This is true for the movie, for Aditya Chopra and for Kabir Kahn.

The subject of the movie is very contemporary and reflects the scenario of America post 9-11 and Australia 2009.The actors were cast judiciously. The panoramic view of New York is colorful, yet dark and unfriendly. Editing is slick and Music is very graceful, always in background. Yet the gut wrenching feel that should come with such a volatile subject, never arrive.

The movie is about a paradise called New York where on golden leafy campus a red-tint-haired lass introduces herself to a newcomer with pressed shirt tucked in Terry cot pants. The hero is almost a narcissist, all brown and brawny with no dialogues at all for atleast an hour.

The movie proceeds with twists. The first was when FBI poster boy Irfan Kahn declares John as a Terrorist suspect and second when Katrina declares her love for John leaving Neil high and dry but  with very very moist eyes.

That was an end of innocence.

In other time and place but in different world which is too vulnerable post -11 , Neil was sent as a jasoos to stop and report John doing any unlawful activity. The movie travels with twist in every corner. The torture of John as a suspect post 9-11 is inspired from the real life situations of Iraqi detainees. It definitely generates the feeling of despair and helplessness and one wonders where Human Right activists are.

The movie fall flats, I guess due to its lack of sinisterism. The characters are mere caricature except Neil’s. John was the most hallowed one. The first few happy minutes of their friendship is covered in visuals supported by background music. The Chuhalbaazi and banter , which one expects in such scenes were not there. Some scenes were brilliant like the one where John asks Neil to shoot a terrorist.

Khair jaane do, the movie is surely onetimewatchbale.

P. S : Kabir and Aditya are going to do some intro and retrospect , I guess.