Boom

By: Somesh Vasishth

Katrina you were right, 'Boom' isn't the kind of the film you should've debuted with. Leave apart histrionics, you've got too much competition in shedding clothes too. No, I'm not talking about Madhu, who looks awful sans makeup, in fact it's Padma Lakshmi who raises the mercury.

Moreover, your deadly troika took the toll on the director itself. He got so busy handling this skin fest that he forgot to take care of the script altogether. To make the matter worse, he deployed three dons but forgot to give them teeth. Better luck next time (in case they give you any).

For those who are still curious to know about the film, read this statutory warning first: Please don't go out with your family to watch 'Boom' as it can be injurious to your family's heath. However, it can spice up your weekend in case you decide to take your spouse along.

Immaculate Big B is Bade Mia, the kingpin of the underworld who dreams no less than Bo Dereks in his fantasy. Flamboyant bad boy Gullu is Medium Mia aka Cutpiece Saleem Suiting. Jackie Shroff is a man in black, Chote Mia aka Abdul 50-50, who operates his elders brother's dark business in Mumbai.

The story kicks off with three models Anu (Madhu Sapre), Sheila (Padma Laksmi) and Reena (Katrina Kaif) getting in scuffle with another model in a Fashion show at Mumbai's Gateway of India. The ramp turns into catfight as Anu pulls her rival's hair and priceless hidden diamonds, which were due to be smuggled out of the country, scatter around only to be snatched by the paparazzi and audience.

That makes Bade Mia really angry. He wants the diamonds back, come what may! Medium Mia is put to the task of recovering priceless who in turn assigns the job to Chote Mia. The junior holds three models responsible and asks them to recover the diamonds. How will they go about this dangerous task, is all about Boom.

As for the question, what inspired Bachchan to do this insipid film, your guess is as good as mine. Zeenat Aman, at 50, fails to rekindle the glamour, barring that one bump and grind on the don's table, due to lack substantial script. Jackie Shroff and Gulshan Grover pass muster but what makes Javed Jaffrey behave so cheaply is totally incomprehensible.

In case you want to know why models can't act, watch Katrina Kaif and Padma Lakshmi in action and you'll get your answer. Bo Derek comes and leaves before you can even realise. Stunning locales, sparkling cinematography and impressive background score make Boom a polished project.

Now a few words for the director. Kaizad wanted to make a different film and in fact he made one too. He made it so different that it leaves audience totally indifferent by the end.