Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Sachiin Joshi, Sunny Leone
Director: Kaizad Gustad
Yes, the promos of 'Jackpot' appeared soaked in fun, but the film turned out to be an attempted noir, which tries to establish some reverse con-artists as normal human beings. Unfortunately, the coolness of these characters gets lost somewhere in the proceeding, and what remains is an average story with a lot of latent potential.
Boss (Naseeruddin Shah) is the proud owner of a floating casino where Maya (Sunny Leone) works. Kaizad Gustad draws his inspiration from Hollywood and thus his Goa men look strikingly similar to Las Vegas crooks. Of course, the tone and texture are Indian-ised, but that was probably not enough. Invariably, Indian filmmakers took refuge in Goa if they have to create a world of greedy-motivated youngsters. As usual, they have read it wrong and the characters keep taking jibes on each other without realising that they are dampening the overall mood. Plus, plots get so lethargic towards the climax that the audience start anticipating the repetition. Interestingly, one character in the film says, "Kaam nahi karna crime hai kya? Fir toh aadhe Goa ko jail me daalna padega."
Maya introduces Francis (Sachiin Joshi) to Boss, and together they go on to prove that there is no one who is 'Boss ka Baap'. Sound random, then it's reflecting the film. Some more players join the game and then begins a game which is more funny than dangerous, ok I got it. It's dangerously funny.
One thing is for sure that the actors were actually not aware of the film's complex script because their approach towards the story is casual. The screenplay has a non-linear structure and in such a scenario the actors need to understand the back and forth movement of the central conflict. Kaizad Gustad opens the story with a smartly shot and edited sequence but a lot of emphasis on treatment makes 'Jackpot' a confused thriller. Gustad's unique style of filmmaking stands out, but it pushes the story to lose the drama element. It's not a bad thing as far as the direction is concerned because it sets up the tempo, but a film requires a plot around which the audience can build up an imaginary world. I will give Kaizad Gustad full marks for experimenting something new, but his basic theme lacks hook points. The pace of 'Jackpot' helps him as it is hardly 100 minutes long.
The costume and get-up of Naseeruddin Shah is as abstract as the climax of 'Jackpot'. I am sorry to say but the long rope like hairstyle doesn't do him any good. Further the dialogues which he has delivered in a husky voice are not likely to go down well with everyone.
At least, I don't have any doubt about Sunny Leone's glamour quotient. She is naturally hot and elegant, and that makes me surprised about her shots in close ups. I can still understand extreme close ups during songs but why do you need to do so when the camera is tilt up and slanted at a not-so-feasible angle.
Those who are into European films would understand that the directors are tempted to present their views on certain socio-political issues via witty one-liners, but that requires a good set up and perfect timing.
To me, the real winner of the film is its cinematographer Artur Zurawski. His frames are fantastic and capture the Goa landscapes beautifully.
I am actually happy with Sunny Leone. She doesn't waste time in acting and immediately starts doing what was expected from her.
Overall, you need be a little patient to sit through it, and your appreciation for the film will depend on your taste.
Rating: 1.5 out of 5.####
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