Aashayein Review

AASHAYEIN is a film directed by the director Nagesh Kukunoor who has directed some beautiful films like HYDERABAD BLUES, IQBAL etc.
The story of the film impressed the actor John Ibrahim so much that he instantly said yes to the director and got ready to do the film at a price which is much less than his market rate.
The story of the film is such:
Rahul Sharma (John Abraham) is obsessive about gambling. He spends lots of his time gambling. He is very ambitious and dreams high. He doesn't believe in impossible.
One day Rahul wins rupees 3 crores in a gamble. He is overwhelmed. He wants to spend his money with his girlfriend Nafeesa (Sonal Sehgal) but before he could plan how to spend 3 crores he faces a bitter truth of his life. He comes to know that he has cancer and he is going to live only for a limited days.
He is shocked. He is taken to ASHA center where he meets different people of different nature and personalities who too are fighting with similar diseases and waiting for their death.
17 years Padma (Anhaita Nair) too is there who has come there for her treatment.

After meeting these people, Rahul's attitude towards life, changes. He becomes a different man.

What happens later? Does he die? To know this you have to visit your nearby theater.

There are many films which have been made earlier when the protagonist comes to know that he or she is going to die soon due to some severe disease. Film ANAND is one of the best examples of it. People had liked the film too much. Rajesh Khanna had gained a lot of sympathy from that film.
Indian audience has watched many films based on the stories revolving around a dying protagonist. Yet, Nagesh Kukunoor picking for this cliché topic made a brave attempt.
As much as the story is taken into account, AASHAYEIN may not have anything fresh to give to the audience. But talking about its new treatment, the film does have few significant sequences mentioning merits in its kitty which distinguishes it from all the earlier movies made on this meticulous theme.
If we look back, then all the movies revolving around a dying protagonist made by several eminent directors in the past have two things in general. Firstly it's the enjoyable part incorporated in them which eases the mood of the watcher all through the film, till it reaches its climax. Before coming to the finishing moments every such business enterprise first makes you smirk with few comical or pleasant moments and then drives you towards the climax, talking about the definitive death of the hero. Secondly, all those movies have never been too oral on the topic of death. If you can bring to mind, their characters at all times talk about the most definite truth in a very restrained way without any strong unpleasant or direct dialogues in an absolute poetic frame of mind.
AASHAYEIN breaks all these predetermined modes of the topic and takes you into a more sour, forceful and straightforward kind of dome where every character evidently knows that he has to give up the ghost in few months and they don't feel bashful or painful talking about it liberally with each other. All the main characters of the script breathe under one roof, getting their well-mannered daily life amenities while waiting for their last moments to appear any time. And it's the communication between these diverse dying people in the movie, which changes it into a valuable watching venture, unrelated to anything you have watched earlier.
Especially the scenes between Rahul Sharma and Padma, which are written in a beautiful manner and both the actors, have acted in a superb manner.
The oral languages of Padma when she talks about her experience inside and exterior the help-house are simply an extravagance to watch. In fact, demise has never been narrated so liberally on Indian screen earlier as done by Padma in AASHAYEIN. In short she gives the most explosive presentation of the film which deserves to be watched as a must.
Apart from John-Anaitha's gleaming on-screen chemistry, the film has some highly informative scenes featuring Farida Jalal, Girish Karnad, Sonal Sehgal and an attractive child actor Ashwin Chitale.
John Abraham being the vital character surprises you with a truthful and sincere presentation. After the few first moments, you just fail to remember about his killing looks and star position and start believing in his ache as he effortlessly sets up a touching relationship with the audience. Unquestionably he gives a performance he can for all time feel proud of. Other than the most important lead, Nagesh pulls out some great performances from his whole supporting cast and with this; he once again establishes that he is specialist in this medium when it comes to touching and sensitive topics.
Salim Suleiman's music seems to bee appropriate while you watch the film. However, the song in which Shreyas Talpade has performed as the rock band leader continues to be one in your mind even when you go out of cinema hall. And Shreyas has also justified his role with excellent performance.
Cinematography of the film is a plus point because it captures both interior and exterior parts brilliantly.
However the director could not explain the character of the child. It is unexplained character in the director's script and the child doesn't get justification of any sort even when the film ends. The child is shown to possess some magical powers but how did he give benefit to Rahul Sharma (John) is a mystery till the end and even after the end.
Overall AASHYEIN is a well made film on touching subject. Audience will like it but masses will find it better to watch it on DVD or satellite because it's non commercial film. So there is less chance that it will do good business too.
The film is good and John is excellent in this film. Other casts in the film apart from John Abrahim are Sonal Sehgal, Anhita Nair, Girish Karnad etc. The producer of the film is Ilahe Hiptulla.
The story too is good. It is worth watching.