'Aitraaz' tackles the issue of sexual harassment, with the unique spin of placing the man in the position of victim and the woman as aggressor. Although Abbas-Mustan tread a dangerous path this time around - the theme is extremely provocative - the writing (screenplay) and execution (direction) is what makes the difference.
Story
In the accused box of the courtroom, stands a man, startled and shocked that destiny could lead him there. He is accused of the most heinous crime - molesting his lady-boss.
Raj Malhotra (Akshay Kumar), who works for a cell phone company, is popular amongst his circle of friends and work colleagues. But his world comes crashing down when he meets Sonia (Priyanka Chopra) again.
Sonia is an ambitious model with great aspirations. She knows what she wants in life. She is prepared to achieve her goals, whatever the price. Her fundas in life are crystal clear: Nothing shall come in between her wants and desires.
Raj is well aware that Sonia knew only one way to live and that was her way. And one fateful evening, things did not go her way. Sonia brings Raj's world to a screeching halt.
Raj's wife Priya (Kareena Kapoor), once a lawyer herself, is prepared to do anything to protect her husband's honour and dignity.
The devious shadow that threatens to put Raj's honour at stake, finds an adamant Priya at the opposing end. And from a content housewife, Priya becomes a woman with a mission that she must accomplish. She is now Raj's partner in more ways than one.
Thrown into this web of deceit is Raj's boss, Ranjit Roy (Amrish Puri), who happens to be Sonia's husband. He is a mere pawn in her hands.
The drama has just begun. The court is far from adjourned…
The post-interval portions focus on the two warring sides locking horns in the courtroom. Although the narrative does drop once in a while, it takes off yet again the moment Kareena confronts Priyanka in the latter's office (Priyanka's advice to Kareena: Tell your husband to be my 'keep' for a lifetime and complete the 'unfulfilled job' - is a brilliantly executed scene and a sign of changing cinema) and the courtroom drama that ensues, with Kareena blowing away Priyanka's reputation to smithereens.
Performance
'Aitraaz' belongs to Priyanka Chopra completely. Priyanka gets an opportunity to bear her claws and she does it with complete understanding of the character. Akshay Kumar underplays his character ably. Kareena has a sugar-and-sweet character till the pre-climax and she does it well. Amrish Puri is alright. Paresh Rawal is excellent in the courtroom sequences. Ditto for Annu Kapoor, who matches Rawal at every step. Vivek Shauq leaves a mark. Upasna Singh and Feroze Irani are adequate.
Music
Himesh Reshammiya's music sounds pleasant to the ears. Cinematography (Ravi Yadav) is first-rate.
Verdict
Hit
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