FOOTPATH (2003)

Starring : Aftab Shivdasani, Bipasha Basu, Rahul Dev and Emran
Director : Vikram Bhatt
Producer : TIPS Films
Music : Nadeem Shravan

PREDICTED RATING: 5/10

Bollywood newcomer Aftab Shivdasani's career isn't exactly red hot at the moment. However the youngster hopes to change the situation by reuniting with director Vikram Bhatt again following their earlier success Kasoor. Once again it's a fairly low budget release with a hard-hitting storyline. The industry's latest sex symbol Bipasha Basu plays a leading role, together with former male model Rahul Dev. Mahesh Bhatt's nephew Emran also makes his big screen debut.

As the title suggests, Footpath is about a group of street kids who share a strong bond of friendship. They were raised on the streets of India and life has certainly not been easy. Unfortunately their daily struggles lead them onto a dark and dangerous path full of drugs and crime. The only positive influence in their lives is the sister (Bipasha Basu) of one of the boys (Rahul Dev), whose upbringing has been more sheltered. Although she is treated like one of the lads, she tries her best to stay far away from the seedy world they have entered. Eventually another one of the boys (Aftab Shivdasani), who is close to Bipasha, tries his best to get the group back on the straight and narrow, however they have become so deeply involved in the lifestyle that the task becomes mission impossible.

Footpath's soundtrack, composed by hit makers Nadeem Shravan, has already hit the market and is doing decent business. Tips are now set to start heavily promoting the film in time for its release towards the middle or end of August. Although Vikram Bhatt is slightly inconsistent with delivering hits, lets hope this one proves another winner for Bollywood.

SCHEDULED RELEASE DATE: August 21st 2003

PREVIEWED BY ROBEEL HAQ