REVIEW: Ek-The Power Of One

Contract killing seems to be Bobby Deol's favourite screen profession. Soldier, Badal, Bichoo, Kismat, Chamku…I have actually lost count of how many times this reasonably watchable actor has reprised the role.

Joining his 'illustrious' list of monotonous action fests is Ek-The Power Of One. Deol once again plays a young (?!) sharpshooter on the run. But this time he is accidentally framed for the murder of a top politician. As he is escaping the crime scene, an innocent lad gets shot in the bargain. Now the story takes a Kati Patang-esque turn (Bobby for Asha Parekh) where Bobby lands up in the deceased's village and poses as the latter in front of the boy's estranged family. Expectedly, in no time he wins over everyone's hearts, turning into a messiah of sorts for the troubled villagers. Until of course the law catches up with him. Even at this stage I hadn't lost hope, expecting the meandering screenplay to throw up some twist in the tale. Unfortunately Ek-The Power Of One is as predictable as Bobby's facial expressions and dialogue delivery.

As a story Ek-The Power Of One is truly 'inspired'. But this inspiration comes by ripping off sequences from every conceivable Hindi film. For most part, the film is a potpourri of Rajesh Khanna's Dushman, Akshay Kumar's Keemat and Salman Khan's Tumko Naa Bhool Payenge. There are references to several other films - but adding those would turn the review into an IMDB list. In fact watching this film is like a 'Spot the cliché' contest.

That's a pity because the film has a very promising first 15 minutes. Also, when he is not wasting footage over ridiculous subplots, director Sangeet Sivan showcases some slick action scenes. But all the effort is watered down by the done-to-death situations.

As with most Bobby Deol films, his love interest (played by South import Shriya) is a pretty face who brings about the transformation in him. Shriya is unfortunately no Rani Mukerji or Priyanka Chopra who can spice up even the drabbest of roles. Saran might be a huge star down south – but she needs a crash course in 'migration to Bollywood' from her peer Asin. Deol sleepwalks through a part that is now second nature to him. Wonder if he will ever learn from his father and brother's mistakes!

Seven hundred weeks ago, Aditya Chopra introduced Bollywood films to the loud, Punjabi joint family. More than decade later Chopra himself has got over the fixation - but other filmmakers still like to subject viewers to supporting actors who behave more like clowns than relatives. A special mention for Kulbhushan Karbhanda, who plays the strict, Punjabi grandfather. He is as hilarious as he was in last week's Aloo Chaat. Only this time the laughs are unintentional.

If there is one reason why Ek-The Power of One is not a supreme disaster - it's Nana Patekar. He plays a perverted CBI inspector who sleeps with every woman he bumps into as a part of his 'investigation'. His cheesy one-liners and trademark mannerisms come as a lifeline for the hapless viewer. Patekar is on his own trip having fun with the part despite the script. His cat and mouse game with Bobby is on the lines of Om Puri's track in Deol's own Gupt. Nana also gets an interrogation scene with his Parinda-Agnisakshi co-star Jackie Shroff (Yes, he has made a habit out of surprise cameos). It's a truly paisa vasool moment. Wish there was more of Nana and less of the unnecessary melodrama.

Verdict: Bobby should consult cousin Abhay before signing future projects while Nana Patekar also needs to stop wasting his potential. Cliches, stereotypes and a predictable plot, make this story 'of power' one colossal bore. Just forget about it!

Rating: Ek-The Power Of One deserves just that - 1/5