The film starts with a horrific accident showing a car going over a cliff. There were two survivors in the accident. Rich business tycoon Nikhil(Arjun Rampal) and his wife Simar(Priyanka Chopra). While Simar has managed to escape the crash with a few minor changes, Nikhil has suffered some major injuries and his face has been fully scarred. He also has amnesia and has forgotten all about his life before the accident...
Nikhil is cured by doctors who reconstruct his face but it is upto Simars love and guidance now to show Nikhil back to his life and help him remember the past. Nikhil meets his old friends and business accquaintances( Kim Sharma, Ankur Nayyar) and on face value everything seems hunky-dory. But slowly confusion starts mounting as Nikhil hears contrasting stories about his past from everyone around him. He is struck by some strange images and vividly terrifying flashbacks which indicate that something is not right....but what is it?To make matters worse he also finds out that his wife was having an affair with a man named Kabir...
He enlists the help of a detective (Saurabh Shukla), and takes off on a dangerous journey to uncover his mysterious past...the deeper he goes the more he realises that his entire life is filled with lies and deceit...what is the truth? And who should he trust? YAKEEN provides the answers.
In terms of a story writer Vikram Bhatt has clearly ripped off the Wolfgang Petersen film SHATTERED which starred Tom Selleck. Not everyone will remember but the film has already been remade into Hindi once with Puru Raj Kumar enacting the main role-but the handling was so amateurish and performances turgid that the film is best forgotten. The story itself in the orignal version is full of loopholes and Bhatt has carried those loopholes over to the Hindi version as well. The screenplay of the movie is good and the film is laced with tense moments which keep the viewer hooked to their seat. The first half is like a fast roller coaster ride filled with unpredictable twists. One wishes that the pre-climax and climax were better written as they lack the impact of the rest of the film.
Girish Dhamija has been associated with the Bhatt camp for a long time. He was the associated director for SANGHARSH and DUSHMAN where he assisted Tanuja Chandra, wrote the dialogues for DUSHMAN, ZAKHM, KASOOR, FOOTPATH and AETBAAR and also the story for the super-hit RAAZ as well. The talented man now directs his first full fledged film and for the most succeeds in making a enjoyable and fast paced thriller. YAKEEN keeps the viewers glued to their seats right from the very start. The first half is moves at rocket speed and is laced with exciting moments which keep the viewer guessing. The second half on the other hand lacks intensity as the film tends to drag a little and the pace slows right down too. The pre-climax when the suspense is revealed does take the viewer by surprise-although the climax is a letdown. The characterisation in the fim is also poor. The film moves at such a fast pace that the characters never really get a chance to develop. The entire film has a Vikram Bhatt touch to it throughout which is hardly surprising considering that Dhamija is a Bhat protege. But at times one feels that Dhamija is copying Vikram Bhatts style of directing rather than being inspired. All up a good effort by Dhamija-but definetly room for improvements and he needs to choose a better script next time.
In terms of performances the film is OK.
Arjun Rampal delivers a commendable performance in a complex role. The actor has earlier delivered two worthy performances already in VAADA and ELAAN and YAKEEN too can be added to the list. He is no doubt improving with every film. His facial expressions have improved remarkably since his earlier films. The only fault I still find with Rampal is at times he comes across as wooden and his delivery is still slightly monotone which is the same problem I have with Bobby Deol.
Priyanka Chopra gives yet another fantatsic performance. The actress has been going from strength to strength with boxoffice hits(MUJHSE SHAADI KAROGI, WAQT) and great performances(KARAM, AITRAAZ). She is choosing to experiment with the sort of roles she signs, and YAKEEN ranks as yet another accomplished performance for Miss Chopra who portrays her part with thorough efficiency. Her facial expressions and delivery are fantastic and she has a hammer strong impact in the pre-climax.
The supporting cast all suffer due to poor characterisation and don't have much to do.
Kim Sharmas role is minimal and she fails to leave a impact
Sudhanshu Panday is poor in his small role, one wishes the role had gone to a more established actor.
Saurabh Shukla impresses as always in his part.
Technically the film is a slick product-though not one of the best one has seen in recent times.
The camerawork by Anushuman Mahaley is functional. The film lacks the creative camera angles needed for a film of this genre.
Editing by Kuldeep Mehan is good and the action by Abbas Ali Moghul too is of good standard.
Music by Himmesh Reshammiya is melodious although not chartbusting. The songs are easy on the ears when they are playing in the movie-but once the film is finished the viewer won't remember the music as it lacks the everlasting impact of Reshammiyas past albums like HUMRAAZ and TERE NAAM. "MERI AANKHON MEIN HO TUM" is the pick of the lot. The songs have also been placed appropriately hence they don't hinder the films pace too much.
All up YAKEEN is a flawed thriller which is watchable mainly due to the performances of its two leading players as well as a rivetting first half and interesting story. The film is worth a dekkho once on DVD on a rainy afternoon...but don't expect anything mindblowing.
Final Rating: * * * ¼
