REVIEW: Superstar is Don meets OSO
What's it about:
Imagine what would happen if you put Don and OSO in the blender? Junior artiste Kunal Mehra (Kunal Khemu) is trying his best to bag a lead role in a film (Haven't we had enough of struggling actors?). Strangely his face resembles that of star son Karan Saxena (Khemu again) who is all set to debut in the year's biggest project. While Kunal lives the movies, Karan couldn't care less about his lavish launch and is simply going through the motions just to keep his producer dad happy. Karan's emergence implies the dashing of Kunal's hopes, as he gets slotted as a lookalike.
Turns out that Kunal is a much better actor that Karan. So Mr producer gets a great idea. He decides to shoot his dream project with Kunal and promote it as Karan's film. Half way through the film, one of them dies in a freak accident. Problem? No one knows if the survivor is Kunal or Karan. And the one who lives has to fill in for the dead.
Kunal Khemu 1:
Superstar is a show reel for this actor's talent. Khemu has a striking screen presence with amazing intensity for his age. But he needs to work on his voice modulation. As Kunal, he is quite convincing as the struggler with stars in his eyes. Watch him in the scenes where he draws parallels with his real life and scenes from his favourite films.
Kunal Khemu 2:
The star son's role is underwritten, as he is seldom doing anything more than partying by the poolside. His exaggerated lifestyle is a little unbelievable, almost resembling that of an underworld kingpin. Khemu looks less of a star son and more a college kid on a Saturday night out.
Tulip and co:
With Khemu hogging every frame, the rest of the cast doesn't get much of a scope to perform. Except Darshan Zariwala, who is a villain straight out of the 80s. Tulip Joshi, the love interest needs to loosen up in front of the camera. Sanjay Dutt behaves like a true star in his cameo. The use of original scenes from classic films adds a touch of nostalgia.
READ: Kunal Khemu on Aamir Khan
Length:
To be fair Superstar starts off well. Despite references to other films with double roles, the first half is engaging. Karan and Kunal's dilemma about each, their true identities, is convincing through some very well written scenes.
But once the identity of the dead body is revealed, it's downhill for the film. The plot unnecessarily drags on, as the director opts for a conventional climax.
Music:
The film has an interesting score that's wasted due to poor placement of the tracks. Melodramatic death scenes with loud background music don’t work anymore.
The Superstar music review
Verdict:
Superstar has an interesting plot. But a predictable second half and length leave you yawning by the end.
Rating: 2/5
URBANEYE