REVIEW: Luck is out of the '80s!

The film is like a lame reality show on celluloid

It really doesn't matter whether this week's new release Luck is a copy or not. We don't make too many great action films in Bollywood. So even if the plot is generously 'inspired', Bollywood fans are usually starved of a good high-octane stunt fest.
   
Soham Shah's Luck finds its premise in the underground world of human betting. It's set around an organised racket of pitting human beings against each other, in life-threatening circumstances. A film of this genre needs to be watched in the right perspective. Let's admit it, Dhoom is silly but fun every time you watch it.

Unfortunately the screenplay of this film is written in such a ridiculous fashion that the thriller ends up becoming an unintentional comedy. It almost gives you the feeling of watching one of these reality shows - where Danny Denzongpa is the presenter, the six lead actors are the participants and Sanjay Dutt is the judge. The tasks are laughable and the emotional
exchanges between the characters are even worse.

In such a situation it's the actors who save the situation to a great extent. All the lead performers – especially the male actors seem to have enjoyed mouthing some hardcore filmy lines. Sanjay Dutt, Danny Denzongpa, Mithun Chakraborty, Ravi Kissen and Imran Khan challenge each other with choicest of one-liners.

The classic one has to be "Mujhe Paiso Ki Nahi, Tujh Jaiso Ki Zaroorat Hai" or "Main Khareedta Nahi, Sirf Bhaade Par Leta Hoon". Full credit to the actors for making these scenes work. Despite a sketchy role, Imran manages to stand up against a line up of veteran actors. Shruti Haasan on the other hand has crackling screen presence, but just can't get her dialogues right.

But just like Soham's debut Kaal, which had a reasonably engaging buildup he messes it all in the finale. In the second half, Luck's narrative goes horribly wrong and key plot points go for a toss, making no sense. Even the death defying stunts lack any fizz. Much like last year's Tashan, Luck loses its edge when it tries to take itself too seriously.

The last 20 minutes have to be seen to be believed. It's beyond silly. Soham's treatment is a tribute to Sanjay Gupta's Musafir and Kaante, while the supporting actors are faces discovered by his former bosses, KJo and RGV.

To cut the long story short, Luck is straight out of the '80s. Medical miracles, clashing heroes, sacrificing junior artistes and even an attempted rape... it's all there! But even if the makers made this film for the masses; the execution is just too lethargic and unconvincing. Luck is a lame reality show playing on celluloid.

Verdict: Despite a solid start, by the time it ends you might say…Is Luck Se Mujhe Bachao.

Rating: 1.5/5