The much awaited Farhan Akthar-Deepika Padukone thriller Karthik Calling Karthik finally hits the screens. Does this one go all the way in providing some edgy celluloid excitement?
Almost there, but not the whole hog.

The movie begins with some of the regular cliches. An under-confident man Karthik (Farhan Akhtar), his rude boss Mr.Kamath (Ram Kapoor), his pestering landlord and a girl he is enamoured with, Shonali (Deepika Padukone). Frustrated with his life, he locks himself up at home with plans to kill himself, when he gets a call.....from himself.

The movie now sees a new, confident and improved Karthik, who makes all the right moves. His life changes and everything seems to be going great, when one wrong decision changes his fate forever. While the promos focused on the romance between the two main characters, the film is actually more of a su

The first half of the film is pleasant, with a couple of good songs & lightly humourous sequences while in the second half, the film plays on the suspense angle. 20 minutes into the second half & one is totally gripped waiting for the story to unfold. The issue arises in the last 20. While the film clocks in at just about 2 hours, it would do wonders if it were a taut 1hr 40min experience. For the latter portion of the film, it stretches a bit & you wonder when the credits would roll.

The music of the film by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is great & already topping the charts. A special mention for...

good background score by Midival Punditz-Karsh Kale.

Of the performances, all pitch in well. Farhan Akhtar does a great job as the sometimes scared-sometimes suave Karthik. He does his job convincingly. Deepika Padukone looks stunning & does much better than her previous work, giving a spirited performance.
Ram Kapoor surprises with an outstanding portrayal of the angry boss. Shefali Shah is apt in her small bit.

Writer-Director debutant Vijay Lalwani scripts a decent tale & entertains. One feels that with this same story he could have done wonders, had he given it a darker, grittier feel with a more crisp ending.

All in all, KCK is an enjoyable film which does not disappoint. Although not the most terrific, this film shall cater to those looking for a respectable thriller. At the box office, the movie should fare well as it has generated quite some buzz.
Definitely a one-time watch.