Cinma Review: Aao Wish Karein

Cast Aftab Shivdasani, Aamna Shariff, Johnny Lever
Director Glenn Barretto
Rating TBA

They may be looking for increased creative satisfaction or are simply interested in cashing in on their popularity and resurrecting a faltering career. One or two of those factors may have prompted Aftab Shivdasani to launch his own production company, Rising Sun Entertainment. Shivdasani faces his first test with his debut film production Aao Wish Karein.

The plot

Twelve-year-old Mickey has a loving family and is leading a perfectly happy childhood. He also has a best friend that he enjoys spending time with called Bonnie. However, everything changes when he finds out that he has been adopted and that he has feelings for 23-year-old Mitika (Shariff).Other than his best friend Bonnie, it's the philosophical Hitchcock (Lever) who understands Mickey's sorrows. Mickey decides to pray for a miracle - he wishes he could grow up overnight.

The next morning, Mickey wakes up to find his wish has been granted and he's now a grown man (Shivdasani). He realises that this will help him win over Mitika's heart and fulfil all his dreams.

The film's plot has an uncanny resemblance to Tom Hank's 1988 movie Big. Shivdasani, who has penned the story and screenplay of Aao Wish Karein says, "Basically kids want to grow up overnight to fulfil their dreams and this is a concept with universal appeal."

So, why did Shivdasani decide to take on film production? "Like many in the industry, I wanted to make my own films with the sole purpose of entertaining my audience. The idea of Aao Wish Karein has been on my mind for a long time and I felt I was ready to launch my production house."

Real-life and reel-life

It's no surprise that he chose Shariff to play the role of his leading lady. She made her debut opposite Shivdasani in Aloo Chaat. Although the actor is reluctant to talk about his offscreen relationship with Shariff, he is keen to talk about her role.

"Aamna is a beautiful and talented actress who is perfect for the role of Mitika." Shariff does have on-screen appeal but she didn't exactly wow the audience in Aloo Chaat. So hopefully her role in Aao Wish Karein will give her the opportunity to showcase her talent. "I think it's an endearing fairy tale and I'm fulfilling my childhood dream by being part of it," says Shariff.

Film file
■ Kunal Ganjawala's track Sabse Peeche Hum Khade was earlier used in the 2004 movie, Let's Enjoy and originally sung by Mohit Chauhan.
■ Xulfi composed the music for the Shivdasani-Shariff track Aloo Chaat.
■ Shivdasani has joined with production and distribution house, Mumbai Mantra, which also released Shivdasani's last film Acid Factory.
■ Shariff has appeared in popular TV serial Kahiin To Hoga before making her Bollywood debut.
■ Shah Rukh Khan has given the voice-over for the film.