Hidden somewhere under that glamorous persona was the fine dramatic actress that Katrina Kaif has proved herself to be in the political thriller, New York. Also starring John Abraham, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Irrfan (formerly Irfan Khan - don't ask me he changed the spelling of his name), New York is a sharp look at the effects of 9/11 on various South Asians living in the city at the time. NY is directed by Kabir Khan, who previously helmed Kabul Express, another gritty film about terrorism.
Omar (NNM), Sam (Abraham) and Maya (Kaif) are three good friends living it up in college in New York. Then tragedy strikes on the eleventh of September and their lives, as well as the lives of every other person in the nation, are changed forever.
The truth of the matter is, 9/11 had a huge effect on South Asians all over the country. So a movie detailing this was bound to come. NY raises some very important questions: what do you do when the very country you love so much turns its back on you simply because of your name and your religion?
The film offers many sequences that would be unbearable to watch under someone else's direction. Khan, however, shows us the reality of things without going into the shock-factor danger zone. Kabir Khan handles the entire film with the hands of a skilled director. Scenes at the college are frivolous, yes, but the framing device of the film saves it. The film opens mysteriously which then coats the happy scenes in the first half with dread.
Irrfan as the FBI agent Roshan does what he does best. e can crack a joke and then deliver a dramatic monologue in the same scene. It's always a pleasure seeing him on the screen.
Neil Nitin Mukesh gives us more of what we saw in Johnny Gaddaar. If he sticks to these kinds of films, he will go far as a supreme dramatic actor.
John Abraham has already proven himself as a fine actor (Jism, No Smoking, Kabul Express) and yet this proves to be his finest. The journey his character goes through is tough to watch (in a good way) and not one I've seen before.
This brings me to the lovely and enchanting Katrina Kaif. I've always maintained that the actresses who are truly beautiful are the ones who still look amazing sans make-up (for example, Aishwarya, Kareena, Kirron Kher, Priyanka, Preity) and I'm adding Katrina Kaif to that list. This is Miss Kaif's first non-glam role and she is fabulous.
It is in my opinion that anyone can act well. They just need the right role. And this is that role for Katrina Kaif. Critics everywhere agree with me when I say that Katrina Kaif has shown immense growth as an actor. The complete 180 she does during the intermission is wonderful and this role will score her some nominations come awards season.
I always knew she had it in her. I mean, call me bias, but Katrina Kaif always had electrifying screen presence even when she just played a mannequin in her earlier work. She showed some growth in Namastey London but she wasn't quite there yet. Then, last year, she proved she could do comedy in Singh is Kinng, a role of hers I will defend to the grave (or pyre). I thought that Yuvvraaj would solidify her place in the industry but that proved to be just another mannequin (albeit one that could play the cello). New York not only opened the door for her but also pushed her through it. Now, hopefully, she will be taken seriously. And judging by the trailer of her next film, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani with Ranbir Kapoor, she already has been.
I'd like to talk about the trailer for this film. I personally think it is a well-made trailer. Here's why: it is both completely misleading and yet precisely what this film is about. That's the best way I can explain. All I can say is watch the movie and then watch the trailer afterwards and it'll make more sense. Hopefully.
The music in this film fits the movie really well. None of the songs really go home with you. I would recommend you watch the remix videos for "Hai Junoon" and "Mere Sang".
This movie will have some haters for sure. But these are the people who think that Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna condones infidelity or that Dostana is a copy of I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry. New York is a well-made political thriller with strong performances and a smart screenplay. It is a definite must-see. NY rates an 8.5/10.
