Johny Mera Naam

JOHNY MERA NAAM is a superbly amusing action thriller that, right from its banger musical score to the production design right down to the story beats, evokes the vibrancy and nostalgia of 1970s Bollywood. Vijay Anand borrows some elements from his previous classic JEWEL THIEF to craft this equally captivating tale that's filled with smugglers, secret identities, long-lost family members, compelling romance, enticing Bollywood-style melodrama, harmless comedy and engrossing plot filled with thrills and phenomenal performances. The most impressive thing is that the film juggles everything with awesome panache, and even though there is a lot going on, the great direction and amazing pace makes sure that everything remains fairly simple to follow. I have already said it, but again, this film's album is terrific. The due of Kalyanji and Anandji made the album by fusing western style with Indian instruments, and in process created one of the most unique and timeless music in Bollywood history.

While not a groundbreaker in any sense, but a wonderful screenplay, gritty atmosphere, polished action choreography and giving a modern aesthetic to the action-thriller genre in the industry, this film more than earns its status as a classic of Bollywood.