PAYBACK - Movie Review : Though below average but at least we get to see a novel plot. (Review By Bobby Sing)

In the last few months we have seen several small films presented before us without any decent publicity or news. Most of these were the first time ventures of their debutant directors who sincerely wished to make it big with their fresh ideas. No doubt, such ventures usually go unnoticed in absence of any magnetic star value or backing of a big production house. And quite often they also fail to deliver on the execution level too. But the one good thing about all these small ventures is that they do come up with many untouched and novel ideas to share which is indeed a welcome change to see and encourage.

PAYBACK too falls in the same category of a low budget project which does not have a known star, a Hit song or any controversial plot to rely upon. The only merit it has got is the interesting story plot to tell which sadly gets a mediocre execution both from its director and the writers. Revolving around the happenings of only one night, the film cannot be called upon a racy thriller as its pace keeps dropping and the narration never brings you on to the edge of your seat. Still, it doesn’t become painful as it keeps the viewer guessing and you never know what’s going to happen next on the screen.

The story deals with an honest character of a boy next door, who wants to pay back truly by helping a man who had once saved his life by taking him to the hospital after a road accident. But the problem arises when the boy comes to know that his god sent helper is actually a hit man working for the underworld. The plot had great potential for a fine entertaining thriller on the lines of Sudhir Mishra’s IS RAAT KI SUBHA NAHIN which also was based on a one night plot. Unfortunately PAYBACK is nothing close to that classic movie and therefore fails to make any kind of impact on the viewer.

Technically its one song number, background score, cinematography and the art direction just serve the purpose and do not provide any kind of support to its well thought and noble plot. Moreover its script and direction further converts it into a very slow paced average product which is not enjoyable at all from any angle.

On the acting front the lead actor, Munish Khan unsuccessfully tries too hard to gain the sympathy of the viewer. Sara Khan is not able to impress as there is no visible romance between the lead pair. Mukesh Tiwari & Gulshan Grover are effective as usual but Hrishikesh Joshi overacts. Zakir Hussain as the helping Hit man is great but I still felt his elaborate performance, somehow less than what he always displays in his small roles in all RGV’s films.

Overall, other than its interesting story line, PAYBACK is not going to pay back any kind of entertainment in return of your ticket money, so better save it for the next week.

Rating : 1.5 / 5