Little Else But Lovely Dance Moves

By MovieTalkies.com, 26 September 2009 2.5 / 5

Producer Anjum Rizvi, who came up with that gem of a film, 'A Wednesday', last year, now comes with his next venture, 'Fast Forward', which has been directed by debutant Zaigham Ali Sayed. The film's USP is its brilliantly choreographed dance sequences. However, its story and screenplay stutter and falter in a number of places, and, hence, the film fails to engage its audience. Of course! The film has a lot going for it, specially the fact that it is one of those rare dance based movies to come out of Bollywood. The two young actors, Rehan Khan, Akshay Kapoor and newcomer Bhavna Pani impress with their dance prowess and do a fairly a good job where acting is concerned. But neither the actors, nor the dance sequences are able to make up for the lack of a good story and a cohesive screenplay. Like most Hindi films, 'Fast Forward' too stumbles on the very first building block,that is a good script. Hindi film audiences are always willing to take that leap of faith into irrational territory. In fact, they are quite used to it. But in recent times, one feels that the audience's patience is running thin and a faulty script has generally spelt doom for a movie. The problem with 'Fast Forward' is that the actions of its main protagonists are quite illogical and it's never quite explained why they do and what they do. But while there may be problems with the script, one has to say that there is a lot of energy and passion exhibited by all the young actors around on screen, especially in the dance scenes. In brief, the film's story is about two dancer friends, played by Akshay and Rehan, who dream of making it really big one day and even have a dance troupe of their own. Akshay's character is shown to be a bit of a heart breaker who gets drawn to his friend's sister, played by Bhavna, and ends up falling in love with her. In the course of his relationship with her, he discovers a passion for dance that she has kept secretly hidden in her heart. He draws her out and introduces her to the wonders of the world of dance. But in doing so, he runs up against his biggest opposition which comes from his friend himself. Rehan, who plays Akshay's friend, is absolutely against the relationship between Akshay and his sister and also against his sister taking to dancing. She unknowingly, rekindles some bad memories that he has of their mother. Of course! Everything is resolved at the end as he undergoes a change of heart. Given the limitations of the script, the two main protagonists, Rehan and Akshay have performed very well. However, Rehan is more impressive of the two. Newcomer Bhavna is just about okay. Veterans Vinod Khanna and Mahesh Manjrekar hardly have anything worthwhile to do and are quite wasted. The other youngsters Sabina Sheema and Siddharth Karnick also pitch in with decent performances. For a film, which is so youth based, one really feels let down by the script. There was so much more that the director could have done, so many new territories that he could have explored with a fresh prespective. Zaigham is unable to give proper direction to his vision and it shows in the movie. As for the film's music, composed by DJ Akbar Sami, one would have expected a few more thundering and catchy numbers. They don't do full justice to the dance sequences, hence nullifying some of the brilliant effect created by the choreographers, who incidentally deserve applause for their lovely moves. 'Fast Forward' is a sincere attempt by Zaigham. But it could have been a real absorbing movie if it had been executed more competently. The lovely dance moves, one feels, will not be enough to allow the film to make its presence felt at the box office. But then, not everyday is a 'Wednesday'!

It has verve and energy but no chartbusting number

By MovieTalkies.com, 18 August 2009 3 / 5

After producing one of the most happening films of 2008 'A Wednesday', producer Anjum Rizvi comes up with his second production, 'Fast Forward'. The film which has been directed by Zaigham Ali Sayyed sees DJ Akbar Sami composing the music for this movie, which is said to be a music and dance affair. The presence of Rizvi automatically raises the bar where 'Fast Forward' is concerned. The film has a fresh young cast and one expects the music to be very contemporary as well. Sami does his job well on the music front while Irshad Kamil and Shabbir Ahmed pen the lyrics. The album has seven originals tracks which have been sung by the likes of Shaan, Zubin, Amitabh Bhattacharya, Kunal Ganjawala, Shweta Pandit and Sami. The first number on the album is 'Taali Bajao', a fast forward mix presented by Sona Family. It is a fast-paced funky number with a fair sprinkling of English and Hindi lyrics. This is definitely a kind of number which should do well as a dance number. In fact, Sami seems to get into the act from the word go and comes with a highly charged number in 'Taali Bajao.' It almost seems to set the trend of what is to follow, or so it seems. However, the music takes a dramatic turn with the next number, 'Aankhon Ki Baat', which has been sung by Shaan and Pamela Jain. This has the Akbar Sami touch even though it recalls the vintage Hindi film romantic ditty. It occurs again in the album as a solo remix sung by Amitabh Bhattacharya. Shaan and Pamela do a very good job with the number, bringing on just the right amount of softness. Shaan is quite proficient in this genre and that shows in his effortless rendering of this track. Pamela isn't as pleasing on the ears as Shaan, but she gives him good support and keeps the ambience going. However, the solo remix version of this song really stands out due to the vocals by Amitabh. The singer gives a very soulful rendition of the number and brings out the emotional quotient of the number. The fast arrangements do nothing to take away from the emotions that the song evokes. In fact, it all seems to fall into place very well in this remix solo. A very good effort indeed, specially as he manages to steal the limelight from an accomplished singer like Shaan. 'Dil Mein Junoon' is the next track on the album which sees Zubin of 'Ya Ali' fame take centrestage in this solo. There is something very upbeat about this number the lyrics, the music arrangement, the beat and Zubin's energetic rendering. All the elements seem to fall into place to create a youthful anthem of sorts. Shaan makes an appearance in this album once again with yet another romantic duet, 'Tum Jo Mile,' with Shweta Pandit keeping him company this time round. Unlike the languorous feel of the first duet, this one is a more charged number. Both singers acquit themselves very well and match each other note for note. Kunal Ganjawala sings the next number, 'Namm Nigahon Se', which has a remixed version only. The lyrics and the manner in which the song is rendered contrasts sharply with the manner in which it has been arranged. In fact, it is this clever and innovative use of the arrangements which gives this song a very unique feel and flavour. However, all said and done, even though Ganjawala does a very good job with the vocals, this is not one of those numbers which is likely to catch on. The next number on the album is 'Rangli Se Rangli', which has been rendered by Ali, and has all the heavy duty arrangements like its predecessors, but stands out solely because of its pace and energy. Other than that, there is little one can say about this number. The final track of the album is the title number, 'Fast Forward', which sees the DJ in Sami coming to the fore in full force. He provides the vocals for this number as well, which actually consists mainly of uttering the words 'Fast Forward.' This number should be a sheer pleasure to dance on as it has energy and verve. One is not sure about it being a chartbuster but it is bound to become very popular on the dance floors. The rest of the album consists of some non-filmi dance numbers like, 'Let The Music Play', 'Glassy', 'Rise Up Feat Jaba', 'Rhythm Of The Night', 'Mundiyan To Bach Ke' and 'Nachna Onda Nei', probably added on to give the album a more filled out look. Akbar Sami definitely manages to leave his mark on this album, but it is more as a DJ and in the manner in which arranges the songs, which is his strength as everybody knows. But one feels that he lost an opportunity to prove his worth as a composer. This is a film which is about dance and one would have expected a little more electrifying music from him. Sure, he uses all the contemporary forms of hip-hop etc with some really catchy beats, but it is not enough to make a chartbuster and which is what the music of 'Fast Forward' lacks. It does not have that 'one' number which could draw in the crowds or propel music sales. The highlights of this album are the numbers, 'Taali Bajao'and 'Aankhon Ki Baat' rendered by Amitabh and the final 'Fast Forward' title track.

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