Reviewer's Rating 2 out of 5
Koi Aap Sa (Someone Like You) (2005)
12aContains moderate sexual assault

Having been sidelined in supporting bollywood roles of late, Aftab Shivdasani makes a concerted effort to re-establish himself as a leading man with Koi Aap Sa. Sadly his valiant efforts are wasted in Partho Mitra's frothy but flimsy rom-com which sees him playing Rohan, a college football captain who's torn between the love for his childhood pal Simran (Natassha) and girlfriend Priti (Dipannita Sharma). Boasting less action and more dribble than a Sunday league game for the over 80s, this film shoots but fails to score.

Life really is a game of two halves for Rohan (Shivdasani). On the pitch he's a hero but off it he's a wimp, particularly when it comes to the ladies. It's only through the help of childhood pal Simran (Natassha) that he is able to woo sexy art student Priti (Sharma). While at first Rohan and Simran's platonic friendship is a source of amusement, an unfortunate incident leaves both Priti and Simran's fianc茅 Vicky (Himanshu Malik) questioning their integrity. Yes, it's that old chestnut again. Can a man and woman really be friends without sex getting in the way?

"OVER-RELIANCE ON STALE SCENARIOS"

In today's day and age it should be possible, and that's exactly what Koi Aap Sa tries to get across. But in Bollywood's candy-coated world of fluffy toys, red roses and campus crushes, there's always an ulterior motive at play, especially when there's an evil villain lurking obviously in the background. And it's precisely this that lets the film down. The script's over-reliance on stale scenarios - the bumbling first date, chaotic prom night, over-protective parents - transform what could have been a fresh take on the complexities and consequences of young love into a corny set piece.

In Hindi with English subtitles.

End Credits

Director: Partho Mitra

Writer: Mahesh Pandey

Stars: Aftab Shivdasani, Natassha Sharma, Dipannita Sharma, Himanshu Malik

Genre: Bollywood, Romance

Length: 141 minutes

Cinema: 14 October 2005

Country: India

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