| Corrupted superstar and disloyal husband Sameer Khan (Ajay) is living life to the full. He was once a young, ambitious stage-actor known as Ashfaque, whose determined struggle pays off when he gets a break into Hindi movies. Instant box office fame gives him a new name but amid all the adulation and applause, he slowly loses his identity. Corruption takes over, alienating him from all his loved ones and his wife Sneha (Vidya). It is not long before Sameer gets a rude awakening when he witnesses a murder. This incident provokes his conscious to testify in court and bring the culprits to justice. Director Rajkumar Santoshi's supposedly hard-hitting flick reminds you of his previous releases, Damini and Ghayal. With nothing new to offer, Halla Bol concentrates on good triumphing over evil. This story also features a corrupt politician, whose son is accused of the murder. And when Sameer couldn't be bought, his life is put in danger by the politician, leading to one man's fight against the whole system. Having said this, the film does feature some power-packed performances by the lead stars. Ajay Devgan gives an award-winning performance, effectively expressing Sameer's emotions through his eyes. Vidya Balan as the vulnerable and frightened wife, Sneha, impresses in some scenes, although she is mostly relegated to the sidelines. Darshan Dariwal convincingly plays the corrupt politician you would love to hate. Meanwhile, Pankaj Kapoor (as a reformed dacoit Sidhu bringing about an awakening in the masses) catches your eye with his superb acting. A true Bollywood veteran to the core! On the whole Halla Bol (meaning raise your voice) portrays an underlying social message, but will the audiences listen? Only the box office can answer this question in days to come.
Reviewed by Manish Gajjar
BBC Bollywood Correspondent  | 
