Cast: Saahil Prem, Amrit Maghera, Akhilesh Unnithan, Abhishek Saha, Salah Benlemqawanssa
Director: Saahil Prem
Rating: **
What's it about:
Saahil Prem plays the lead role in this dance based film of an aspiring dancer who wants to represent India in a world dance championship. Of course the task isn't that simple. He needs to get approval for a loan from a bank where we get to watch the entire film as a flashback about his backstory and the struggles he's been through. Set in Sheffield, England the film meanders through the plot early on not quite getting to the dance bits. When it does start it isn't quite what you anticipated. There's also a love interest, racism and friendship angle thrown in the script to keep things moving.
What's hot :
There's this dancer Salah Benlemqawanssa who's to watch out for. He comes in the film towards the second half and climax and is definitely one of the major highlights about M.A.D. Besides him there isn't anyone in particular that will impress as far as dance is concerned. The music is alright with a few catchy tunes that might want you to google up later.
What's not:
If it's a dance film then the dance really needs to be up to the mark. Apart from the final face off in the climax there isn't any act that really stands out. In a time where 'Step Up' and other dance films or shows like 'So You Think You Can Dance' have taken the quality of choreography to another level, this film seems like an amateur attempt in its genre. Saahil seems earnest in most parts but his dancing doesn't really impress us. Especially when he's standing with the ensemble and they all are doing the same moves. The racism bit seems a bit forced and brought in only to make the story more interesting.
What to do:
Watch it if you are curious to see another dance film, otherwise you are better off revisiting the 'Step Up' movies.
