Review of Phantom

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Mumbai 28th Aug 2015(Sana Sayed): A Phantom-like vigilante is surreptitiously chosen by RAW officers to bring the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks to book.

A shamed army officer, Daniyal Khan (Saif) is living a life of anonymity. Court-martialed because evidence points out that he was not with his team when the enemy attacked, he yearns to earn his stripes back. As it so happens, there is a covert intelligence group, who is seething that the Centre has not been able to avenge the 26/11 Mumbai carnage.

They know permissions from official quarters will not come. So, they just take it upon themselves to launch a `punish-those-terrorists' movement. After all, like one young officer (Zeeshan Ayub) says, 10 audacious guys from across the border did bring Mumbai to her knees on that fateful night in 2008, killing 166 people.

So Daniyal is despatched across continents to find the fanatic four who plotted 26/11. They even whisper to him that, he can `accidentally' kill.

As court-martial led soldier Daniyal, Khan takes the idea of a game face to a whole new level. For all of 147 minutes, he sports precisely one expression, give or take some make up and facial hair. He doesn't move as much as lumber, he is thoroughly indiscreet and everywhere he goes, he sticks out like a sore thumb. If this was because of his good looks, we'd forgive it. But Khan spends the entire film looking both awkward and impassive, as though he's got a hangover and is doing his best to block out the headache.

One can't help but feel that there was hope and a prayer governing the decision to name Katrina Kaif's character Nawaz in Phantom. Sadly, those prayers were not answered. Almost sharing a name with Nawazuddin Siddiqui doesn't ensure the transference of his acting ability. Compared to Khan's one expression, Kaif has none. Whether she's crying over lives lost or reminiscing about having tea at the Taj Mahal Hotel, there's not a hint of emotion to mar her perfect complexion and gorgeous features.

As cinema, this thriller is over-simplified, though the gloss adds to the large-screen appeal. Saif is adept; Kat is pretty appealing (pun on the pretty because her make-up is intact even in the battlefield). Zeeshan and his jingoism in the climax gives you that proud-India moment. And, if you're still licking the wounds of that senseless Mumbai massacre, then Phantom is the balm you should reach out for.

PHANTOM RAISES A TOAST TO THE ANONYMOUS INDIAN BRAVE HEART

Saif-Katrina promote 'Phantom' on Indian Idol Junior

'Phantom' has been directed by Kabir Khan and is all set to release on 28th August 2015

 

Mumbai 17th Aug 2015(Sana Sayed): Saif Ali Khan and Katrina Kaif visted the sets of the popular singing reality show Indian Idol Junior as part of a promotional drive for their upcoming film 'Phantom'.

The two stars were seen having a blast with the judges of the show, which include Sonakshi Sinha and musician Vishal Dadlani, as well as the hosts, Hussain Kuwajerwala and Asha Negi. They also interacted with the children and were seen shaking a leg with the team of the show. Saif Ali Khan, who has always been known to be a music lover and has played the guitar alongside some bands as well, was spotted strumming a guitar and having a chat with the team of musicians present as part of the show. He also gave a performance much to the delight of all present at the venue. Sonakshi and Saif even matched vocals and gave a duet performance!

Katrina, on the other hand, had a great time interacting with the children participating in the show and also had a photosession with Sonakshi. There was also a cake cutting ceremony on the sets as today is Saif's birthday. Also present on the set was Sonakshi's mother, actor Poonam Sinha.