There are performances where an actor outdoes himself and then there are performances that have a lasting impression on you days after you have walked out of the theatre. Hrithik Roshan's Kaabil falls into both these categories. I watched Hrithik's Kaabil last night and came out of the theatre with utmost respect for his craft. Forget the clash, forget the trade experts and their numerical spins on how much these films are expected to make, forget any conspiracy theory you might have read about one being better than the other, because these things won't matter after you have watched Kaabil.
Hrithik like Aamir has been a perfectionist. Aamir's obsession with his craft is popular while Hrithik's love for his work hasn't been that public. But those who have worked or been around him will narrate tales of how he's all for that perfect shot and take. It doesn't matter what terrain, climate or odd hour he's working in, Hritik is all for let's go for another one.
With Kaabil he has surpassed his poetic performance in Guzaarish, which in my opinion was his most challenging. It isn't so much about playing a blind man that impresses you. He isn't the first visually impaired character we have seen on screen. But his understanding of the world without light, his honesty in even showing the greys without evoking any sense of sympathy or feeling sorry for him because he's blind is what wins your heart. Hrithik's character doesn't ask for your empathy, neither does he make you cry because of his challenges. In fact the scenes where you might reach out for a tissue are the ones that don't have Rohan holding a stick or combatting his visual challenge. The most emotional scenes in Kaabil are the moments of love between Hrithik and Yami Gautam.
Kaabil becomes Hrithik's best performance because he doesn't worry about the outer appearance and dives deep within to find the grace to play Rohan with utmost sincerity. Be it his opening scene where he's seen making breakfast or numerous times in the course of the film where he's seen struggling to even make his way from one place to another. He's outstanding and at the top of his game.
Kaabil will go down in the cinematic legacy as a performance to remember and reckon with. Take a bow Hrithik Roshan, you have just upped yourself at your own game! Kudos.
