大象传媒

Raj works for a telephone company whose board of directors includes Ranjit Roy (Amrish Puri) and his young wife Sonia (Priyanka).

Sonia was Raj's girlfriend at one time. But she has always been attracted to him despite being separated.

But when Raj refuses to give in, she accuses him of rape. She even asks her husband to remove Raj from the company.

Meanwhile Raj decides to sue Sonia for sexual harassment. But when all fails, his trusted wife wears the lawyer's gown and takes on the case.

The film starts at a steady pace as the characters are introduced. It gathers momentum when Sonia enters into Raj's life.

In Hindi cinema we are used to seeing men eyeing up women but in Aitraaz we get to see the opposite. And that's what makes this film unique in its story telling.

As it heads towards the interval, the situation heats up as an angry Sonia gets ready to put up a fight. This gives you an incentive to look forward to an exciting second half.

And that's exactly what happens after the intermission as the two parties fight it out in the courtroom.

This film really works because it tackles a subject never seen before in Hindi cinema. But most important of all, it's the dramatic interaction between the characters which elevates the tension further - a must for a thriller.

Another unique aspect of the film is seeing Priyanka Chopra in a villainous role. She plays the part of Sonia with such perfection that we begin to hate her character as the story unfolds.

Akshay Kumar gives a restrained performance which is exactly what his character requires.

Kareena Kapoor is seen in a different light altogether as a mature wife prepared to fight for her husband. She surprises you by excelling in the climax scenes.

In the courtroom it is Paresh Rawal and Annu Kapoor who give their best.

Aitraaz is a well made thriller with no flaws. With a unique storyline, it will do extemely well in the UK cinemas.