Prejudice and the city

Kabir Khan swam against the tide with his terrific directorial debut Kabul Express, which tackled the subject of Taliban fighters.

Now he is back with the subject of prejudices in the US against innocent Muslims after 9/11.

Subject well handled

Khan handles the subject well, incorporating it skilfully into the commercial framework of Bollywood. However, the film falls short when it comes to the screenplay in the second half.

Omar (Neil Nitin Mukesh) is suspected of being a terrorist aid and arrested by FBI agent Roshan (Irrfan Khan).

In a flashback sequence, we come to know that Omar, Samir (John Abraham) and Maya (Katrina Kaif) studied together in New York and that Omar parted ways when he realised Maya loved Samir and not him.

But back to the present, Samir is the one running a sleeper terrorist cell and Omar has to act as an undercover agent for the FBI to find out what Samir is up to.

This leads to Omar being caught between love, friendship, betrayal and terrorism.

Heart-wrenching scenes

Khan tells the story with an edgy narration, until Samir's revelation midway through the film. There are times when Omar's infiltration reminds the audience of The Departed.

The detention sequences after the interval make us realise how lucky we are to not have faced any such atrocity.

The problem, however, starts when the narration takes a dip. Just when you expected a thrilling climax, the film takes on a tame finishing tone. However, the thought-provoking dialogues by Irrfan Khan save the day for New York.

The most interesting aspect of the film, however, is that it doesn't take a religious stand and tackles the psychological stigma suffered by the innocent caught at random by the FBI after the 9/11 attack.

New York will be known as a coming-of-age film for both Abraham and Kaif, who have never been seen in such roles before.

Their performances, too, are laudable. Abraham, in fact, is quite good with his subtle performance in the second half.

But the film belongs to Mukesh, who delivers a mature performance. The film may well be his big ticket to stardom.

Irrfan Khan's class act and dry sense of humour make you chuckle even during the most tense scenes.

But amid all the big names, one actor who makes an impression is a new guy called Nawazuddin, who also plays an innocent detainee and whose frustration at being singled out because of his skin colour will gives you goosebumps.

Slick finish

Pritam's music works only for Hai Junoon and Aye Saaya is a soulful track by Pankaj Awasthi, which, however, is not a part of the film.

Aseem Mishra's cinematography is top-notch and Julius Packiam's background score will suck you into the gritty narration.

Yash Raj Films, which is known for its candyfloss-romance flicks, should be proud of New York, as it is their best effort after Chak De! India and Kabul Express.

Despite its flaws, New York turns out to be one of those rare provocative Bollywood films.

— Abdulla Mahmood is a UAE-based freelance writer

New York

Rating parameters:

1 star — Poor;
2 stars — Average;
3 stars — Good;
4 stars — Very Good;
5 stars — Excellent

Abraham-Kaif on New York

Kabir Khan's New York portrays eye-candy stars John Abraham and Katrina Kaif in challenging roles. We chat with the two about their latest film and on-screen and off-screen chemistry.

New York: the film

Abraham: It is one of the most important films of my career and I would ask everyone to watch it. It shows how much of the world is divided into pre- and post-9/11.

Kaif: New York is very unlike my earlier films where the focus was mainly on songs and looking beautiful. This is a socially relevant film and is rooted in the real world.

Roles in the film

Abraham: I was bowled over by my role when I read the script. I, in fact, did a lot of research on my role to ensure I come up with an authentic performance. Kabir had already done his homework and as such, it was much easier to play the character he had in mind. I am proud of my role in the film.

Kaif: Initially, I wasn't sure about doing this film but I am glad now that I was coaxed into agreeing. I would never have discovered another part of myself if I hadn't — the role has made a difference to me both as an actress and an individual.

Co-star Neil Nitin Mukesh

Abraham: He is serious about his work and has delivered a remarkable performance.

Kaif: He is young, energetic and a bit naïve but is in no way a rookie when it comes to acting.

Off-screen and on-screen chemistry

Abraham: It took me a while to know Katrina, as it was our first film together. But once we knew each other, we hit it off very well and I share a very comfortable working relationship with her. This has helped our on-screen chemistry, as we are shown as a couple madly in love with each other in the film. As for those rumours about me and Katrina, all I have to do is laugh them off.

Kaif: The whole team of New York was new to me but John took the responsibility of making me feel comfortable and spent time discussing our roles and performances. And our off-screen rapport shows on-screen. I think it was real fun acting with him.

Memorable time in New York

Abraham: Eating good food and chilling out in Times Square.
Kaif: Shopping and having fun with the whole team of New York.