Bollywood showman Subhash Ghai is back to filmmaking after a long break with a movie on terrorism, "Black and
White". His period romance, "Kisna: The Warrior Poet" had bombed at the box office in 2005.
Releasing Friday, his latest film stars his favourite actor Anil Kapoor who was seen in some mega Subhas Ghai
movies like "Karma", "Meri Jung", "Ram Lakhan", "Taal" and "Trimurti".
The story goes like this:
Set in Delhi, the drama revolves around Professor Rajan Mathur (Anil Kapoor) who teaches Urdu literature in Zakir
Hussain College. He lives in Chandni Chowk with his activist wife, Roma Mathur (Shefali Shah).
One day, Mathur meets a young man Numair Qazi (Anurag Sinha), who introduces himself as a victim of
communal riots in Gujarat.
Mathur believes him and gives him shelter without knowing the reality that
Numair is a suicide bomber commissioned by a Muslim fundamentalist group. His aim is to plant a bomb near the
Red Fort Aug 15.
During his 15-day stay, Numair wins the professor's trust. Even his sharp-tongued wife becomes fond of him. He
also meets a modern Muslim college girl Shagufta.
In a short period, Mathur becomes so fond of Numair that he helps him get a pass for the Aug 15 celebrations at
Red Fort.
The professor also introduces him to the warm and loving people of Chandni Chowk, who
coexist with fun, music, love, colourful events and festivals irrespective of their religion.
Despite his deep-rooted fundamentalist beliefs, he sees Chandni Chowk as one of the most colourful and loving
areas. Everybody showers love and affection on Numair and their attitude surprises the terrorist. There is no black
and white.
He starts questioning himself and finds himself caught in an emotional dilemma to go ahead with his mission. But
he moves on.
Terrorism is a burning issue plaguing the entire world. If researched well and executed deftly, the film might be a
good watch especially because of Anil who is known to be a perfectionist. Anil gives meticulous attention to every
detail of his character.
Shot in Delhi and Mumbai, Ghai's film launches Anurag Sinha.
Monday, March 03, 2008 11:55 IST