The film deals with the topic of ‘illegal immigration’ that has rarely been delved into in bollywood. While the subject is interesting and new, the script and screenplay is below average and the execution too is unsatisfactory. The topic could have had more scope with a better script and execution. The screenplay has a few dramatic moments which are interesting but the rest of the film seems unable to maintain the viewers’ attention. The film also has the topic of ‘illegal immigration’ merged with the real life Malta Boat Tragedy which is also one of the main highlights of the film. But despite these unexplored topics, there are also too man clichéd sub-tracks like romance, song and dance etc which only serve to divert the viewers’ attention. The execution too lacks punch and zest and is also archaic at times. Performances too are not striking enough making the film below average.
Kaafila belongs to the action film genre and the story and execution has been done by Ammtoje Mann. The film stars Sunny Deol, Sana Nawaz, Polina Stoynova, Sudesh Berry etc. The music has been composed by Sukhwinder Singh.
Kaafila depicts the story of various individuals who believe that migrating to the UK will solve all the problems and hardships that they are facing where they currently live. They believe that even if they have to enter the country illegally, it holds a better promise for them. Many agents who make money from sending people abroad through illegal means also convince these people that they have a better future in the UK. These people come from different countries and want to get to the UK and the film depicts the various hardships they face in getting there. Sunny Deol plays a man who helps these travelers in their mission and is their saviour. The sub-tracks include romance some high handed drama and loads of action.
Kaafila’s concept of tackling ‘illegal immigration’ is relatively fresh for bollywood, but the script, screenplay and execution is what takes the film downward. The events, the drama, the emotion etc are tackled in a very archaic manner. The film is filled with stale clichés and the director is unable to portray the concept of ‘illegal immigration’ efficiently to viewers. The travels of the people too seem endless when they land up at one place after the other except their final destination. The song and dance used in the film does not fit in well with the film and its concept. Ammtoje Mann’s direction seems amateurish and the script too seems burdened with sub-tracks giving the main track minimal exposure.
Kaafila is too long in terms of length and the pace too is slow and winding at times. The film should have been better edited and the pace should have been enhanced. The Malta Boat tragedy which is based on a real life incident is depicted fairly but the buildup of the event could have been better. The romantic track only serves as a distraction and does not enhance the film. The music of the film is forgettable, the cinematography was good as one got to see several beautiful locales of Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India etc. The action does not make a mark as it does not have anything novel. Dialogues too are archaic at times.
Performances are over the top at times. Sunny Deol plays the action hero who tries to save the travelers from the cruelties at different places. He has portrayed such a role several times in the past and hence it does not have anything unusual. At times he goes over the top with the action bit. Pakistani actress Sana was fare in her performance and actress Polina barely makes a mark. The rest of the characters often appear loud and over the top in their performances.
Kaafila tries to tackle and deliver a social message that it is perhaps better to live in one’s own country than to opt for illegal migration to another country. Unfortunately the social message takes a backseat in the film and the film moves towards other sub-tracks. The script of the film seems unconvincing and the execution is unsatisfactory. Kaafila does not manage to deliver its social message nor is it able to engross the audiences. A below average effort.
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| Reviewed By: Rachel Fernandes |
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