Aaja Nachle

Director: Anil Mehta
Producer: Aditya Chopra
Starring: Madhuri Dixit, Akshaye Khanna, Konkona Sen Sharma, Kunal Kapoor, Ranvir Shorey
Music: Salim-Sulaiman
Lyrics: Jaideep Sahni, Piyush Mishra

It's not only Makbul Fida Husain who booked the whole theater for his favorite actress, but there are millions of other die hard fans of Madhuri Dixit who are equally anxious to watch her in 'Aaja Nachle'. Not only the moviegoers but the whole entertainment industry is waiting to see the crispy and spicy Madhuri in her old style!
The credit goes to Yashraj Films for the marvelous job of bringing back the 1-2-3 girl to movies. Yes, world famous painter Husain booked the entire theater in the UAE for his friends to watch his favorite actress latest flick.
The capital of India wasn't far behind Husain when the whole city turned mad to welcome its ever smiling and dancing star on the anniversary of Ansal Plaza held recently in south Delhi. Kunal Kapoor who plays opposite Madhuri in 'Aaja Nachle' was the toast of the lovely girls who lined up at the Plaza. He volunteered himself to spend time with them.
'Aaja Nachle' revolves around Dia (Madhuri Dixit), a small town girl who grows up in Shamli, but is one of those people who refuse to be tied down. And she has one great passion, what else except that of dance. Her parents don't seem to understand her at all. Luckily for her, she has a mentor, a guru, who gives wings to her dreams and gives her the courage to soar. Acting on a whim she breaks all ties with her parents and takes off for New York.
Despite a failed relationship, she rebuilds her life and is happily settled in New York. After nearly a decade, an unexpected phone call shakes Dia out of her dance rehearsal in New York. Makarand (Darshan Zariwala), her teacher (her guru) is dying and she must return to Shamli, the town where she grew up, she learnt to live and to dance. Also the town she left on an impulse, severing ties with her parents and her people.
She comes back but it's a troubled return for Madhuri. She has not only lost her guru but the institution that the he had so lovingly nurtured is in decay and under threat of demolition. Ajanta theatre, the once vibrant hub of the community, the place where Dia's fondest memories are embedded must now be brought down because the local political authorities describe it a waste of prime real estate.
With the help of Doctor (Raghubir Yadav), the caretaker of Ajanta, Dia sets out on a mission to prevent the destruction and resurrect the spirit of Ajanta.
In an atmosphere of mistrust, ridicule and active hostility, Dia picks up the gauntlet and agrees to achieve the near impossible task of putting together a theatrical production. She also ensures that every member of the production is from Shamli town. She has only two months to prove her point otherwise the bulldozers would do their jobs.
In this context begins her tumultuous journey of dealing with small town prejudices, encountering the resentment of the powerful contractor, the cynicism of the local political powers, resolve the delicate tensions of inter personal relationships and rally her motley team of non starters - a low level muscle Imran (Kunal Kapoor), the local tomboy Anokhi (Konkona Sen), local ex-MLA Chaudhary Om Singh (Akhilendra Mishra), a vulnerable tea stall owner Mohan Sharma (Ranvir Shorey), a responsible government official Mr. Chojar (Vinay Pathak), a struggling insurance agent Sanjeev Mehta (Jugal Hansraj), the town vagabond Dhankuber (Nowaz) and a host of others. She must save Ajanta in order to preserve what her guru so lovingly nurtured. She must create art in order to preserve what she believes is the soul of society.
'Aaja Nachle' is a movie by Madhuri and for Madhuri. After going through so many projects the bollywood's 1-2-3- girl chose the script of 'Aaja Nachle'. What's the reason behind this is only Madhuri can tell, but for the movie goers wouldn't mind if we say that Madhuri wants to make her comeback with a big banner like that of Yash Raj Films.
Incidentally, the Yashraj banner has also given the director's chair to cinematographer-turned-director Anil Mehta. Is Madhuri aware that this is the first film of Anil Mehta as director and if she knows then how she agrees to work with a debutant director and that too in her comeback in the industry after five years' hibernation.
For making a movie successful at the box office needs a good and bundled script but here Yashraj's 'Aaja Nachle' lacks behind. Besides, the music part is another weak point for 'Aaja Nachle'. Yashraj comes with two-three hit numbers like the titled track 'Aaja Nachle' and 'Show me your Jalwa' to get the audience into the theater.
Now, acting-wise Madhuri comes up with her 100 per cent. After seeing the performance of Madhuri, the audience is fully assured that she is still Madhuri or rather a better Madhuri this time!
Konkana Sen Sharma and Kunal Kapoor have a better chance now after getting an acting class from Rituparno in 'Laga Chuni Mein Daag' . In fact, Kunal looks well polished in this movie. Other stars too have given their best according to the script's demand.
Technically, the movie is good and up to the mark. Having a good experience in cinematography, Anil has tried his level best and has been successful in that mission. On the whole 'Aaja Nachle' hangs between average and good prospects. Anyway, Madhuri still rocks! Isn't it?