Sachein(2005)

Or, "How I Learned to Stop Being Close-Minded and Like Vijay".

Prior to watching this film, I wasn't feeling Vijay. I was hesitant to watch any movie in which he starred because I didn't think I could tolerate him. But on a whim, I decided to view Sachein, mainly because I had developed an interest in Genelia D'Souza and wanted to check her out(uh, that didn't come out the way I intended, but whatever). I found Vijay suprisingly likeable, and over time, he grew on me to the point where I wished I hadn't been so quick to write him off.

If I took a shot every time Genelia said "Shut up!", I'd be dead from alcohol poisoning before the movie ended.

Bipasha Basu's brief, inconsequential role still has me wondering why she was cast in the first place. My guess is that the makers felt there "had" to be a rival for Vijay's affections, and they wanted someone who they hoped would draw a large crowd. I'm glad I didn't take a quick nap after the interval; otherwise, I would've missed her.

Linda Arsenio(Kabul Express) is a lousy actress even when you can't hear her speak. However, I must admit, she looked very pretty(but still phoren, in spite of her dark hair and dubbed Thamizh) in the "Vaadi Vaadi" song. If she hadn't decided to try her luck in Bollywood, she probably would've become the go-to firangi item girl in the south.

Despite the slow pace, unnecessary fight scenes, and utter predictability, I liked this movie. You just have to shut off your brain and go along for the ride.