Race - Movie Review

Published: June 9, 2009

By JENNIFER HOPFINGER

Starring Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor, Sameera Reddy

Sexy, stylish, sensational—this movie has it all. The location is exotic, the ensemble cast gorgeous, and the fast-paced plot filled with hairpin turns you never see coming. To top it off, the songs rock!

The story revolves around two brothers, Ranvir and Rajeev (played by Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna), who own a stud farm for racehorses in South Africa. Ranvir is a ruthless businessman and a thrill-seeker—he loves fast cars, fast horses, and fast women. He takes care of his good-for-nothing younger brother, Rajeev—who is a bitter, self-destructive alcoholic—out of pity and treats him with condescension. Ranvir is willing to do anything to get his brother to stop drinking, and Rajeev manipulates Ranvir’s guilt every chance he gets. When Ranvir starts dating a runway model, Sonia (Bipasha Basu), Rajeev decides he wants her, too, and he says he’s willing to clean up his act to be worthy of her, so Ranvir gives her up and clears the way for Rajeev. The confused and hurt Sonia falls for the affectionate Rajeev and they get married. Ranvir’s gorgeous and slavishly devoted secretary, Sophia (Katrina Kaif), worships her boss, and she starts to pique his interest, even though he’s still maddeningly attracted to his new sister-in-law. Poor guy—to be torn between such choices! Meanwhile, Ranvir has other problems to contend with—his stud farm is in major financial trouble and he has to mortgage his assets to stay afloat.

But nothing is as it seems. Sonia and Sophia are women with dark pasts and secret agendas. And even though the brothers act lovingly toward one other, they harbor simmering hatred born of intense sibling rivalry. Their fierce competition eventually turns deadly over an astronomical life insurance policy.

Police inspector Robert D’Costa (Anil Kapoor) and his dingbat assistant Mini (Sameera Reddy) are charged with solving the delicious murder mystery that develops. Although D’Costa appears bumbling at first, he’s quite sly, and while he finds Mini irritating, he’s also got the hots for her. The two provide much-needed comic relief in this darkly intense story.

All the double-crosses keep you guessing—you’re never really sure who’s the villain and who’s on whose side—right up to the end. The actors are required to abruptly shift gears in their characterizations as a result, but each of them does so with smooth relish.

While the story is a little far-fetched at times, Race is one hell of a ride.  

Race is rated Must See.

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