DVD Review: Showbiz 
By Joginder Tuteja, February 22, 2008 - 17:10 IST
MOVIE DETAILS
Cast: Tushar Jalota, Mrinalini Sharma, Sushant Singh, Gulshan Grover, Saurabh Shukla
Director: Raju Khan
Producer: Mukesh Bhatt
Music: Lalit Pandit
Lyrics: Sayeed Quadri
THE FILM
Showbiz was the last release of 2008 and came literally unannounced. Bhatts, who are known for promotional blitzkrieg accompanying each of the projects, remained mum till the day film hit the theaters. And when they spoke, focus was around how director debutant Raju Khan had left the film incomplete and others had to chip in to bring the film to the finishing line. Certainly not a positive messaging for a common man to look at the film positively. Result was that the film turned out to be most 'silent' film ever coming out from the production house and failed miserably at the box office.
But was the film that bad to deserve such a fate? Not really!
Dealing with invasion of media on the personal lives of celebrities, Showbiz always ran a risk of catering to a miniscule population. After all not everyone is expected to relate to the functioning of media where PR strategists, gossip columnists, journalists, promoters, news channels and media magnates come together. This Raju Khan film has it all, as a nexus is shown between news channels (ran by Gulshan Grover, Saurabh Shukla) out to boost their TRPs while getting freelance gossip columnists masquerading as journalists (Sushant Singh) on board. A celebrity (Tushar Jalota) becomes a pawn in this game which turns out to be a free for all in the end.
Showbiz has an interesting subject and quite a few moments work in the narrative too, especially the ones where the ugly side of media is showcased. In fact for media people, some of the games being played are easily identifiable too. What sticks out like a sore thumb in the film is the love story though! Relationship shared between Tushar and Mrinalini has absolutely no relevance to the film's plot and bores big time whenever camera focuses on the two of them.
In fact as an actor Tushar has quite some way too go as most of the times he is pretty awkward with only dramatic moments bringing some spark as he manages to carry a few of them well. Otherwise he maintains a deadpan expression throughout. Also, though his character is shown as a celebrity that hardly comes across on screen whether in terms of his body language, mannerisms, dance or facial expressions.
Star of the show is truly Sushant Singh here. In a performance which requires him to go over the top at numerous junctures, he is excellent with his dialogue delivery and cunning expressions. His is the most well etched character as well as he is shown as an out and out black with no semblance of remorse. Saurabh Shukla and Gulshan Grover are controlled too and justify their stature as veterans on the show.
PACKAGING
The film comes in a standard local plastic case with an ordinary cover layout. Since the DVD comes on Moser Baer, don't expect any fancy packaging.
DURATION
The film comes in a single DVD pack with the film's duration being approximately 110 minutes.
SPECIAL FEATURES
The DVD doesn't come with any special features.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
- 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen format
- Subtitles In English
- 5.1 Dolby Digital
CONCLUSION
After watching Showbiz on DVD, one does feel that the film isn't pathetic as it was made out to be. So is Showbiz a must watch film? No. Is it the kind that makes you stand up and question the media around you? Not really. But does it make you at least sit through those 100 odd minutes once on a lazy afternoon? It does. A reasonably ok movie that does have its dramatic moments, Showbiz is an average fare.
Rating: **
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