In the mid-2000s, a Bollywood thriller emerged that promised to redefine the genre with its unexpected twists and layered characters. Set against the opulent backdrop of the Middle East, the film introduced audiences to a tale where love, deception, and ambition intertwined in unforeseen ways.
Which movie is this?
Here we are talking about the 2007 suspense thriller ‘Naqaab,’ helmed by the renowned director duo Abbas-Mustan. The narrative follows Sophia (played by Urvashi Rautela), a young woman who relocates to Dubai after a traumatic incident in Goa. In Dubai, she becomes engaged to the affluent Karan Oberoi (played by Bobby Deol). However, her life takes a tumultuous turn when she encounters Vicky Malhotra (played by Akshaye Khanna), a struggling actor. Drawn to Vicky’s charm, Sophia finds herself entangled in a web of emotions, leading her to make choices that unravel a series of shocking revelations.
Was Naqaab known for its mind-bending plot?
The film’s plot thickens as it’s revealed that Vicky was hired by a filmmaker named Rohit Shroff to document Sophia’s life, aiming to create a sensational movie, with a mind-bending twist that Rohit Shroff is, in fact, Karan Oberoi in disguise. This revelation sets off a chain of events, culminating in a climax where betrayal and vengeance take center stage, which also becomes the highlight of this film.
How was the box office reception?
Upon its release, Naqaab garnered mixed reviews. While some critics appreciated the performances, especially Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal of Vicky, others felt the film’s numerous twists diluted its impact. Made on an estimated budget of around Rs 15 crore, the film managed to collect approximately Rs 21.5 crore worldwide. In India, it earned close to Rs 17 crore, while the overseas collection was around Rs 4.5 crore. Despite a star cast and the trademark Abbas Mustan thriller treatment, the film received mixed reviews, which affected its long-term performance. It recovered its costs but wasn’t considered a major hit.
More about Naqaab
Apart from lead stars, the film also featured a supporting cast of Naqaab, including Vasundhara Das, Vikas Kalantri, Vishal, Raj Zutshi and Anupam Shyam, who played minor but notable roles. The film’s music, composed by Pritam, received a decent response. Songs like “Ek Din Teri Raahon Mein” and “Aa Dil Se Dil Mila Le” were well appreciated and gained popularity, especially among younger audiences. The soundtrack contributed to the film’s initial buzz, though it couldn’t sustain long-term popularity like Pritam’s other hits from that era, except for the song Ek Din Teri Raahon Mein, which still holds a special place.