AKS

Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Raveena Tandon and Manoj Bajpai

PREDICTED RATING: 8/10

Mr Amitabh Bachchan is seriously hot property once again. The actor has reached a different level of fame in the new millennium, what with the success of his super hit game show 'Kaun Baneja Crorepati' and the overwhelming business that his last movie 'Mohabbatein' created world wide last year. So, its hardly surprising that his current crop of films are attracting major attention, including his next release 'Aks'.

The film is supposed to be a Bollywood remake of 'Face Off' - which should be very interesting. Depending on what level director Rakesh Mehra has been 'inspired' by the original, it means that Manoj Bajpai is a ruthless villain who manages to steal the face of good guy Amitabh Bachchan and goes on a crime spree as the Big B!

However Amitabh doesn't take this lying down, and goes on a mission to find Manoj and regret the day he ever messed with old lamboo!

OK, so its another example of Bollywood copying Hollywood, but at least this time around it is something new for Indian cinema, right?

Lets just hope that Amitabh continues with his quality streak and we are given something worth watching.

The fact that such actors as Manoj Bajpai, Nandita Das and Raveena Tandon are including in the package make it even more interesting - the cast is rather impressive which hopefully means that characters are well defined and performances will be strong.

There's also many twists and turns in the story to keep you interested.

Manoj Bajpai has already been raving about the film - but then again he desperately needs a hit when you consider the type of business his recent releases have been doing. Manoj is often praised for his powerful performances, so lets see how he fares next to someone like Amitabh Bachchan.

Nandita Das has apparently given a top performance, although both girls in the movie (Nandita and Raveena) don't have amazing roles because this is a male dominated movie.

Raveena has already appeared with Amitabh as his sister in Bade Miyan Chote Miyan - she says that she enjoyed the experience so much that she doesn't care how big her role is - she just wants to work with the legend again!

Well, expectations have started getting higher now for this movie. Keep your fingers crossed for 'Aks' folks, it might be just what Bollywood is after - a thriller that actually has thrills!

SCHEDULED RELEASE DATE: April 20th 2001

PREVIEWED BY ROBEEL HAQ