A tale of two contrasting cinematic experiences

TWO movies which released simultaneously in South Africa during the holiday season, were vastly different at opposing ends of the rating spectrum.

- FAKIR HASSEN

THE movie poster for 45.

One was Ikkis (rated 8/10) and the other 45 (rated 4/10).

Both films are still showing on the local circuit.

Ikkis is a refreshing take by director Sriram Raghavanon of what has become a popular theme in Indian cinema - the portrayal of neighbour-ing Pakistan being the source of all terrorism and Indian security, and intelligence always triumphing over them.

By contrast, while still using this theme, /kkis tells a poignant tale of the futility of war, especially in a powerful closing monologue by veteran actor Dharmendra as Indian Brigadier ML Khetarpal in his last screen role. He passed on just weeks before the film’s release.