Jism

This is one of those times when a good director and a good cast can (sort of) overcome a lame idea. This film is pretty derivative. It's a pastiche of several 'semi-racy (soft-core?) US films. It contains elements of "10," "Double Indemnity," and "Body Heat," among others.

Having said that, however, it's not a BAD movie. It's well-executed. The direction is crisp and the movie moves along at a good pace. Characters are well-developed, and the dialogue seems realistic.

Bipasa Basu does a fine job in this movie. I'm used to seeing her as one of the good guys. It's interesting to see her as a bad girl. She does a good job. She manages to come off as deceptive, seductive, and manipulative. There appears to be real sexual chemistry between her & Abarham.

John Abarham was a surprise. I don't think I've seen him in anything else, at least not with such a major part. He manages to really deliver the goods. His character is very real, very believable. Reading the plot summary before I saw the film, I thought "this role should've gone to Ajay Devgan. Who's this John Abarham dude?" I know who he is now.

The actor who plays "Siddarth" deserves recognition for a very generous portrayal of the "buddy who just happens to be a cop." This is a pivotal role, a subtle contrast to everything that Abarham is not. As such, it's a role that would be easy to overact, because the script requires it to be an understated role. If he had overdone it, it could have ruined the film. Kudos both to him and the director for getting a good job from the whole cast.

One thing that's interesting: this movie crosses a lot of boundaries for Indian film, but it ends up reinforcing traditional values in that they don't "get away with it." It's kind of unfortunate, because you almost wish that they had. The director manages to generate real sympathy for the characters, even Sonia (Bipasa).

The music was uneven. I liked the second song more than the others, but I seldom go to a movie for the songs.