The director’s have proved when it comes to thrillers no one in this genre can beat them. With Khiladi, Baazigar, Humraaz, Race might just add in these lists of hits. The screenplay by Shiraz Ahmad is good at times but at times it loses. But the duo directors make things complicated and shock the viewers with lot of twists and turns and makes the viewers wonder why did certain characters team up to plot against others.

As far as the acting goes Saif Ali Khan looks stylish smart and carries the character efficiently watch out the dialogue where he expresses his winning-losing to his brother and on the outcome of betrayal where he blows-up his jockeys car. Akshaye Khanna as his his brother does really well the duo director bring out the best of negative traits in Akshaye Khanna. The wickedness in Akshaye is well expressed with his smile. Bipasha Basu her histronics haven’t been really tapped but she looks great and glamorous in the film with splendid costumes. Katrina Kaif isn’t a great actress but when compared to her previous films she has improved dramatically and carries the secretary role of Saif with elegance and ease.

The weakest link are Anil Kapoor and Sameera Reddy who make an entry at the interval stage. Anil Kapoor as cop is okay but dusky and buxom Sameera Reddy has nothing to do in the film then ask stupid questions to Anil Kapoor. Johnny Lever comes in one scene and impressed with his spontaneous comic timing. The true winner of the film is action director Allan Amin whether its his action or stunt scenes which totally justify the title of the film. Allan Amin is the true star of the Race. Music of the film by Pritam is good especially the title song Race with Saif and Bipasha and the slow number Pehli Nazar with Akshaye and Bipasha.

On the whole Race isn’t the best thriller from Abbas-Mustan’s stable. But the action and the unexpected twists in the plot is sure to keep you hooked on to your chairs completely. This flick is sure to appeal to the masses as well as classes and is certainly a hit at the box-office. But will Race become a superhit or blockbuster? It looks higly unlikely. Race deserves a three star rating from the audiences.
Raghu Chandra Parsa (Mumbai)