Writer: Janak

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Watch this if you liked: “Matrix”, “Robo” “Krissh” & “Terminator”

In production for almost 5 years, "Ra One" is considered to be the most expensive and the most anticipated Bollywood film which is screened not only in one, but four different languages. It is originally in Hindi, but will be dubbed in Tamil, Telugu and German as well, according to the country it is screened in. It will also be presented in 3D with worldwide release and boasts Bollywood king Shah Rukh Khan a.k.a. "SRK" as the lead.

"Ra One" or also its full abbreviation, "Random Access One" tells the story of nerdy Indian video game inventor name Shekhar Subramaniam (Shah Rukh Khan), who creates a virtual video game with the eponymous super villain called Ra One, in order to please his son Prateek (Armaan Varma). Towards Shekhar's dismay, the video game suddenly comes to life and kills him. Ra One's only desire is to search and destroy Shekhar's son, who is a gamer called Lucifer. Now, the video game that they are meant to play with starts to play with them. Thus begins the next level of the game for Shekhar's family. Their only savior is G One (Shah Rukh Khan in double role), the superhero in the video game.

A film which has SRK as the lead is definitely audience material, what more if he plays a superhero, making the film even more desirable to watch. Not only does SRK perform his own stunts for the superhero acts, but he also provides entertainment to the audience throughout the film as the soulful Shekhar. His dual role really proves his acting capability as one would definitely believe that there are two different individuals respectively. Kareena Kapoor plays his sexy wife, Sonia Subramaniam, who also happens to be the love interest of the superhero. Arjun Rampal does ok as Ra One. There are a few cameos from Bollywood stars as well, but the biggest surprise of all would be the cameo appearance by Tamil superstar, Rajnikanth. Who would want to miss that scene?

Sadly, the only flaw of the film was the weak plot and half-baked characters. More scenes of funnyman Shekhar would have lightened up gaps and better writing of the villain, Ra One, would have developed the film better. SRK who serves as the producer of the film under his very own banner did well to promote the film and director Anubhav Sinha shows off his exceptional skills in directing an all-out action superhero film. The superb and stunning visual effects will set new standards for upcoming Bollywood sci-fi films. The cinematography is also well presented and the film looks fantastic in many angles.

International pop star Akon lends his voice for the very first time in a Bollywood film. "Chamak Challo" is sung by Akon himself in Hindi, while "Hamsika Iyer" proves to be the catchiest song of the year followed by the upbeat techno-disco version song "Criminal", sung by Akon, Vishal Dadlani and Shruti Pathak. "Dildara (Stand by Me)" by Shafqat Amanat Ali and Vishal Dadlani has a wonderful melody as well. To sum it up, music directors, Vishal-Shekhar's fine tuning style with traditional and hip hop mix provides the soundtrack with an international appeal.

Overall, the best thing "Ra One" has to offer is its in-depth visual effects and its action sequences with a slightly family oriented element. The ending of the film prompts for a sequel so here's hoping that it will be better. Like the superhero G One says in the film, 'fights are not won by bullets but with a heart". A definite must-watch!

Cinema Online, 04 November 2011