SHAMITABH

Director: R. Balki
Writer: R. Balki
Stars: Amitabh Bachchan, Dhanush, Akshara
Strength: Unique Story, Solid performances
Weakness: Pace Uneven at times, 
Runtime: 155 minutes
Rating: 2.5/5

Plot: A mute, aspiring actor joins forces with a man who has a powerful voice. Together they take the film industry by storm, but will their egos get in the way?

Review: The film opens nicely with a charming flashback that introduces us to our protagonist Daanish, who is mad about movies. Unfazed by the fact that he cannot speak, he dreams of becoming an actor someday, meanwhile happily putting on impromptu performances for anyone who'll watch.
It's this very passion and his unmistakable potential that catches the eye of assistant director Akshara (debutant Akshara Haasan) when he's staking out film studios in Mumbai and hiding in vanity vans hoping to catch a break. Conveniently she hooks him up with a breakthrough technology that will allow our protagonist to speak. All they need now is a willing voice.
This brings us to Bachchan's character, Amitabh Sinha, a cranky all-round failure and compulsive drunk. The old man reluctantly agrees to 'give' him his voice without anyone suspecting. This conceit lends itself to some entertaining scenarios where the pair struggles to make their 'arrangement' work. 
Balki brings conflict into this seemingly perfect set-up through the ever-reliable device of ego. As Shamitabh's star rises rapidly, the actor and the 'voice' clash repeatedly, each insistent that he is the true talent.
The film's script, however, runs out of steam after the first half, quickly repeating the same ideas over and over again, and throwing new ones that don't always work. The same can be said for Bachchan's multiple drunk scenes that get tiring after a point. 
Brimming with smart ideas and powered by the performances of its two principals, it's a shame this promising film comes undone by the Curse of the Second Half. Watch it though for bravely treading new ground.

Reviewed by S.M. Intisab Shahriyar