Superstar

Superstar (drama)
Cast: Kunal Khemu, Tulip Joshi, Aushima Sawhney
Direction: Rohit Jugraj


SO Kalyug wasn't a flash in the pan. Kunal Khemu once again proves that he's not only a fine actor, but can actually carry a film on his unconventional shoulders. Once again, we have the backdrop of Bollywood to showcase a story of look-alikes who accidentally swap their fortunes in an industry where there is only one god: money. And young Khemu plays the double role with great nuance and restraint, creating two heroes who strike a chord, despite the rambling script and the loose editing.

Kunal No 1 is a wannabe actor who drives his rickety bullet from Borivili to Film City in search of that great role which will make him a mix of Amitabh, Shah Rukh and Salman. Kunal No 2 is the hedonistic son of a producer who pumps in all the money he has to create a superstar out of his son. But the beta is a bumbling, non-performing actor who jives his way through his sad little life, while his look-alike (Kunal No 1) doubles in for all the difficult parts. However, the junior artist soon finds his role expanding and his own life disappearing after a pact he signs with the producer. The lure of becoming a superstar weans him away from his loved ones, leaving him locked up in a lonely castle where the rain is artificial, even though the Rolex is pure gold.

Watch the film for its moments and its performances. Director Rohit Jugraj (he directed James) handles the emotional sequences with great restraint, while Kunal Khemu touches your heart in both the roles: as the middle-class boy with stars in his eyes and the poor little rich boy who celebrates his birthday alone.