Arbaaz Khan and brother Sohail Khan were last seen together in Hello, which of course, said a quick goodbye and exited the box office. The duo will now be seen in Puneet Sira’s Kissan along with an array of additional actors: Jackie Shroff, Dia Mirza, Nauheed Cyrusi and Dalip Tahil. The film, as the title suggests talks about a village but also incorporates various other ideas, which pertain to the idea of modernization and contemporary morals. Although the film is based around a single family, it promises to be more than just your average family drama. Headed and directed by Puneet Sira, maker of I Proud to be Indian and more recently a debacle better known as Jai Veeru, Kissan is completely different to what the director normally dabbles in. According to Sohail and Arbaaz, they decided that no one else could play the role of their father but Jackie Shroff himself. Read on to find out more about Kissan and if the film will plough in any dough at the box office… or will it be a washout?
Kissan follows the story of Dayal Singh (Jackie Shroff) who has two sons: Jigar (Sohail Khan) who he keeps close to him, brings him up as a farmer and teaches him to love his land, and the other Aman (Arbaaz Khan) who is sent to the city to become a lawyer. Problems begin when Aman returns back to the village with his girlfriend (Dia Mirza). Following the couple is a businessman Sohan Seth (Dalip Tahil) who wants to buy out the land to make buildings instead. Naturally Dayal and Jigar are determined to keep their land and savor it, it is the younger vivacious Aman who believes that selling their land for financial gain is a better bargain. This starts a war between the city-goers and villagers, which goes through a violent battle all the way to the climax.
Puneet Sira has the right idea but doesn’t completely fall through with the theme and pace which the film is originally set. Ideally Sira should have taken the idea of conflicting ideas and used more twentieth century problems and situations rather than ones that would probably occur in the 198’s – which is what is used in the film. Towards the end, the film not only drags but becomes overly violent; far too much gore and bloodshed. However, on a brighter note, the film does depict some authentic sights and scenes that would be visible in a village. Additionally, the relationships between the father and his sons are very interestingly used in the film and believable. You can clearly see the shift and differences between the village son versus the metro infused one.
Performance wise, Sohail Khan is on top with this film. It is such a relief to see him in a different role to that of him running around attempting to be the funny guy, which we’ve seen him do far too many times. As the older brother who loves his motherland, he looks great in a turban and even more believable in the farms. Arbaaz Khan does an average job but lands up being effective. Jackie Shroff should officially quit films – his overacting stint is getting far too boring brings the entire film down. Dia Mirzaand Nauheed Cyrusi are apt; same goes for Dalip Tahil.
The music has been fitted well into the film with ‘Punjabi Munde’ being the only one worthy of a mention. Kissanhas nothing new to offer although from the promo’s it seemed like one that was going to surprise audiences. The only reasons to watch Kissan is for Sohail and if you’re looking to kill time on a Sunday afternoon. This one is a DVD watch for sure!
