Blue - Best in technical, flimsy narration

Banner: Shree Astavinayak Cinevision Ltd

Production: Dhillin Mehta

Direction: Antony D'Souza

Star-casts: Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Zayed Khan, Lara Dutta, Katrina Kaif, Rahul Dev and others.

Music: A.R. Rahman

BLUE : this was the film that made us looking out for a very long time. Perhaps, the most happening chartbusters of A.R. Rahman and vivid promotions by producers had boasted about this Diwali bonanza.

The speculative treasure hunt of three contrary characters is set in the sun-kissing white sand beaches of Bahamas. Dreaded by his father's ghost Saagar (Sanjay Dutt) has made a vow about not reaching the valuable treasure present in '˜LADY IN BLUE' - a ship that drowned before 60 years under the sea. Saagar's close friend Aarav (Akshay Kumar), a rich arrogant tycoon differs a lot with his moralities.. Saagar's brother Sam (Zayed Khan) has managed for rankle - the deadliest mafia gang (lead by Rahul Dev) and his life is put in stake now.

With no options left, the trio ventures for the treasure hunt. First, they've to go through the sharks and then for a hand-in-hand combat with mafia, who're right behind them to grab the treasure.

The adrenaline rush that comes with Blue accelerates as each new chapter unfolds. It begins with a bare handed skirmish with sharks, moves into deep sea diving, reveals the secret of a forbidden treasure and a buried past, flirts with death at the hands of the mafia and goes straight into the treacherous waters again.

Akshay Kumar as a daring young bachelor strides with his adeptness in emoting to the situations. Sanjay Dutt sleepwalks through his role with big belly. How come Antony D'Souza opted Sanju for the role of sea diver? Zayed Khan looks zippy and energetic with mind-boggling stunts over the bike chases. Lara Dutt looks hot and sensuous. She was never spotted so sizzling in any of her previous films.

Rahul Dev's role is much cliched and Katrina Kaif's special appearance is commendable..

A.R. Rahman's musical score is awe-inspiring. Specifically, the songs '˜Chiggy Wiggy' and 'Fiqrana' are most enjoyable tunes...

Pete Zucchini's cinematography is top-notching. He has captured the best underwater sequences. Resul Pookuty's sound is extraordinary over the same quotients.

The screenplay looks flimsy for the first hour, where it nearly takes a hour to establish the characterizations and start the venture of treasure hunt. Akshay Kumar's cloak and dagger attempt of finding the treasure is a special surprise in the climax.

On the whole, 'BLUE' could've been presented yet more finely with narrative aspects. When it comes to technical panoramas, they're stunningly presented. At box office, the film is sure to be a sure-footed Blackhorse'

Verdict: Lives up to your expectations. But doesn't exceed the levels.

Richard Mahesh