Review of Hindustan Ki Kasam

Introduction

One of the biggest turkeys in 1999, this film propagates that India is great and that Pakistan should learn how to `love thy neighbour`. With over the top patriotism and over the top performances from the cast, this film lurches into so many clichés seen in similar based themes movies. The ones used in this film however stink.

The film boasted great special effects but this is a total lie as the effects are rather poor and it’s obvious to see how these were achieved. The only good thing about this movie is the high-tech cinematography, which is sadly wasted. The songs seem to be re-hashed out of the 80s, and the performance style also seems to come from that era.

There are many awful scenes in this film. For example when Sushmita Sen wins the Miss Universe contest she talks about India, not herself or how pleased she is about winning the award (neither does she thank the people close to her). She just talks relentlessly about her motherland and this is just one of many embarrassing moments. Another is when Amitabh Bachchan is telling a man off for wrapping the Indian flag around his food because it was hot. His speech during this scene on how people have forgotten their motherland is quite silly and I’d like to name this scene as one of the hammiest I have ever seen in Indian cinema.

The film has too much bias against Pakistani and at times it seems to be propagated like an election campaign. This film will certainly offend people from Pakistan and others too. Isn`t it time the director’s look at other themes in war told stories, other then stating that India is great? The film was a box office flop worldwide, and thankfully so.

Video

Presented in a widescreen aspect ratio of 2.00:1, the film is slightly cropped from its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The cropping problem is not as evident as expected since the frame covers most of the action. It would have been an improvement if the film was presented as the director original intended.

The picture is non anamorphic, and the source used is average. Some film dirt is noticeable in places however they turn out not to be as disruptive. Colour fidelity is a bit strong in places and results in some colour bleeding problems. Film grain is seen during some shots while compression artefacts is visible in a number of scenes. Softness is also a problem and blurs some picture detail.

Audio

The Dolby Digital Hindi 5.1 soundtrack gives us a decent soundfield. Since this is an action film, sound plays an important part in viewing and on this disc it is quite a feat to listen to with many sound effects like bomb-blast and bullets going off in all speakers. The background score is heard in a highly expansive way but are never over the top. The dialogue centre track on the 5.1 track is very clear to listen too. There was some light hissing heard during quieter moments, and is the only displeasing factor of this otherwise good Dolby track.

Features

Extras include a short making of feature, which is mostly an advert for the film. Also a couple of T.V spots can be found as well too. The film has optional English subtitles but they aren`t as smooth, which results in either being too slow or too fast too read. This timing problem would spoil those viewing the film with subtitles.

Conclusion

I personally wouldn`t recommend the film, but for those who want to see it then do rent this DVD before buying. Recommended only for rental (if your really desperate).