Review of Agneepath (2012) by Sophia Q — 06 Feb 2012

I saw the original Agneepath not as a child, but back in 2003 when I went through an "old movies" spell. Was I impressed? Not really. The storyline was innovative, interesting and had potential. But was it a perfect movie in my mind? No. Amitabh Bachchan was too old to play a lead hero at that point, Mithun was too old to have a love story with Neelam (though he was fabulous) and the plot was woven in such a way that "Vijay Dinanath Chauhan" never seemed to have a direct goal - he was aimless. A little fighting here, a little marriage there, a child here and then some "whadda?" at the end. It never struck me as a well-woven story.

So that being said, when I heard that Agneepath was being remade, I thought "Why? What was so good about Agneepath that it's being remade?" OK, I know this film is a cult classic, but I never really understood the hoo-haa about it. It was just another masala film with some revenge woven in. So was I sold on a remake? No. Why? And Karan Johar producing it? Ummm....

Did the new Agneepath manage to make an impact? Did it impress? Did it tell a better story than the original? Was the lead actor better suited for the role? Was the storyline convincing?

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes!

I was blown away by the amazing job Karan Johar & Karan Malhotra have done with this! They've taken an average film and turned it into possibly one of the best movies I've seen in a while! The storyline was gripping, the acting was fabulous from all involved, the pace kept you on the edge of your seat....I can't think of any flaws, honestly (I'll probably have to watch it again for that, haha).

There were small AND large details that were tractored over in this version. Small things like the way the "Agneepath" poem is recited and the way it's actually woven into the script (It sounded cartoon-like in the original and had no mention in important scenes).....and large things like why Vijay takes up the profession he does and his path to the top (we see Amitabh Bachchan as a "Don" once he grows up and no clear goal in sight).....the lack of the younger sister's love story (definitely unneeded)....these things made all the difference. The screenplay was rock solid, tight and the holes were VERY small, so you felt like you were watching a complete, magnificent piece of art!

Hrithik Roshan is the star. People will argue that and say Sanjay stole the show - that's fine and well in their own place, but Sanjay was the villain. Hrithik was the STAR. And what a star he is! This man may have really taken a slow, mildly irritating pace with his career, but he has proven time and time again that he is a force to reckon with in this industry. He is an actor. You feel Vijay's pain and happiness both through Hrithik's eyes. The moment when Shiksha comes to meet him is one of the highlights, along with the scene with Hrithik eating and crying to Priyanka. Really heart-warming scenes that show what a fine actor Hrithik is. I was very impressed.

Sanjay Dutt was terrifying, no doubt. He was fabulous. He became Kancha, a fierce, heartless man after money, power and nothing else. Kudos to Sanjay for taking up such a role and making it his own.

Rishi Kapoor was amazing. It was unexpected to see him in such a role, but he did it so convincingly! I really enjoyed watching him in his scenes.

Priyanka Chopra was so cute. She really was. I really enjoy watching her in these Desi roles. It wasn't a role that required a lot of her, but she was very endearing in it and showed a lot of charisma. Her chemistry with Hrithik was great.....an astounding difference to their chemistry in "Krrish.".

And the person no one mentioned, but I must.....Chetan Pandit. Haha. I loved him in Dinanath Chauhan's role. He was perfect and he made such an impact in a small role. He was so memorable as the father. Great job.

Loved all the songs and that they were so appropriately placed, especially "Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin." Really beautiful video. "Chikni Chameli" rocked. Haha. "Deva Shree Ganesha" was cute too. "O Sayyan".....really nicely placed without dragging out the song.....but I hope they put the full video they've been showing in the promos in the DVD as an extra. "Gun Gun Guna" was fun and emotional.

Great movie. I really don't know what else to say. It was really great. I enjoyed it.