Critics Reviews - RACE

As promised, we present 2 "fair and balanced" reviews of RACE!

Shonali Kapoor
Toronto, Canada
Let's clear the misconception at the very outset. RACE is not even remotely similar to last year's spectacular KANK, as is being widely speculated. Having cleared the misconception, let's get into the analyzing mode. When the director of several successful crass thrillers decides to direct a classy film for a prestigious banner, expect nothing but the best. Right? Wrong! Director Kanti R Shah tries his best to rise above his previous films like Lage Raho Partner, Khooni Dracula and Bistar for his first prestigious film but fails to live up to the BPP name. Race seems more of the same kind of films that Kanti has been making and the BPP/Bhansali touch is clearly missing.

Much has been written and talked about the rivalry between Natasha Rai and Malini Malhotra and that their pairing would create fireworks. While this has been true for all their previous films including Devdas, GMM, KANK and LCMD, there’s no such thing in Race. Malini Malhotra looks too desperate in an effort to shake off her simple image, by wearing skimpy outfits unfit for a married woman of her age. Age also seems to have caught up with Natasha who is looking tired and very dark. The surprise packet of the film is newcomer Monisha Rai Malhotra. In her very first film she stands out from the crowd. The girl not only has the body but also a million dollar face. Not once do you get the feeling that you’re looking at a T-girl. She could give a lot of attractive female models a run for their money! Watch out for this girl who is sure to go places.

So should you go watch RACE? Absolutely. Do it for Monisha or your love and loyalty to a banner that has given us several top films in the past. No one is perfect and BPP is certainly no exception.


Laila Gudwani
Mumbai, India

As I saunters in a preview theatre to watch a select screening of RACE, a few questions cross my mind:

• Will RACE match up to the high standards of AL Bhansali’s earlier flicks, Devdas, KANK, LCMD and Silsila in terms of style, substance and success?
• Will the Malini/Natasha combo magic work the fifth time round?
• Will a lack of top male leads like Niraj and Rajiv work at the box-office?
• Will Malini be convincing as glamorous Sophia?
• Will the reel like pairing of real life couple Saagar and Monisha work?
• Will Monisha be able to make an impact in a multi-starrer debut film?

And as the magic unfolds on the big screen, the doubts, if any, are set to rest:
• Yes, RACE does live up to the expectations. Will it be as successful as Bhansali’s earlier flicks, only time will tell.
• Yes, the Malini/Natasha sizzling magic does cast a “spell” the fifth time around. The film works, courtesy Malini’s incredible screen presence and Natasha’s outstanding performance. Both seem to bring out the best in the other and both have NEVER looked better than this.
• Yes, Saagar makes a strong impact and Kanti’s brilliant styling will ensure that he will soon be in the same league as Niraj and Rajiv
• YES YES YES! Malini has never looked better and arguably stands out as the most glamorous of the 3 actresses
• The subject that RACE boasts of and the tremendous on screen chemistry, only a director with mettle would've been able to do complete justice to it. While watching this flick, not once does the viewer feel that it has been directed by a first-timer. And that's a compliment for debutante director Kanti R. Shah
• Yes! Monisha manages to hold her own in a debut film where she’s pitted against seasoned actresses like Malini & Natasha

One can't imagine RACE without Saagar Malhotra. The actor delivers yet another bravura performance that he can be proud of, when he looks back in life. The role gives him immense scope to exhibit a gamut of emotions and the actor carries not just his role, but the entire film on his firm shoulders. This film will surely put him in a powerful position to rival the current numero uno – Niraj Khan!

Malini Malhotra has never looked so pretty, nor has she ever played a part with such conviction. The film will further cement her position as the numero uno actress. Natasha Rai looks every bit the stylish Sonia and if there were any doubts about her future in Trollywood, they will disappear. This film will consolidate her status as an actress of style and substance. Monisha Malhotra is a revelation. The actress manages to stand on her own despite towering performances by Malini and Natasha. Not only does the actress look suave, she even carries off her role with complete conviction.

On the whole, RACE has all it takes to emerge victorious. At the box-office, the face-value and the track record of its makers have resulted in tremendous hype and hoopla. Keeping in mind its merits and the opening that the film has generated, RACE should emerge a winner, setting new records in days to come!