Ah, “Khwahish,” the 2003 Bollywood drama that seemed to confuse quantity of kisses for quality of cinema, starring Mallika Sherawat’s and Himanshu Malik – a hot & romantic movie like no other? Now, if Bollywood had a dartboard for experimental cinema that missed the bullseye, “Khwahish” would be one of those darts stuck in the wall next to it.
Directed by Govind Menon, the film attempted to break societal taboos with its bold themes and an unprecedented number of on-screen kisses. However, it ended up being more remembered for its lip-lock tally than its narrative substance. It’s like going to a restaurant where the décor is fabulous, but the only item on the menu is cheese sandwiches. Sure, cheese sandwiches are fine, but that’s not why you went out to eat.
The story, a tale of love facing the challenges of societal norms and financial struggles, had potential but was executed with the finesse of a bull in a china shop. The film tried to weave in themes of romance, drama, and socio-economic commentary but ended up juggling them with the grace of someone wearing oven mitts.
Look, what have you done, you’ve made a fool of everyone, Govind Menon!
Oh, where do you start with the directorial style of “Khwahish”? Directed by Govind Menon, the film oscillates between the ambition of a French New Wave cinema experiment and the execution of a high school drama project – giving it the type and style of the Sexy Films we all love! Menon aimed for a narrative that broke social taboos, but the result was more akin to someone trying to cut a diamond with a butter knife—enthusiastic but woefully ill-equipped. The direction seemed to confuse lingering camera shots with deep storytelling, as if holding the camera still on an actor’s face for an extended period could substitute for emotional depth.
Khwahish Review is Incomplete Without Roasting Malika Sherawat
The acting talents in “Khwahish” are a mixed bag, with performances ranging from “Is this really your first take?” to “Oh, so we’re just reading lines directly from the script now?”
Mallika Sherawat and Himanshu Malik embarked on their roles with gusto, but at times, it felt like watching two people who were told that overacting is the best path to Bollywood stardom. Their chemistry was supposed to be the film’s driving force but ended up feeling more like two magnets of the same pole—try as they might, the connection just wasn’t there.
Let’s not be mistaken! In particular, Mallika Sherawat’s performance was heralded as bold and daring, but let’s face it, bravery alone doesn’t salvage a sinking ship. It’s like praising someone for fearlessly playing the violin on the deck of the Titanic. Admirable? Yes. Helpful? Not so much.
That Asha Bhosle Song Was Good, Though! Can’t Say the Same About Whole Album
The music of “Khwahish,” while attempting to add layers to the narrative, often felt like it was borrowed from a different movie entirely. You know there’s a disconnect when the background score makes you wonder if you accidentally switched channels. It’s like attending a fusion restaurant where the chef combined all cuisines on one plate, leaving you with an edible but confusing mess.
So, barring a song by legendary singer Asha Bhosle, the whole album just faltered like a deck of 100-year-old cards. In essence, the music and background score of “Khwahish” aspired to be the emotional glue that held the film together but ended up being more of a mismatched puzzle piece, occasionally fitting but more often than not, reminding you that sometimes silence is golden.
It’s a musical journey that leaves you appreciating the quiet moments, not for their intended introspective value but simply because they offer a brief respite from the cacophony.
Khwahish’s Half-Baked Storyline is Another Big Disappointment
One of the most bewildering aspects of “Khwahish” is its attempt to tackle societal norms and expectations with the subtlety of a sledgehammer. Scenes meant to highlight the couple’s struggle against these norms often feel so contrived you half expect a narrator to jump in and explain the story’s moral, just in case the heavy-handed direction wasn’t clear enough.
For example, take any scene that attempts to depict the financial struggles of the protagonists. Instead of nuanced storytelling that could have lent depth to their plight, we get scenes that equate financial hardship with the inability to afford designer clothes or dine at upscale restaurants. It’s like watching a satire on wealth disparity, except it’s played with a straight face.
Then there’s the infamous string of kissing scenes, presented with all the grace of a teenager boasting about a first date. These scenes, intended to break taboos and push boundaries, come off as awkward and forced, serving more as a distraction than a meaningful exploration of intimacy. It’s akin to someone repeatedly pointing out how edgy and bold they are, hoping it’ll make it true.
And let’s not forget the moments of dramatic conflict resolved with a sitcom’s convenience. Challenges and misunderstandings that could offer real insight into the characters’ relationship are instead brushed aside with resolutions so simplistic they make fairy tale endings seem complex by comparison.
Ultimately, the story of “Khwahish” is a tapestry of missed opportunities woven with threads of clichés and simplistic resolutions. It’s a film that, in its quest to be daring and different, ends up being memorable for all the wrong reasons. Watching “Khwahish” for its narrative depth is like going on a treasure hunt and finding out the treasure is just a mirror, reflecting the time you could have spent watching something, anything else.
Khwahish Review: Two Thumbs Down and A Head in Shame
Overall, “Khwahish” is like a dish where the chef promises you a gourmet meal but forgets to turn on the stove. It had all the ingredients of a memorable film—bold themes, aspiring talent, and a desire to push the envelope—but in the end, it served up a reminder that good intentions don’t always translate to good cinema. It’s a testament to the fact that in the world of filmmaking, like in cooking, it’s not just about the ingredients but how you mix them that counts. And if you are looking for more sexy movies, we highly suggest that you check out our article Hot Movies: Best For Every Twisted Bollywood Fan. Third One Will Shock The F Out Of You!
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