Honestly, this is one of Dutt's best works in terms of script, execution and performance.
Dutt not only looks great but also gives a measured performance.
Rahul Dholakia's direction is first rate, as is his research. But their is also a nehative side to this. The problem is, because the director did such extensive research, he tries to cover too many topics in one film. This could have been avoided to make the film more pertinent and compact.
Besides, there are casting issues. Bipasha Basu is completely miscast. Either Kangana Ranaut or Preity Zinta would have been more convincing as Aziza (the female protagonist).
Kunal Kapoor's weak voice undermines his effort. Anupam Kher, Murali Sharma, Vipin Sharma and Yashpal Sharma are good in their respective roles.
The music by Mithoon is first rate, as are the technical aspects like cinematography, sound and background score.
Unfortunately few people saw Lamhaa. For an audience that loves, and is fed, masala movies this was probably a tad too serious topic to see, let alone understand. The makers were guilty of not promoting the movie well, or taking it to the festival circuit at the least to grab more eyeballs.
It's poor box office performance and consequence lack of adulation notwithstanding, Lamhaa will always remain one of Sanjay Dutt's best films.
P. S. Like he has done throughout his career Salman copied Dutt's look in Lamhaa for Ek Tha Tiger.
