8 x 10 Tasveer (2009)

It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Nagesh Kukunoor gave us great stuff like IQBAL and DOR and then craps like BOMBAY TO BANGKOK and this filmHe tried to be commercial in this film and signed Akshay too and plus made it such a big ventureLooking at the first look itself i felt this will be a comeback for AkshayThe film has a good plot but it's badly handled and also the concept comes too close to AA DEKHE ZARAThe suspense element keeps you involved first but then the constant flashback and back to present day jars and gets boringThere are several loopholes too The worst part is the finale which looks too sudden and unconvincing The concept is done to death before in films and comes across too filmyDirection by Nagesh is crap Music is okayCamera-work is decentAkshay Kumar does his role as Jai well though at times his delivery isn't good, it sounds fake but he is great As Jeet he repeats his KHILADI 420, AFLATOON act and he is better but it gives a been there seen that feeling Ayesha Takia is okay Javed Jaffrey is good Sharmila Tagore and the rest are okay

Among the current generation of Indian film directors. Nagesh Kukunoor happens to be one of my favourites. I believe his 'Dor', 'Teen Deewarein' and 'Iqbal' are some of the best India has produced in recent times. Coming to the movie at hand, I have noticed that most share a love-hate feeling about '8 X 10 Tasveer', either it is overly praised or highly trashed. I would put it below average but it's not all that bad. However, it is Kukunoor's worst to date.'8 X 10 Tasveer' is a well-made film in terms of use of filming equipment. I liked the novel concept where a man can solve cases just by looking at a photograph. I think Kukunoor would have benefited far more if he had mentioned the concept to Hollywood, NBC, etc because it's an excellent idea for a TV-series. Kukunoor's story is a mess and the revelation in the end is a downright Bollywood cliché. This may remind one of Akshay Kumar's 'Khiladi 420' (Okay, it's not that bad but there is a resemblance in the story). Then of course there are too many plot holes and loose ends (for example, why on earth would a doctor advise parents to remove every memorabilia of their child and how exactly did that make Jai better?). Moreover, the movie moves at a very lethargic pace.The visuals, especially of the stunning Canadian landscape is enticing. The cinematography is amazing too and the background score works for most parts but at times (especially with that electric guitar track) sounds unfittingly awkward.Akshay Kumar does a wonderful job for the most parts. In a few sequences his dialogue delivery is awful but otherwise he proves that he can act very well and that directors need to use the actor in him more than the star. Ayesha Takia is passable. Sharmila Tagore has a strong presence. Girish Karnad is wasted. Clearly he either did this as a favour to Kukunoor or for money. Javed Jaffrey starts off irritating the viewer but he gradually grows on.Kukunoor has headed slightly downward with 'Bombay To Bangkok' (which itself isn't a bad film but it is not in the league of his best works) and with '8 X 10 Tasveer' he seems to steep lower. 'Hope he manages to make up for it with his next movie by making something with heart instead of sucking up to Bollywood conventions (of which this NRI thriller is a prime example).

From this year, I have observed that the Hindi cinema is taking a new leaf, more realistic, strong scripted and less dreamy story line, all in all its good to watch some really good movies in 2009. Way to go Bollywood.....Coming to the movie, from the start it will take you inside more deeply with every scene and your mind starts to think what could be the end? I definitely say the direction is way too good and every time he goes into the picture, you urge for one more second to find out the suspense. However, the sound effects could be better.Akshay has done a fantastic job i think he should have to look forward for some serious roles and just have to take a step back from his comedy stature. Javaid has fulfilled the character requirement and the rest are good. Ayesha Takia was'nt of much impact in her role. The movie is a good way to spend a Saturday night and believe me you will enjoy.

one of the best thrillers ever to come up in recent years.I just wonder about the stupidity of Indian critics who just tried to play down this movie.this movie ain't a work of art and it is not intended to as kukunoor's other's film. it's a plain thriller that keeps u on the edge.To start with the the script of the film is superb.it written by kukunoor himself.as some critics have pointed out,there are some loopholes for example the character of Jeet is not well defined.how he gets to Canada befriends sheila etc remains unanswered. all this are however overshadowed by Kukunoor's slick direction.he controls the characters very well with is apt treatment.cinematography,background score are of top notch quality.performance wise Javed Jaffrey as Happi happy with an i is superb.he steals the show handsdown!. as for Akshay Kumar one expects a better performance from him as Jai.However the real hero of the film is Nagesh kukumoor.one of the most important faces of Indian cinema, is the real hero of the film. I just hope that good sense prevails over the critics and in near future they don't come up with their trash and dump over films like this.IF RAB NE BANA DI JODI DESERVES 2 STAR BY RAJEEV MASAND , AND 3 STAR KHALED MOHAMMAD 8 X 10 DESERVES 10 / 10.