Will John Abraham’s diplomatic act perk the box-office? It looks like Abraham, who was last seen in Vedaa seven months ago, finally has a winner on his hand. Preview audiences have come out substantially impressed by the film’s determined bid to be mass-friendly and yet non-conformist.
A taut, time-bound rollercoaster ride about a real-life Indian diplomat tackling a sensitive illegal migrant’s situation from Pakistan, The Diplomat has no leading lady for John. Given the taut situation, there is no time for love. John has always been liked in loner’s roles. The main female character in The Diplomat is a woman seeking asylum in our country.
This is a sensitive true-life drama that is in keeping with John Abraham’s image of the lone ranger.
The week before last, we had two outstanding releases in movie theatres Superboys Of Malegaon (which didn’t evoke any interest among the audience, as someone close to the project told me, no one wants to watch a film on ordinary lives) and Soham Shah’s dazzling thriller Crazxy (which got an audience by word of mouth).
Last week, there were no Hindi releases. Shivam Nair’s The Diplomat is likely to make an impact for its timing. Alongside, there is a small, very sweet Indie film Inn Galiyon Mein directed by Avinash Das, whose Anarkali Of Arrah I’ve still not forgotten.
Inn Galiyon Mein features two-star kids, Naseeruddin Shah’s son Vivaan and actress Bhagyashree’s daughter Avantika Dasani, who are determined to make it on their own. These two talented, atypical industry kids deserve a chance.
And, of course, there is Be Happy on OTT(Amazon), which has Abhishek Bachchan bonding with his screen daughter Inayat Varma in life and a dance competition. Abhishek admitted to me that little Inayat was one of his most challenging co-stars and that dancing with her was one of the toughest things he has done in his life. Be Happy is directed by choreographer Remo D’Souza. Dance toh banta hai, boss.
