Cash

Cash is clearly a case of expectations gone awry. The excitement and expectations built over weeks of generously administered trailers and promotions all turn damp squib making the movie a big disappointment. Animation seems have become a compulsory element in Bollywood movies these days. Last time it was Partner and now, it is Cash. But no, it is not the kind that you look forward to. It doesn't stop with just the introduction. The animation sequences reappear throughout the movie making it very similar to Kamal Hassan's Abhay. In Abhay the animation sequences added meaning to the screenplay playing with the semiotics, but in Cash, the animation is there just for the sake of it. After a certain point of time the animation sequences only ends up as a source of annoyance and interruption.

Two words to describe Cash 'Costly Confusion'. Cash, unquestionably is a very pricey game that director Anubhav Sinha chose to play. The stunts galore, the fleeting colors and not-to-mention, the expensive star cast could have easily made this one a grand success if only the screenplay did not spell so much confusion and the editing and cinematography had done justice to the storyline. But sadly, the frail screenplay makes Cash a movie that leaves a lot of loose ends hanging open.

For starters, most of the actors look weary and lackluster. Whatever happened to Esha Deol! Why is she wearing torn fish-nets in her introductory song? Her blonde highlights made her look a few decades plus. Too bad! Though Ajay Devgan has managed to impressively tone up his body, he looks perpetually tired on screen Age showing there. It's the same story with Sunil Shetty. The dashing Shetty we know has sadly been replaced with a bland persona hitherto unknown of. Last but not the least, Riteish Deshmukh certainly needs a better stylist.

The movie is about how a lot of people try to steal three diamonds. The entire movie is set in South Africa. Doc (Ajay Devgan) and Shania (Shamita Shetty) are in love with each other. While Shamita is a security official who works for the Indian Embassy in South Africa, Ajay Devgan is a top notch conman. Angad (Sunil Shetty) assists an underworld Don, 'Uncle'. Uncle is already in possession of two of the three diamonds and desperately needs the last one to complete the set. Sunil Shetty has been wronged by Uncle in the past. He cons Uncle into believing him and finally kills him. With Aditi's (Dia Mirza) help he manages to acquire all the three diamonds. But Dia refuses to give him the diamonds when she discovers that he is about to con her as well. Sunil Shetty kills her though he is in love with her.

On the other hand, while Ajay is trying hard to accomplish his mission without his girlfriend finding out that he is actually a conman. He hires top notch robbers Riteish Deshmukh, Zayed Khan and Esha Deol to do the work. The rest of the story revolves around who manages to get the diamonds and how.

While the performances of most of the lead actors fall under the 'top quality' category, what messed up the show was the inclusion of a number of firang characters who couldn't act for nuts! While trying to add an international flavor to the movie, Sinha seems to have forgotten to check their acting skills!

The show stealer is undoubtedly Shamita Shetty. Her facial expression and acting bear striking similarities to that of Shilpa Shetty. With fab abs and a fantastic physique, Shamita is simply the next big thing waiting to happen. Zayed Khan is ok. Dia Mirza looks pretty, shows promise.

Ayesha Takia is just there. She nods and smiles very well.

The movie seems like Anubhav Sinha and his crew went on a fun trip to South Africa to explore and exploit its water sports facilities and infrastructure. Anubhav Sinha seems to be full ideas but could do with some organizing skills.

Cinematography (Ravi Walia ) spoils the fare. Out of focus shots and bad framing dominate. Editing the lesser said, the better. This movie could've been made a masterpiece with good editing. A big disappointment there. Anthony Stone's stunts are smart.

Vishal-Shekhar's music rocks. The title track is foot tapping and has already occupied the top positions in the music charts.

All in all, Cash is a movie messed up with bad story telling. Entertaining and colorful, but not much substance