Director: Satish Kaushik
Cast:Ìý Himesh Reshammiya, Urmila Matondkar, Danny Denzongpa, Gulshan Grover, Shweta Kumar.
Information: 12A
Running time: 142 mins
Release date: 17 October 2008 by Adlabs Films
Rating: 2/5
Monty, a popular South African-based rock star, falls in love with Tina (Shweta) whilst on a business trip from Kenya. Soon after, Monty has visions of his past life seeing him married to beautiful Kamini (Urmila) and living in a palace.
Kamini had killed her husband, Ravi Verma (Dino) with the help of mastermind Juda (Gulshan) to inherit his fortune. When Monty shockingly realises he is the reincarnated self of Ravi, he flies to Kenya to come to terms with his past life.
He once again meets Tina and love blossoms between the two. But it is here that he sees the same palace from his visions and comes face to face with Kamini.
To repay the debt he owed his family from his previous life, Monty reunites with his mother and sister. He takes his revenge on Kamini for murdering him and absolves from all the 'karzzzz' he was reborn with in this intense family melodrama.
Director Satish Kaushik does some justice to the cinematography, lighting, locations and Himmesh’s own musical compositions in this 1980 remake which starred Rishi Kapoor.
Being a thriller, the movie does not hold your attention due to a weak screenplay and small deviations from the original plot to entice today’s audiences.
The film’s musical compositions act as a downside as they are no match to Laxmikant Pyarelal’s melodious score from the original Karzz (1980).
Himmesh’s acting calibre may not compare to Rishi Kapoor’s brilliant work but he has come a long way since his debut film, Aap Ka Surroor.
His sincere performance as Monty wins you over due to his improved confidence in front of the camera. Urmila makes a Bollywood comeback after a long time as the stunning seductress in eccentric costumes.
Shweta Kumar has limited screen presence whilst talented actor Gulshan Grover goes over the top thanks to Kaushik’s direction.
On the whole, Karzzz is a tale of love, betrayal and reincarnation appealing to Himmesh fans. It will also be appreciated by the new generation of cinemagoers who have not seen the 1980s all time classic.
Reviewed by Manish Gajjar
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Bollywood Correspondent
