Going into the movie, I expected a lot from it. In fact, to be very honest this was only the second movie after Border for which I was waiting so eagerly. This was also my first, first day-first show movie....so the excitement was unparalleled for me, to say the least. And, the movie.....well it was all I thought it would be and much more.....it just could not have been any better. Right from the unparalleled technical quality of the movie, symbolism and metaphors (courtesy screen play assistance of a US university professors and novelist) to the outstanding performances from just about everyone in the movie. This movie is perfect, no flaws whatsoever......and when talking of being flawless, i think we got to talk about Hrithik, the guy is just amazing. I think he is the first and to date only complete actor of Bollywood. The guy is great in every aspect of acting. He looks good, he dances well, and yes he can act as well (surprised, well....trust me its true!!!!)......apart from him, I think Sanjay Dutt has given the performance of his life. Preity Zinta is gorgeous and disarming as always with her natural effervesence in the supporting role of Altaf's childhood love, Sufiya Parvez. And Jackie excels in a brooding and menacing performance which is unfortunately underwritten. (Then again, Jackie always steals the scenery in Vinod's films.) But, the real surprise package of the movie is Sonali Kulkarni. I don't know if this was her first movie or not, but it surely was the first time I saw this amazing talent act on the big screen. I am using the word "act", but in the movie I, not even for second felt that she was acting, it was all so real and natural. Take my word, watch out for her. She, for sure will go a long way. What then to conclude about Mission Kashmir? Yes, it is a must see, and likely one I will watch at least a half-dozen times more in the future. And so it will grow on me, a rare quality for movies which usually fade in their appeal over time. I must commend Vidhu Vinod Chopra for always making films from the heart. The problem remains for him that the average filmgoer wants instant gratification, not a movie that takes time to sink into your system. Let's see if this Mission proves me wrong.
