Halla Bol Hindi Movie

Jan 11, 2008 By Ashok Nayak

Rajkumar Santoshi, director of hard-hitting films like Ghayal, Damini, Khakee is back with yet another hard-hitting socially relevant movie 'Halla Bol'. The movie is said to convey an awareness message amongst people to raise voices against exploitation, rape, corruption and illegal use of power and money. The movie also bears certain uncanny resemblance to Jessica Lal's murder case.

Ashfaque (Ajay Devgan) is a small town boy aspiring to be a film star in the Hindi film industry. He joins as a street play artist under the discipleship of Sidhu (Pankaj Kapur), a reformed dacoit who tackles societal issues with his street plays. Stardom beckons and soon Ashfaque makes his way through Bollywood as superstar-Samir Khan. With the change in name, comes change in his character too. He looses his real self with a laid back attitude towards work. Soon he looses hold of his roots and loved ones. A shocking incident at a party changes everything as Sameer witnesses a murder of a girl. His conscience takes him for a toss and eventually Sameer leaving behind his filmy image takes and attempts to get justice to the girl's family.

With 'Halla Bol' Rajkumar Santoshi is back with hard-hitting messages. In the first 15 minutes of the movie, Santoshi gives us an insight into the superficially hidden truths of the film industry. The very introduction of Devgan's character at the autobiography launch reveals to us one of the many faces of an actor. The endorsements of brands have been portrayed in a witty manner but with the right amount of reality. With a terrible incident that occurs at a party the reel shifts track from the Hindi film industry to a film that carries a relevant message. Santoshi has handled all the sequences deftly and a lot of scenes are executed brilliantly that they leave a strong impact on our minds.

Halla Bol is more a drama with the backdrop of a film. Some sequences leaves you spellbound, like the street play about a politician in the first half of the movie, Pankaj's reaction when he is offered bribe by Abhay Bhargava near the pool side and Ajay Devgan urinating on the carpet at the minister house. However at least 5 min from the first half could be easily chopped of to keep the thrill on. The climax is a let down. It was abrupt and not deep-seated for a movie of this sort. The dialogues are powerful. Cinematography is good.

The performances in the movie are power packed.

Ajay Devgan is a revelation. His performance in Halla Bol is sure to win him critical acclaim. Pankaj Kapur is amazing in his role. Right from his dialogue delivery to his silent eye moments, Pankaj does a brilliant job. Vidya Balan has limited scope but she too makes a mark as the caring wife who stands by her husband. Darshan Jariwala as the wicked politician is natural and impresses a lot.

To sum things up, Halla Bol discusses important social issues and also entertains. It's a movie packed with a powerful message and performances.

Rating - 3 / 5