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On the face of it, Kismat Konnection has all the trademark themes of an Aziz Mirza film- the struggle of the everyman to survive and succeed, the conflict between morals and ambition, and of course love and romance- why, even the main leads are called Raj and Priya. But while even the rather unsatisfying Chalte Chalte was irresistibly romantic before it became unbearably screechy, that Mirza magic that never failed to connect with us feels strangely amiss here.
By Jahan Bakshi  2 Stars
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Yup, all's well with the world. This working-class romance really works.
By Subhash K Jha  2.5 Stars
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2 stars Aziz Mirza is known for movies with simple characters. An underdog achieving success is the theme of most Aziz Mirza movies and Kismat Konnection is no different. But the problem with this unlike his previous movies is the journey of the lead characters is dull and lifeless. - Ashok Nayak    Fri, 18 Jul 2008
Kismat Konnection directed by Aziz Mirza is basically a love story between Raj (Shahid Kapoor) and Priya (Vidya Balan). Aziz Mirza is back after 6 years; his last directorial venture was Chalte Chalte way back in 2002.

In college Raj Malhotra (Shahid Kapur) was numero uno. In academics, sports, dramatics and touted as the next cover of Time magazine. But four years after winning the best-student-of-the-year trophy from his architectural college, he's wondering why a brilliant architect like him, with designs to set the Canadian landscape on fire, is still struggling to find that one big chance to showcase his mettle.

It's almost as though some negative kismat is following him around because whenever something good is about to happen, it seems doomed to fail.

Desperate to fight this cussed kismat that's hell bent on playing such mean tricks on him, Raj meets a quirky oracle, Hasina Bano Jaan (Juhi Chawla). She tells him that soon his stars will change his stars and make everything work in his favor; but for all this to happen, Raj has first to find his lucky charm and never let go of it. But she tells him no more, leaving Raj mystified, trying to figure out what this charm could be.

Suddenly his life seems to be on the right track. He's managed to impress top builder Sanjeev Gill (Om Puri), into giving him a prestigious project and meets Priya. Priya is a tough-talking, tough-decision taking girl with a heart of gold. She is an idealist who is intent on making the world a better, more humane place and is quite willing to fight a lone battle for it. She is a doer who believes in action. Life for her is clearly colored in blacks and whites. Shades of grey have no role for her. She will give her all to her causes, her people and her love and expect nothing less in return.

Raj even succeeds in persuading pretty Priya (Vidya Balan) that he's the Messiah who can save her beloved Community Center from destruction? And also opened her eyes to her philandering fiancé (Amit Verma).

Does this mean that Raj has unwittingly discovered his lucky charm? Has lady luck finally decided to smile on him? Where will his new found kismet ultimately lead Raj? To the height of love or pinnacle of success? Only Kismat Konnection can tell.

Aziz Mirza is known for movies with simple characters. An underdog achieving success is the theme of most Aziz Mirza movies and Kismat Konnection is no different. But the problem with this unlike his previous movies is the journey of the lead characters is dull and lifeless. The first half is good barring the final few reels where it gets quite boring to sit through. Second half though disappoints, some of the sequences are exaggerated and hard to believe, especially the climax.

Also, Aziz Mirza having directed Shahrukh Khan in many movies seems to have forgotten it is Shahid Kapoor and not SRK in Kismat Konnection. What's more the name of Shahid's character, Raj Malhotra, is one of SRK's (DDLJ) most popular onscreen names. The role seems to have been written with SRK in mind but as it demanded a younger actor, Aziz Mirza opted for Shahid instead. The music is yet another disappointment; it just doesn't gel with the movie. Songs in the first half seems to have been forced in, just for the heck of it. Cinematography is good.

Shahid Kapoor apes SRK and succeeds. He delivers a good performance. Vidya Balan looks good, acts very well but looks extremely unfit. Vishal Malhotra as Shahid's friends delivers a good performance; here is an actor that deserves much better and meatier roles. Juhi Chawla looks amazing, acts well in a brief role. Om Puri is okay.

Kismat Konnection is a disappointment. Directed by a veteran like Aziz Mirza, I expected a much better movie.

2 / 5


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