dostana review
Written by
Thursday, 13 November 2008 05:13
Recall the ‘Kantaben’ episode in Karan Johar’s Kal Ho Naa Ho. The episode is alive even today, in skits, on stage, amongst friends. That was a mere trailer. Picture abhi baaki hain. Dostana takes ‘Kantaben’ episode to another level altogether.
Dostana is no BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN. It’s not a serious take on homosexuality either. On the contrary, it’s a madcap comedy where two straight men pretend to be gays. Although Dostana is a mainstream commercial film, it dares to push the envelope in its own way. It brings homosexuality out of the closet, gives it respect and dignity and doesn’t treat gays as ‘abnormal’.
Love triangle in Hindi movies often centre around two guys falling in love with the same girl, or two girls choosing to love the same guy. But Dostana is a first. It’s the first Hindi film that, at the core, is a rectangle [three men loving the same woman], but two of them, guys in this case, pretend to be a couple.
Sure, Dostana has ample shock-value since what has been witnessed in its promos is barely a fraction of what you’d get to watch in the movie. But more than shock-value, the film offers loads of fun-n-laughter and dollops of entertainment in those 14 reels.
A word of appreciation! It requires courage to fund a project like Dostana. Karan Johar, the producer, deserves to be lauded for treading the untrodden path. It requires courage and conviction to swim against the tide in your directorial debut. Tarun Mansukhani, the debutante, deserves a few brownie points extra for not thinking straight. It requires courage for two A-list actors to go all out and risk their professional [and personal] lives. Abhishek and John deserve an ovation for not only agreeing to play these characters, but also infusing life in them, without making a mockery of the gay community.
To cut a long story short, Dostana is not to be missed. Dharma Productions, the late Yash Johar and Karan Johar’s film production outfit, has produced several significant films in the past. Add Dostana to the list!
Miami is the setting for Dostana. When Sameer [Abhishek Bachchan] and Kunal [John Abraham] are turned down for an apartment because the landlady [Sushmita Mukherjee] doesn’t want two strapping young men to corrupt her young sexy niece Neha [Priyanka Chopra], they hatch a plan: they pretend to be gay to secure the apartment.
Over a period of time, Sameer, Kunal and Neha become buddies. When Neha’s boss Abhimanyu [Bobby Deol] enters the fray as the third contender for her affections, it gets even hotter…
Dostana shocks you all the while and that is its biggest USP. Don’t expect stereotypical situations or characters all through this film. Watch Abhishek cook up a romantic story between John and him in Venice. Watch Boman Irani’s interaction with Abhishek and John. Watch Kirron Kher’s dramatic entry at this point. Howlarious scenes all, they’re sure to bring the house down.
If the first hour is laced with crackling chemistry between the guys and terrific humour, things get serious towards the second half since there’s one more person vying for Priyanka’s attention — Bobby Deol. There’s humour in this hour too, but the focus is mainly on who’d get Priyanka in the end.
The length is a slight deterrent in the second half and the editor could’ve easily cut the unwanted flab to make the narration in shape. But the film works as a package! Also, the film has a shocking end and people are bound to raise eyebrows. It would have its share of advocates and adversaries. A debatable culmination, for sure!
Director Tarun Mansukhani is here to stay. He deserves kudos for choosing an offbeat story, then making a foolproof screenplay and most importantly, executing it with flourish. Dostana merges form and content beautifully, since the film is, technically speaking, sound. Ayananka Bose’s cinematography is top notch. The locales of Miami are a feast for your eyes. Costumes and styling are very upmarket.
Vishal-Shekhar’s music goes well with the mood of the film. It’s young, peppy and energetic. ‘Desi Girl’ and ‘Maa Da Laadla Bigad Gaya’ are foot-tapping compositions. The latter is bound to be a rage!
Both Abhishek and John are fantabulous! Abhishek pulls out all the stops and delivers one of the finest performances of his career. His comic timing is superb! John will make guys and girls drool over his amazing physique. But, most importantly, people will sit up and notice how fine an actor John is. Both Abhishek and John compliment each other so well. In fact, had the chemistry and camaraderie been missing, the story would’ve failed to look convincing. Two thumbs up for these two guys!
Priyanka looks stunning and delivers a first-rate performance. First FASHION, now Dostana, Priyanka is back with a bang. Bobby Deol lends the required class to his role. No other actor would’ve looked so real while underplaying this character.
Boman Irani is sure to bring the house down, the auditorium is sure to resonate with laughter in his sequences. Kirron Kher is superb as the Punjabi mom. Watch her throw a fit when she learns that her son [Abhishek] is gay and much later, when she accepts John as family. She’s remarkable! Sushmita Mukherjee, as Priyanka’s aunt, is fantastic. She’s so, so funny. Shilpa Shetty sizzles in the opening track.
On the whole, Dostana is a winner all the way. In terms of content, it might just prove to be a trendsetter. In terms of business, the film holds tremendous appeal for the youth. The 16 to 25 age-group would go into raptures and bonkers over this film. Its business at multiplexes mainly will be amazing. In Overseas too, the film should emerge amongst the biggest draws of 2008. Dostana rocks… have a blast!
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This is the worst movie which i have seen till now !!!!.
I watched this movie only because of Shahrukh’s amazing trailor!!!!!…Shahrukh ..you rocks!!!!
I really dont understand why this real gay (karan johar) want to prove in this movie!!!…..Are nt you ashamed of making this movie??? Is this the Indian culture???? Or Is this human nature???. Those who praise this movie in any way will go to HELL!!!.
Movie really sucks…….I hope this movie will be banned in UAE which can create bad impressions on children and others….. I DONT KNOW WHERE WE ARE GOING FROM NOW ON IN THIS BOLLYWOOD.
Waiting for Shahrukh’s movie…cant wait
. Shahrukh…you are the real king of bollywood and will remain as such in our hearts….
God bless you……The trailor is really great!!!! You rock in every scene…..no no….I MEAN EVERY FRAME!!!!!!!. Masha Allah!!!
Dostana, ofcourse, without any doubt, very very good movie
a perfect humour, giving life to our deadly life
making us, not smile but laugh
everyone done very good but the performance from Abhishek was perfect,
he’s growing perfectly
movie is deserved to be seen not only one time but many time
nice movie
rather perfect performance
THIS IS THE BEST FILM I HAV EVER SEEN . 4 ON 5 RATIN
…a film which is very ORIGINAL ( no way a copy-paste).
… a film which is refreshingly ( or i should say shockingly) new… Thanks Karan for being bold.
… a 100% pure nonsense comedy, but as it is from Dharma-mill, as usual, everything is done so neatly so artistically and with style… you will fall in love.
and finally… get all your closest buddies together and set off for the theatre … you will have a fantastic time.
The movie is nothing special..same boring stuff…i wud say same old wine in a gay bottle
check out my review
at http://bollywoodtrends.blogspot.com
this is a superb movie ! those people who r sayng this s not gud den they r fools and go 2 hell!!!!
What The F___ .. The movie is simply awesome.. loads and loads of humour.. u go to be kidding man..
what do u know about human nature and/or indian culture.. go and see khajuraho ….
know what ??? king alexander was gay… and shahrukh… your fav..
everyone knows that he is karan johar’s closet Boy friend…
grow up…
it is a lame movie…I read all these reviews and went to watch the movie….. was utterly disappointed to say the least…talking about heaps of laughter, thr r not more than 10 mins in the movie when u actually laugh.. Akshay Kumar should have been chosen to play abhishek wala role…he can do comedy much better
hello friends…
its bullshit movie….don’t waste your time and money…i will say disaster..its next drona…keep away from abhishek’s movie…..there is nothing in the movie to watch..
hi all,
Super crap HOLY SHIT. I wasted all my money
i dont know…but….abhishek seems to be low in his acting….
He has a long way to go……
i think he should learn something from his father…
all the best abhishek..try to learn from ur mistakes…..
overall movie is Awful.. Ya that’s the word “AWFUL”
Hello Friends,
it was a baaaaaaad movie. abhishek was so childish and irritating. the story was jus ughghgh.nothin new in the movie. abhi was lukin bad .only priyanka & john was little a relief ….
Its worthless movie…
Thanks…
bakwas….movie…a dare to comit self murder
please dont watch.
dostana rocks . . . . .
I hope the above user is MENTALLY FIT and SOUND!
Anyways,
This review is COMPLETELY COPY PASTED from indiafm or bollywoodhungama.com. Can’t the author show even a little bit of creativity.
Regarding dostana, I really loved it and would surely give 3.5 or 4 start to it!
its a vogus movie.but priyanka chopra is extraordinary sexxxy.everybody like her to see nude because of her sexxy outfit.
^^^ Hey dude…watch what ur saying. If u cant accept it then move on…dont make rubbish comments on anything. What do u know about indian culture huh? This movie is definately something different…its much better than seeing all the depressing movies that come out…every other weekend. If it makes people laugh..who cares about what its about. You cant judge us or our culture based on a movie that we make. Just calm down. You might be a die-heart fan of srk…but tht doesn’t mean u can criticize others…thts not the way to go.
Looks like a remake of Chuck and Larry. Well done though.
Dostana rocks!!
i taught dostana was a great film. it made me laugh right through and the song are great, its a must see film and you will not lose out….
I feel that the movie really rocks…..it really did live upto the expectations of people….Abhishek bachchan was superb and acted fantastically throughout and his sense of humour and perfect comic timing really made people roll in laughter….. john abraham and priyanka chopra acted equally well and looked awesome…Kirron kher effectively added a tinge of drama to the movie this is one of my fav karan johar movies…Great going
are you carzy??? this was an awesome film! kudos to the trio for playing their roles perfectly and kudos to the director for making sure a brave movie! it was funny. had good acting and a good story so i think this movie is great and everyone should watch it!
if you watch it with an open mind you might appreciate it more. ppl like the commentor before me are the reason bollywood is known for making cliched films! and when ppl step up to make a brave movie, it is criticised! that’s crap! this is a different story and it rocks! i would like to see more such films!
a big thumbs up from me!:)
syed jawahar bhai! Go to hell! Keep watching SRK all ur life. Some Bastard!
Reply to syed jawahar -Dubai
I think the above poster needs to understand that gays are a part of many people’s lives. I think it’s a good thing that the Indian cinema has acknowledged this rather than try to hide it under the carpet and pretend they don’t exist. Whether you like it or not, gays do and will continue to exist. Also, I’m sure that by watching the trailers or from hearing about the movie you must have gathered that the movie was about gays – why did you go to watch it if you are uncomfortable watching or disagree with the notion of gays?? Who are you to say who will or won’t go to hell?? Are you god?? Thought not. By watching the movie how do you know that you won’t end up there?? Think before you write next time.
what is this..?? And the author is saying ” John will make guys and girls drool over his amazing physique”.. So finally something gay here
Alright, Syed Jawahar. Thanks for the hysterical moral lecture. Next time, try and comment on the movie instead of making it a rant about your own bigotted views.
Secondly, since you choose to diss Karan Johar’s work for his presumed personal preferences, you might want to look into his obsessive friendship with long-time ‘friend’ (and often speculated in the media as more), Shahrukh Khan.
Oh but, RIGHT! You fail to miss that because, Shahrukh is so “Masha Allah” … minus, of course, his polygamous upbringing of his children (yes, he has a temple and a mosque in his house).
Now, look, to each his own – if he wants to add a church in that big mansion of his as well – who’re we to judge? But in the same vein … who’re we to judge the issues lightly tackled in Dostana? It’s a comedy – with a slightly adult twist – if you take your kids to watch it – its a bad judgement on your end, not the filmmakers.
It’s stupid to diss people for the movies they make – you can only choose not to watch them – though, judging by your suspicious love for Shahrukh, you probably chose to go ahead and watch Kal Ho Na Ho, despite the subtle gay twist in its track as well?
So – basically, gays are bad … unless of course, Shahrukh’s gay … in which case you say “… uff … Masha Allah” ?
Closeted much?
Sounds like “Three to Tango” to me…
Hey Syed bhai,
Come on man be realistic. It’s just a movie.
There are lot of movies in Bollywood which doesn’t have any meaning. But they are for fun. It should never be taken in real life.
Moreover, ShahRukh Khan is no different from other Bollywood actors. What will you say about his role with Saif in front of Kantaben in Kal Ho Na Ho? Isn’t it the same??
Dostana has a lot of fun. Just take it easy dude!!
i am goin to see tomo!!! and ll soon ryt abt the movie…:D
I liked Dostana its a funny movie
abhishak’s acting was better than john and this is the first time i liked his acting
priyanka looked really beautiful
setting and dress up was awesome
however i didnt see SRK in the movie where ws he
SRKing Rocks man he is the RNBDJ is gonna b the biggest hit of 2008
One of the best adult hindi comedies ever made…the substance is lacking though. Some of the scenes are really well laid out…but the film loses its plot somewhat in the second half.
Anyway, the performances of Avi, Priyanka and John is pretty good. Overall a fun movie – i give it a 4 out of 5.
I haven’t watched but its obviously much awaited. I know its gonna be great for sure. A recommended one
AKSHAY KUMAR shud hav done da moviee…..billion times better at these types of roles….ann abhi did a good job…cud have done a better job….but whateva
:(:(:(:(
songs suck except day pardesi or smthin one
theme wus soo good cud hav neen a blast…but da actors didnt noe how to acct…..lol
do NOT watch…I could hav done a better job NO offense
lmao…..do NOT watch
scale of 1 to 10…i’d give it a 4
Male actors showing bum cracks? Heroines making jokes out of the
Indian Sari and making it look like a bikini? Attempts to make the
unnatural and illegal (in India) act of homosexuality acceptable?
Homosexuality is abhorred as wrong in all religions in the world.
The directors should be blamed for making such ridiculous movies.
The actors should be blamed for accepting roles in such movies.
And the public should be blamed for going to such movies just
for a cheap laugh, and letting moral standards drop among the
educated and middle class in India.
And was this a Punjabi movie? The song lyrics were mainly in
Punjabi. What happened to the rest of India, to Bengali
music, and other states of India? Is India only comprised
of Punjab? Do all movie-goers understand these Punjabi lyrics
in Indian movies?
Gone are the days of the great directors like V. Shantaram.
The current batch of movies are just plain trash with half-naked
gyrating foreign girls and shot outside India – even India is not
good enough for Indian movies anymore. The older movies used to
proudly say which part of India they were going to show.
Today’s producers and directors seem to be prouder of
foreign locations than they are of India.
And yesterday’s heroes were heroes in thought, talk and
action – they never had to show their bum cracks.
What a shame and what a pity for this state of
affairs of Indian cinema.
OMG!! So I was sitting at work bored so I thought why not read the reviews on this movie because I absolutely had a great time watching it…And its so funny to see how narrow minded people are…Especially the very first post on this website…Like seriously? What are you really bi*ching about? I think its about time people open up their minds and take in what our society is about today…Instead of thinking back to times when there was nothing but hate over other peoples cultures, religion, ect. Its about time we respect people for who they really are…Their bright minds, intellegence, ect. Other then that, This movie is ABSOLUTELY HALARIOUS!! One of the best modernized indian movieS with a real topic at hand…Its about time India/Bollywood started thinking outside of the box…Bring such a conterversial topic to theaters and in such a dignified way was the amazing part of this movie…Abishek, John and Priyanka did an amazing job in their roles…Bravo to the the whole crew who put this movie together =)