ABCD – Any Body Can Dance (2013) Movie Review

2013, ABCD – Any Body Can Dance (2013), Movie Review,

{[['']]}

ABCD – ANY BODY CAN DANCE’s biggest strength lies in the variety of dances that Remo presents to the spectators. Where the film falters is in its skeletal plotline, although writer Tushar Hiranandani comes up with several knockout sequences. But there’s no denying that the screenwriting deviates into the conventional and foreseeable zone in the second hour. The curse of the second half [most films run out of steam in the post-interval portions] looms large here too, as Remo resorts to clichés to carry the story forward. Besides, the film is stretched by at least 15/20 minutes. Thankfully, the narrative gathers steam once again towards the closing portions and the dance competition in the finale is simply breathtaking.
The comparisons with F.A.L.T.U. would be foolhardy, since the two films belong to diverse genres, but Remo shows ample growth and confidence as a storyteller in ABCD – ANY BODY CAN DANCE. A few emotional and dramatic moments are the mainstay of the enterprise, while the sequences featuring the dancing talent are attention-grabbing as well. The real test lies in making the dancers [new talent] act. The gamble of casting dancers in pivotal parts seems to have worked, since most of them take to their parts with confidence.
Sachin-Jigar create a winsome soundtrack for the film, complimenting the theme of the movie. ‘Bezuban’ is, without a shred of doubt, the pick of the lot and its choreography is breathtaking. Also, the track during the end credits, featuring greats such as Saroj Khan, Prabhu Dheva, Ganesh Acharya and of course, Remo, is another crackling number. The Ganeshotsav song in also stays with you. The choreography of each song and dance piece deserves distinction marks. It’s truly inventive and pop out from all kinds of places. The camerawork is perfect, while the 3D may seem gimmicky at times, but accentuates the impact of several scenes, especially the dance pieces.
Prabhu Dheva returns to the acting arena after a hiatus. Regarded as the dance legend by many, Prabhu is, expectedly, incomparable in dances, but the good news is that he handles the dramatic scenes well too. It’s all the more significant since he’s pitted against no less than Kay Kay Menon, a tremendous talent. Kay Kay is, as always, natural to the core, essaying his part with flourish. Ganesh Acharya is a revelation. He’s efficient in a significant role.
The film introduces several new talents on the big screen, but Dharmesh, Salman and Punit Pathak catch your eye the most. Lauren Gottlieb is alright.
On the whole, ABCD – ANY BODY CAN DANCE has some incredible, eye-popping dances as its soul. While the template may be conventional — the triumph of the underdog — the film has its share of moments that stay with you, especially the concluding portions of the film. Decent watch!