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Post 2002 should undoubtedly be called as the Renaissance of Bollywood films.The audience had become more sophisticated, the theaters have turned into multiplexes, and young film makers dole up some sprightly fresh material to the screen.

Kunal Shivdasani's film Hijack is another film that visits Bollywood's uncharted territory - terrorism on a plane. Although this concept has been used in Hollywood as many times as the hair on Arjun Rampal's head, it definitely is something new for the average Indian public.

There are two things that make an action movie really exciting, a plane hijack and snakes. This film tackles the former, and fairly well at that. The plot is pretty straightforward. Shiney Ahuja is a ground maintenance officer at Chandigarh Airport... and (ironically) his daughter boards a plane that is hijacked by five terrorists... and Mr Ahuja comes to the rescue. Throw in a dash of tight action sequences, a spoonful of stellar stunts and a hot heroine, along with the usual unnecessary songs and sad attempts at comedy.

Kunal Shivdasani's maiden film does have elements that are borrowed from Hollywood hits 'Executive decision', 'Red Eye', 'Flightplan' and a few others. But the director makes sure these little details aren't too obvious.

Shiney Ahuja is a good action hero... it is a good change to see him beat up some nasty guys instead of fooling around with married females. Although there was something seriously wrong with his make up. Maybe the director wanted him to portray him as a troubled,hassled guy who has no time for make up but hey, James Bond fights in a tux ainnit?

Esha Deol is a disaster in her forgettable role as an Air Hostess (much like Halle Berry in Executive Decision). Her tight abs and skimpy clothes don't the least help. The rest of the supporting cast clearly wasn't paid enough. The background music was passable but the songs were monotonous. The cinematography and action sequences were top notch. Editing was crisp.

Overall... Hijack is a time pass commodity. Don't expect something extraordinary, and you would be satisfied.

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