So this is the sequel to
Koi...Mil Gaya
and for those who haven't seen it, I'll try to keep things as vague as I can for this review, but I can't promise to keep completely spoiler free. The biggest spoiler is that the title character in this film, Krishna, is the son of Rohit, the hero of "Koi... Mil Gaya." Unlike most franchises, where each installment is compared to its predecessor, you can't do that here. While "Krrish" is the next chapter in the story, these are two very different films. Although Hrithik Roshan plays both heroes, Krishna and Rohit are only similar in the sense that they're very good human beings. Krishna, is sheltered, but supremely self-confident, he's completely comfortable in his own skin, and extremely adaptable. I don't think there's an awkward bone in his body. All qualities that Rohit doesn't have for various reasons.
So twenty-odd years after "Koi... Mil Gaya" we see Mrs. Mehra has relocated into an unnamed (but must be the most beautiful) part of India (and the entire planet) in an effort to shield her grandson from the world. Petrified that the gifts the young man inherited from his father would be exploited and put him in grave peril, she emphatically forbids Krishna from behaving in any way that is not "ordinary" or "normal." Much to her never ending dismay, her grandson is a willful, headstrong, almost rebellious young man. Who makes no secret of the fact that her restrictions and the isolation stifles him.
He's chafing at the bit so the arrival of a girl is really only the straw that breaks the camel's back. Once romance comes into play, all bets are off!
Without getting into too much detail the guy with some major Shakti (powers) quite inadvertently becomes a superhero! I have to say I love how he gets the mask, and to me it doesn't have that "hey I'm a SUPERHERO" feeling. Okay the coat is a straight-up rip-off of The Matrix, but that coat is SEXY! It made Keanu Reeves a stud, (not that he isn't totally dishy without it) so why not invoke the magic of a black leather trench coat if you have it? I never leave the house without mine from September to early December! Besides it's the most versatile, Non-costume ever created for a Superhero, it's reversible! Besides, I can't be the only person on the planet sick of spandex right?
The fact that Krishna does become Krrish, is yet another reason that you can't compare the two movies. Rohit, never became a Superhero in the same sense. Krrish, is definitely a S-U-P-E-R-H-E-R-O, complete with nearly every trope available to the title, except no secret lair. But part three gets released Nov. 3rd there's still time to work out the secret lair thing.
But there's a lot more going on then just becoming a superhero for Krishna, there are adorable friends to be made, a city to explore, and a girl to woo. He's a busy guy. The girl is Priya, played by Priyanka Chopra. I'll be blunt, she doesn't deserve him! BUT Krishna is stubborn, and he's one of those people who will forgive someone they truly love just about anything. Still, it really was satisfying that he didn't act like a complete doormat when it came to her nonsense! All I can say is that if Priya hasn't grown up in part three, I'm rooting for the bad girl!
Boy it's terribly hard avoiding spoilers for this one, but I'm trying. Naturally, in every superhero film there needs to be an Ultimate Bad Guy, and a threat against humanity, and there is one of each. But interestingly enough neither is the main thrust of the narrative here. I don't mean that it isn't incorporated well, it's perfectly acceptable, but I personally wasn't invested in either. Maybe it's because the threat to humanity, was a little more than my sense of the ridiculous could appreciate. BUT don't let that put you off, like I said, it's incidental to the actual tale. The story is about Krishna, entering into the world, and the discoveries he makes about himself, and his family.
Okay, like always the technical stuff...
Production and Direction, it's amazing what a difference two years can make. As I mentioned in my review for "Koi... Mil Gaya" the special effects in 2004 were on par with "The Abyss" here in 2006, they're mostly on par with "The Matrix" and "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" FOR THE RECORD, I'VE ONLY EVER SEEN THE EDITED VERSIONS OF "THE MATRIX" ON NETWORK TV, and I've never seen "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" but I have seen clips and promos... both make sense because Mr. R.R. worked with both teams to come up with the movie magic and Roshan Jr. even went to China to learn advanced wirework. On the whole the efforts paid off, especially in the first half of the movie, where Mr. Hrithik Roshan looks as if he's been leaping through treetops since birth. The first major fight scene in the second half is also very, very, well done.
Remember, it might not be the level of amazing we got here in the states in 2006 but, 1,000,000 rupees = 18,000 US dollars!
Unfortunately, Mr. R.R. made a fatal mistake during the climax. He had to go and guild the lily. I think it was a moment of "look at all these cool toys and what we can DO!" Sometimes, it's better to know when to stop. As Krrish goes on an Avenging Angel spree, the special effect hinder rather than help. Thank God, Hrithik Roshan has those magnetic eyes that fill with emotion because they pull you back into the scene and keep you there.
Still, I say kudos to Mr. R.R. for doing something brave and risking the family prestige and business reputation on something that in his country's popular culture is still very new. The sci-fi and fantasy genres are big risks in Indian cinema from a popular and business standpoint. Sharuhk Khan, one of the very biggest and most popular entertainers in Hindi films of all time tried it, and let's just say the results were not exactly what he hoped for, (I still need to see RA-ONE until then I have no personal opinion) did he use A LOT of elements from popular films from around the world? Yes. Were there some rather blatant clichés? Yes. Show me ONE superhero movie without them, not even Christopher Nolan could do it. But if you'll pardon some Vulcan philosophy, *The whole, is greater than the sum of it's parts.*
Just like I wouldn't call "Koi... Mil Gaya" a copy of ET, I wouldn't call this movie a copy of any of the other films it uses as a template. As a whole it's unique unto itself, reflecting the values of the people who made it, and the culture they live in.
Aesthetics, Okay I like to imagine that when Mr. R.R. and Mr. H.R. started planning this one perhaps the Jr. Roshan might have said, "You know dad, maybe the wardrobe could be a little more streamlined." LOL I have a warped imagination but the costumes are SO MUCH BETTER! Oye! I realize in "Koi... Mil Gaya" they tried to downplay Mr. H.R.'s physique until um... the first 3/4's of the movie, but after that... I still don't know what the thinking was there. You can't make the man look bad, that's just not possible, but at least there are no snake skin shirts. Krishna might be blissfully unaware he's a stud, but at least he dresses like it's 2006 and not 1989! Still, I like his village clothes best. They reflect who he is. Priyanka Chopra is not the kind of girl who'd be caught DEAD in any dated wardrobe, and she even got killer shoes the minx! Ms. Zinta deserved better!
As for the sets I adore Krishna's house, it might be my new dream house! Most of the movie is shot outdoors, and of course outdoor cinematography in Hindi films is second-to-none in my experience. John Ford would be jealous at the vistas they have to work with. Singapore, is also shot to her best advantage. As for the Villain's lair, okay I admit it, it's very 90's Star Trek, but as a major Trekkie I'm not going to hate on it. Warm and fuzzy childhood memories you know. I'd give it a good solid A.
Performances, I'm getting point where even I am sick of praising Hrithik Roshan. I swear the man creeps me out! When I watch "Koi... Mil Gaya" I forget about Krishna entirely, and when I watch "Krrish" I almost forget the same actor did each role. Seriously folks, this is the level of talent the man has! The plain fact is I've NEVER seen him give a BAD one. Could some of the movies be better? Yes. But he himself is never BAD. His dad is still pretty "old-school" in his approach so yes, there are moments when things get a little "hammy" and this isn't his absolute best role ever, BUT he HURTS HIMSELF doing this series! He hurt himself filming "Koi Mil Gaya" he hurt himself twice during this one, and he dang near got killed when a wire broke. He's hurt himself a few times doing part three too! He's not using a stunt double folks, and for the record I think he's certifiably NUTS! If I were his mom I'd raise a ruckus with both Father and Son!
Rekha, If possible I think she's even more effective here then in "Koi... Mil Gaya" there are moments when I ache so badly with her that I feel like my heart's being shredded. I hope she's in part three they're keeping quiet about it. If she isn't they'll be a huge hole in the fabric of the story. She's vital. I'm fast becoming a Rekha fan of epic proportions.
Okay, I have to do it, Priyanka Chopra... She might be my biggest Bollywood disappointment. You see, I *adored* her in
What's Your Raashee ? (Dvd)
and
Love Story 2050 (Hindi Film / Bollywood Movie / Indian Cinema DVD)
she was so fresh, and lively, and GENUINE! But somehow after watching her evolve she's become so mechanical, and gives off this "I'm a star" vibe that just irritates me to no end! I hate it when I can tell an actor is acting! I don't know what happened to her, but I miss the fresh-faced, genuine Miss Chopra.
Interestingly enough, Aishwarya Rai was offered the lead in both "Koi... Mil Gaya" and here in Krrish, scheduling conflicts wrecked both. Now, there is probably no bigger fan of the onscreen Jodi of Roshan/Rai than I am, BUT I'm glad it didn't work out. If she'd done "Koi... Mil Gaya" well, I can't say much without spoiling but suffice it to say, I would've hated this movie. If she'd done this movie, then her pregnancy would've forced her to be written out of part three, which would have made me sad. So here's hoping she'll sign a project with Mr. Roshan in the near future. Quite honestly, while watching this movie I kept longing for Deepika Padukone to play Priya, I really think she would have been perfect.
Naseeruddin Shah, A terrific actor who gave a half-hearted performance. Like I mentioned as the Ultimate Bad Guy he really had a tiny role, BUT that's partly why I'm a little cheesed off! His role in
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) (Hindi Movie / Bollywood Film / Indian Cinema DVD) - English Subtitles
was MUCH SMALLER, and he left a lasting impression. Here it's like he decided, "oh I'm a cartoon villain, I'll just talk." I'm sorry, but I expect more effort from such a highly celebrated actor. A little professional integrity would have been nice! Then again, from some of the interviews I've read he seems to be a little snobbish. My only issue with that is, why take the part at all? I might not be keen on Miss Chopra, but this is the one thing that I'll say is a true blemish on a very good film.
Parents take note, this movie is more violent than "Koi... Mil Gaya" I wouldn't watch it with a child under 8, and there are scary moments that can disturb particularly sensitive children. I strongly, strongly, recommend watching it first and then deciding based on your children's individual needs. Maybe some of your younger children are able to process such things, maybe some older children cannot. But do use sound judgment.
Music and Dances, Music quite honestly, it's great while you're watching the movie, but I can't remember any of the songs accept the Circus number. Dances, Hero is perfect as usual, Heroine, is adequate. The circus number is just as good but not better than Mr. Roshan's performance in
Luck By Chance
.
Oh and since I forgot to mention it in my Review of "Koi... Mil Gaya" both my copies from Eros are just great, unfortunately I don't have the ones with all the great Special features, but the picture and sound is all fantastic!
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2013
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2012
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2015
Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2017
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2011
Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2013
Top reviews from other countries
gilbert morin
Krrish,der Sternenheld (Vanilla [Import]
Reviewed in France on September 4, 2020pat
J'ai reçu ce films que je désirais voir depuis un ...
Reviewed in Canada on December 5, 2014
Sarah J. Marquis
Simply amazing
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 26, 2010
