Sanjay Ray
Director Vikramaditya Motwane weaves a unique story of two characters from the Indian film industry in AK vs AK. It is unique because in this dark comedy-thriller, both the lead characters, Anurag Kashyap, the director, and Anil Kapoor, the actor, are playing themselves, or, so to say, their exaggerated versions.
The story revolves around Anurag Kashyap and Anil Kapoor, who enter into a spat following which the disgruntled film director decides to abduct Kapoor’s daughter and goes on to film the search that ensues. How Kapoor, who is past his prime as an actor, deals with the situation and whether or not he is able to rescue his daughter amidst the twists and turns that follow is what the story premise of AK vs AK is.
Although AK vs AK may not qualify as an exposé on Bollywood, it, nevertheless, gives the audience a peep into the little known side of tinsel town. It also allows you to take a closer look at the personal life of a celebrity and the price for popularity that they so often have to pay.
The most important feature of AK vs AK, which is currently streaming on Netflix, is that it mirrors the hypocrisy and insecurities that most celebrities live with. Motwane guides the audience effectively through the farce and the shady nature of the movie industry.
But then, AK vs AK is the kind of movie which required better editing to cut out the flab. Despite the director trying his best to make the movie appear realistic and relatable, there are scenes which are unconvincing. The second half of the movie could have been crisper and less predictable.
Both Anil Kapoor and Anurag Kashyap, however, complement each other quite well. Anurag proves his mettle once again.