Director: Vivek Agnihotri
Starring: Anil Kapoor, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Irrfan Khan, Emran Hashmi, Tanushree Dutta, Sushma Reddy
Music: Pritam

When most of the North India was facing heavy downpour, the box office was flooded with three films of debutant directors. Ruchi Narayan is trying to win the heart of the audience with the help of his thriller 'Kal- Yesterday and Tomorrow'. Doctor-turned-director Rohit Jugraj is engaged in the battle with the help of newcomers like Mohit Ahlawat and Nisha Kothari.

But, at he is placed another debutant director Vivek Agnihotri who has not one or two but a bunch of seven stars in his film. Vivek Agnihotri is a director that represents generation Z in Bollywood. dHe has certain thoughts about filmmaking and he has nurtured them over the years after watching Hollywood films.

The effect of these Hollywood flicks is apparent in the debut film of Vivek, 'Chocolate', right from the frame one. But, the style is one thing that makes the film work sometimes, but the core is its story. 'Chocolate' is one among the few films that have been promoted very well in this season. Despite its pre-release parties, the result has not been as bright as was expected. Why? Read on to find out.

'Chocolate' is an amalgamation of seven different people from different walks of life. The story is set in London where things are not normal after a festive season. The main protagonist of the story is Krish (Anil Kapoor), a sharp but an egoist lawyer who has excelled in his field with his practice over the years. He has a beautiful associate in Monsoon (Sushma Reddy) who will not hesitate to go beyond her abilities to prove herself.

But, the story ticks off with the Pipi (Irrfan Khan) and Sim (Tanushree Dutta) getting entangled in difficult situations after some bizarre incidents rock London. Krish helps this couple to come out of this adverse situation created by the London police. Then there is Rocker (Suniel Shetty) who is obsessed with Simi. He wants to get Simi anyhow and is ready to face any circumstance. Add Tubby (Arshad Warsi) to that who is a go-getter but a merrier man and you get another twist to the story.

To garnish and finish the recipe of this suspense drama is another hunk Devaa (Emraan Hashmi) whose love for music will make him sing all those songs that he has dreamt of . The stage is set and the action begins. However, this leads to confusion . The pace is broken again and again because of the way the director wants to make you ride this roller costar. The climax is there but till that time one is so tired in understanding the actual plot and mystery that the fun of getting to know the answer loses the effect.

Debutant director Vivek Agnihotri gives the very first impression of being a good technician in his very first frame . He has guts to follow the path that has not been treaded by many in Bollywood. He sets his film in a country that is still a dream for millions of Indians. The setting and the ambience is just right for a thriller story. The curiosities created by the promos on small screen raise the expectations of the audience .

But, the bubble starts sinking minutes after the film rolls on screen. In connecting the story between the present and the past, Vivek goes forward and backward so swiftly that he forgets to take the audience with him most of the time. The confusion starts peeping in. This leads to a sense of discomfort among the audience that is not used to this kind of Hitchcockian treatment to the stories.

Even in films like 'Khamosh' and 'Kanoon', the suspense was not that far-reaching. The curiosity kills the overall impact. The camera work by Attar Singh Saini is marvelous and even the aftereffects are well done. However, the soul of any film is an interesting story line. This is missing in 'Chocolate', and it proves to be the weakest link for the film.

Among actors it is Tanushree Dutta who walks away with all the accolades in 'Chocolate'. Provided she gets some good roles, she can be touted as the next happening thing in Bollywood. She has guts to beat masters of skin shows like Bipasha and Priyanka. Since these two heroines are now opting for serious roles, the spot is vacant for Tanu to walk ahead and claim it. Though Anil Kapoor is very presentable, yet he falls short of the hype that has been created around his character.

He even fails to match his last performances in 'Bewafa' and 'My Wife's Murder'. Arshad Warsi gets camouflaged in the happenings of the movie and Emraan Hashmi fails to leave any sort of impression. It's Irrfan once again who makes his work shine among the crowd . Sushma Reddy too leaves an impression in her debut film. But, on the whole 'Chocolate' is not a very bright proposition at box office, and 'James' is likely to make a heavy dent in its prospects.