REVIEW: A long but thrilling RACE

Lavish production values: Race is a big project and every frame is mounted on a lavish scale. The makers leave no stone unturned to give the film an international look. The stud farms of Durban are a welcome break from Bollywood favourites such as New York and London. Tuxedos, leather jackets, and designer gowns – the actors are impeccably dressed even when they are out to kill the enemy.

Pritam's chartbusting soundtrack: Despite mixed reviews Race is burning the music charts. Unfortunately in the film, the songs are used as fillers and two of the most popular tracks – Sexy Lady and the title song come at inappropriate moments in the second half.

What's with the length? A film like Race where the plot has so many twists ought to be crisp in its edit. Sadly, the pace is not consistent throughout. In spite of shock value, the narrative is not gripping enough and unnecessary comedy scenes just add to the length of the film.

Sexy Kat grooves with Saif

We Recommend: Race is easily among the better thrillers to come out of Bollywood in recent times. And with the overdose of comedy we have had last year, it is nice to see actors being mean for a change. But a simpler narrative and tighter screenplay could have done wonders for this film. Intelligent, thrilling, chilling... though at the end you may just find yourself a bit too taxed with the innumerable twists and turns.

Rating: 2.5