Kal Kissne Dekha - 2009

Story

If you could see the future, wouldn't you first use it to your advantage? It seems like many are thinking futuristic nowadays, which is a good thing. But the irony is, be it AA DEKHEN ZARA or 8 x 10 TASVEER, the genre wasn't well exploited on screen. KAL KISSNE DEKHA too falls short of expectations.

KAL KISSNE DEKHA walks on a tight rope. The writers could've explored the concept to the optimum, making their imagination run wild. But what eventually unfolds is just not exciting. It catches your attention at times, but gives away later.

KAL KISSNE DEKHA is meant to be the launch pad of Jackky Bhagnani. Yes, he can act. And as we know by now, he can dance exceptionally well too. But how one wishes the debutante had the backing of a solid script.

Nihal Singh [Jackky Bhagnani] from Chandigarh is a seemingly simple yet unconventional boy. He talks too much, questions everything and builds complicated gadgets in his spare time. He has a brilliant mind and an oddball sort of charm. He adores his mother, has dreams of studying in the most elite institute of science and always looks for big ideas in small things.

But Nihal has a secret...

When Nihal is accepted into his dream college in Mumbai, he is over the moon, College is a whole new world, full of color, new people and new challenges to be met. Initially, nobody takes him seriously. He is ragged by his seniors, insulted by the girl he likes and so on.

Nihal, however, slowly wins them over. The girl Nihal likes is Meesha [Vaishali Desai]. She is the spoilt brat of the college. She is proud, rude and rolling in money. And she cannot accept that Nihal is managing to charm everyone. Including Professor Verma [Rishi Kapoor], the warden of the college.

Professor Verma is fascinated by Nihal's unique mind and agrees to become his mentor. Suddenly Nihal's world is rudely interrupted. Nihal gets visions of Meesha being in danger. He saves her life and his secret is revealed. The media and TV channels are all buzzing with only one news: Nihal can see the future.

Meesha softens towards him and love blooms. But how long will the peace last? What Nihal doesn't know is that someone is trying to use his gift against him. In his innocence, he is manipulated and his visions become a tool.

Director Vivek Sharma showed tremendous promise in his debut film BHOOTHNATH, but he's not in form in KAL KISSNE DEKHA. The reason is simple. The film just doesn't hold your attention in most parts. Too many things seem to be happening here, but not all excite. What's more, several questions remain unanswered till the end, by the writers.

The film lacks the fun that one normally associates with a campus fare. Even the climax leaves a lot to be desired. Further, the bullies who befriend Nihal Singh disappear after their stint. Why? Moreover, Ritesh is wasted. His character's aim was to evoke laughter, which just doesn't happen. If the initial portions at least look interesting, the film slides downwards towards the second half.

Sajid-Wajid's music caters to the popular variety. The score is very energetic. At least three tracks are worth humming. The picturisation of every song is eye-catching, with the makers going out of their way to give the film a grand look. Cinematography [Johny Lall] is excellent. All the eye-pleasing locales have been perfectly exploited.

Jackky is a debutante to watch. Given the right script, this boy can work wonders. The chemistry between Jackky and Vaishali is perfect. Vaishali is a confident debutante, who acts her part well. Rishi Kapoor is, as always, in form. Ritesh Deshmukh is wasted, although he seems to have acted with a lot of sincerity. Rahul Dev is alright. Akshay Kapoor disappears suddenly. Archana Puransingh and Satish Shah justify their parts well. Sanjay Dutt's surprise appearance goes unnoticed.

On the whole, KAL KISSNE DEKHA has a great body [grandiose production values], but lacks soul. Given its slow start, the film will have to rely on word of mouth to attract the youth, its target audience, during its opening weekend.