Director: Anthony D'Souza
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutta, Zayed Khan


'Blue' happens to be one of the most eagerly awaited films of 2009. There were several reasons for that. Akshay Kumar's track record for hits, a mammoth budget, Resul Pookutty (of 'Slumdog' fame) sound design, out of the world cinematography, Kylie Minogue's 'Chiggy Wiggy' number, Lara Dutta's enhanced levels of daring, debutante director with a lot of promise and so on. Well……. some of that works and some don't.


Surprisingly, we are not surprised. Too many expectations have never been good for anything. And honestly, 'Blue' actually did have a number of things about which we were somewhat sceptical from the very beginning. Take Sanjay Dutt for instance. Did you really think (posters did not help any) that he would look the part, of an agile and able underwater diver that is. And it is not even his fault this time. Neither does it work in his favour that Lara Dutta, paired opposite him in the movie is looking her fittest best, even in designer swimwear. She does not have a meaty role by the way, and it was sort of an injustice to her efforts when the cameras kept rolling over other Bahamas beauties with equal fervour.


'Blue' is a story of Sagar and Aarav (a neat ploy to use the tattoo AK has etched on his body for his son). Sam, played by Zayed Khan is Sagar's brother who at times, wears a motorcycle and at other times wears a dive suit. Looks good on him, as he does not have a paunch like his brother. Apart from these, the film has a kidnap that serves as the trigger to set off the underwater treasure hunt, the inevitable Bangkok Mafia (represented by Rahul Dev), Katrina Kaif and some amount of sharks. (I am not going to reveal anymore of the story. There are people who read movie reviews at 3 AM in the morning instead of watching the movie and curse me for ruining their pleasures of guessing).


A major part of 'Blue' is shot in the Bahamas. The much hyped shark sequences are disappointing after the initial few shots though the camerawork and lighting under the water surely deserve unreserved praise. Underwater cinematographer Pete Zuccarini of 'Pirates of the Caribbean' fame captures the beauty of the ocean with unmatched brilliance. The action under the water gets a tad ludicrous as both AK and Sanjay Dutt actually ride on the poor sharks. Nobody associated with the making of the movie seems to have seen 'Jaws'.


At the end of the day (or movie) you will definitely feel that with all the ingredients present, the movie should have had a much stronger screenplay. It acts like the salt in a dish. No matter how much or how many exotic items you add in your recipe, you will ruin it if you don't add salt. 'Blue' is not devoid of salt, but something is wrong with the quantity. The story is not taut enough to hold interest in this kind of plot. But yes, there are redeeming elements too. Anthony D'Souza may just get it right the next time.


It is a good watch if not a must watch. If you are really interested in the mysteries that lie beneath the ocean-surface, tune in to Discovery channel at times. If you are interested in a coastal life of luxury, tune in to 'Travel and Living' instead. Or you can watch 'Blue'.