Hindi Movie Review- Company
 

Company, from start to finish, is anything but feel-good cinema. There are no Swiss Alps, no Tommy Hillfiger, not even an irritating comedy routine from Johny Lever. Instead of being treated to eye candy, we see the underworld from a grey looking glass, one that makes everything in the film seem gritty and dark. Here comes a harsh slice of reality from Varma.

Company is about Chandu (Vivek Oberoi) a young man raised in the slums by an encouraging and supporting mother (Seema Biswas) who desires a life of wealth and fame. He finds solace and friendship in Malik (Ajay Devgan), who introduces the boy to a life of crime. On their odyssey of crime and murder, the two men fall in love, Malik with the street-smart and spirited Saroja (Manisha Koirala), while Chandu begins seeing Kannu (Antara Mali). The two buddies get rich quick and, before you can even blink, distance themselves from the life of Mumbai crime to Hong Kong, leaving behind associates and underlings to handle the dirty work. Life is roses overseas for Chandu, Malik and their respective others, until anger rips the bond of friendship between our two protagonists apart.

The film is fine as it is, but could´ve been enhanced with a shorter running time. Another flaw in the film is, perhaps, the overuse of Mumbai slang and dialect, giving the film a limited appeal to those not familiar with Mumbai. Satya had the same problem, as did Mazhar Khan´s Gang. Perhaps more of a universal Hindi dialect would have worked in favor of the film.

Production values are worth a mention. Varma has taken his large budget and has put it to good use. Instead of doing what most big-budget film producers do (Silly song-damce sequences in Egypt and Alaska, etc.), Varma has used the money in the technical departments, giving the film a very unique look, as well as creating an important atmosphere for the story. Nowhere does Varma interrupt with mindless comedy or unnecessary romance. He keeps the regular Hindi film conventions at a minimum. After Jungle, Kaun, Satya, Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya, Rangeela, Mast, and Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega (He produced it, didn´t direct it), Varma has brought his audience yet another innovative and enjoyable film. Company should prove to be a sound investment of time and effort for all those involved. Ajay Devgan and Manisha Koirala´s erratic career graphs can, perhaps, boast of another hit, as they are bound to be appreciated in their respective roles. Vivek Oberoi is bound to have many takers once producers take notice of Company.