of their education. As it always happens in the movies, Omar falls head over heels for Maya only to find that his love is unrequited. Then 9/11 happens and things change forever.
The movie starts from the future, eight years after 9/11, when Omar is apprehended by the FBI for his alleged connections with terrorists. We soon learn it’s a frame-up to get him to work undercover for the FBI agents to gather proof against his old friend. Sameer is suspected of running a terrorist cell in New York. What follows is an emotional journey for Omar into Sameer’s and Maya’s lives – only to change it irrevocably forever.
Directed by Kabir Khan, New York deals with sensitive issues like cultural differences, discrimination towards Muslims after 9/11 and unscrupulous FBI interrogation practices. The story line is a little weak and implausible with its own touch of Bollywood masala, but what’s incredible are the performances. Not that they are exceptional but better than anticipated (hint – fairly low expectations from the cast so wasn’t disappointed)
I have had very little respect for John as an actor, but he has probably given his career’s best performance. I actually cried while watching the intense torture scenes. Katrina falters with her acting and accent but is still believable. Neil and Irrfan are excellent – both actors of very high caliber.
The music is pleasant and fits well with the movie. Not sure if its ‘ forever classic’ material. So I enjoyed the movie, but it has mixed reviews – so watch at your own risk.
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2 comments
Hmmm…I think this was the only movie in which they have not dubbed a voice over for Katrina…I agree the movie was Okay…
To cover up for Katrina’s accent I think they should have depicted her as an out and out American who learnt a little Hindi out of choice..
The scene where they interrogate John for the pictures of WTC he had taken as a student made me feel, how an innocent person is caught for a simple deed which the FBI believed to be a terrorist suspect. I cant imagine the state of those who underwent such torture once released… Really sad …..