Aashayein (2010)

A man meets with assorted characters in a nursing home after being diagnosed with cancer.

Director:

Nagesh Kukunoor

Writer:

Nagesh Kukunoor

Stars:

John Abraham, Anaitha Nair, Girish Karnad

Cast

Credited cast:
John Abraham	...	Rahul Sharma / Bhaskar Suryanarayan
Anaitha Nair	...	Padma / Bangal Alavelu Padmavati
Girish Karnad	...	G. Parthasarthi
Farida Jalal	...	Madhu
Prateeksha Lonkar	...	Sister Grace
Ashwin Chitale	...	Govinda
Sonal Sehgal	...	Nafisa
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Vipin Bhali	...	Hassan
Poonam Chitale	...	Govinda's Mother
Arjun Dhanraj	...	Molotov Cocktail Band
Keshav Dhanraj	...	Molotov Cocktail Band
Elahe Hiptoola	...	Dale
Vikram Inamdar	...	Xavier
Dixita Jain	...	Girl on Street
Nagesh Kukunoor	...	Rao

Storyline

Aashayein is the story of Rahul (John Abraham), a gambler. He collapses down just after his long-time girlfriend Nafisa(Sonal Sehgal) accepts his marriage proposal. Later, on medical check-up, it is revealed that Rahul has got Lung Cancer, presumably by his smoking habits, and that he has got only 3 more months to live.

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Plot Keywords:

bollywood | one word title | title from song | 

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Taglines:

Prepare for life

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

India

Language:

Hindi English Marathi

Release Date:

27 August 2010 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Percept Picture Company, Reliance Big Pictures, SIC Productions

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film's title is inspired by the song "Aashayein" from Nagesh Kukunoor's film Iqbal (2005).

User Reviews

Dreams Should Never Die

After the horrendous '8 x 10 Tasveer', Nagesh Kukunoor is back on track. Even though I was a bit skeptical seeing that Kukunoor has been going downhill since 'Bombay to Bangkok' and the casting of John Abraham in the lead role didn't sound very promising but I was wrong. 'Aashayein' is a heartfelt down-to-earth little film about a young man who, after being diagnosed with cancer, admits himself to a hospice, leaving behind the life he once knew (that includes a fiancée), only to find a new one. The premise sounds familiar but don't be fooled. This isn't another 'Anand' or 'Dasvidaniya'. Yet, Kukunoor doesn't shy away from showing who he's influenced by as he wisely makes references to classics like 'Anand' and 'Indiana Jones'. The Indiana Jones dream sequences are quite well executed. The songs, including the Shreyas Talpade item number, fit in well.

The setting of the hospice is quite beautiful. Hindi films usually depict hospitals and other medical centres as this cold, impersonal place where the ill are ignored or treated without affection. Thankfully Kukunoor sheds a positive light and hopefully there are more such options for people in India. In addition, I also liked how Kukunoor briefly depicts the struggle encountered by the medical staff in order to run the place.

John Abraham's performance may not be flawless but it's the best work he's done to date. Hot Sonal Sehgal has good screen presence. Girish Karnad, Prateeksha Lonkar and Farida Jalal provide great support. I would have liked to see more of the lovely Jalal as her character was very interesting. Finally, the star of 'Aashayein' is Anaitha Nair who steals every scene she's in with a commendable performance. I would like to see more of this actress cast in such significant roles in good films.

'Aashayein' may have its share of flaws but it manages to win the heart of the viewer and I hope, from this movie on, Kukunoor stays on track instead of stumbling with the likes of '8 x 10 Tasveer'.