Enthiran: The Robot (Bollywood)

[Preston1990]

If you read my review of "Kites" some time ago, then you'll know I've become quite a fan of Bollywood movies.

So I decided to go and see what is being billed as the most expensive film in the history of Indian cinema yesterday.

“Enthiran: The Robot” tells the story of Dr Vasi and his ultimate creation - an andro-humanoid robot, that starts to develop humanlike feelings. Quite Asimov-like don’t you think!

I was really looking forward to it, as I love science fiction, but I must admit to being a little daunted by its running time of just under 3hrs including the 20 minute intermission. And, it was my second film of the day.

I thought it may be similar to the excellent “I Robot”, and I suppose (very) superficially it was. Unfortunately, and really disappointingly, it’s nowhere near to being in the same league.

I think it is largely the attempted humour in this film that completely ruins it for me. It’s not even sophisticated humour just plain banal. Also, the technology in the film has a cheap and childish look and feel to it – imagine Marineville from Stingray and you wouldn’t be too far off. Combine all those shortcomings with inappropriately timed songs and dances and…. …….. well there you have it. I like my science fiction to be serious and credible – this wasn’t.

Despite seriously wondering if I should cut my losses and leave about an hour in, I decided to stick with it though and did manage to watch it to the end. It did slightly improve part way through but nowhere near enough for my tastes.

Oh, you want to know about the acting performances? Nothing memorable from the any of the cast and a very predictable (a la Astroboy) plot-line as well.

I wanted to love it, but I hated it - It’s a third rate Robot Romcom!

An exhausting 4 out of 10 from me.