Indya.com Bhoothnath Review

Another good review, let us see.

http://www.indya.com/news/newsDetails.aspx?xfile=2008/May/News_20080508_84

Movie Review: Bhoothnath

Bhoothnath – Hallelujah!

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Aman Siddiqui, Juhi Chawla, Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanshu Chatterji

Director: Vivek Sharma

Indya.com Rating: 4/5

Bhoothnath is the story of a ghost named Nath (Amitabh Bachchan) who makes it impossible for anyone to stay in his home in Goa since his death. Things are so bad that even taxi drivers refuse to chauffer anyone as soon as they hear that Nath Villa is the destination. But that’s till Nath comes across Banku (Aman Siddiqui) – the new kid who has moved in with his parents Anjali (Juhi Chawala) and Aditya (SRK) into Nath Villa.

So while the rest of the city trembles at the thought of the family staying there, Banku is too busy making friends with Nath whom he calls his Angel. For Banku there is nothing like a ghost. Slowly and steadily the two forge a deep friendship much to everyone’s confusion because no one but Banku can see this so called Angel.

During one incident Banku with the help of his Angel gets his school mate out of trouble. But this only causes a rumour spreading fast across the school about Banku’s special friend. As a result the principal hauls both Banku and Anjali into his office and gives him the final warning. Anjali upset with her son’s constant mischief reprimands him and gives him a slap. Unable to prove himself, Banku sulks and doesn’t speak to either Bhoothnath or his mother.

However, soon its time for Banku’s fancy dress competition and when another mother comments on how Banku is dressed exactly like ‘Nath uncle’ does reality hit home for Anjali. Heading home after the competition with Banku, Anjali comes home to find herself dealing with a group of builders who have been given permission by Nath’s son Vijay (Priyanshu Chatterji) to build a resort there. Hearing this Nath gets very angry and raises a storm – literally! And that’s when she finally comes face to face with her son’s Angel and learns the real truth about Nath and his ghostly existence. Now that Anjali knows of Bhothnath she sets about helping his ghost to finally stop wandering. And how after setting up a shrad at home Banku, Anjali, Aditya and Nath’s son - Vijay - finally help Angel achieve mukti is what the rest of the film is all about.

Bhoothnath has everything for all age groups – fun for the kids and emotions for the adults. Aman has done a great job as the naughty kid and Big B is simply brilliant. From his emotions as a ghost trying to frighten the world to coming to terms that a child has him fooled to his final extremely emotional journey…everything leaves you spell bound. Juhi and SRK have done a good job too.

A mention also needs to be made of Vivek Sharma the director. From a script that is tightly held and moves quick to special effects that definitely reflect umpteen hours in the studio, the director’s hard work is clearly visible.

Bhoothnath is definitely what the doctor ordered. For kids who are enjoying their summer break. For parents who need to keep the tiny tots occupied. And most importantly for Bollywood that has been down in the dumps…. Hallelujah!

# Harshita Kohli, Hill Road Media
# Thursday, May 08, 2008