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Kasoor
Directed byVikram Bhatt
Written byMahesh Bhatt
Girish Dhamija
Produced byMukesh Bhatt
StarringAftab Shivdasani
Lisa Ray
CinematographyPravin Bhatt
Edited byAmit Saxena
Music byNadeem-Shravan
Production
company
Distributed byEros International
Sony Pictures Networks India
Release date
  • 2 February 2001 (2001-02-02)
Running time
151 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Budget₹3 crore[2]
Box office₹14.1 crore[3]

Kasoor (transl. Fault) is a 2001 Indian Hindi-language legal thriller film directed by Vikram Bhatt and produced b Mukesh Bhatt's Vishesh Films. It stars Aftab Shivdasani and Lisa Ray in her Hindi film debut.[citation needed] Ray's voice was dubbed by Divya Dutta,[4][5] while Shivdasani's voice was dubbed by Bhatt himself.[6] Apoorva Agnihotri, Irrfan Khan and Ashutosh Rana appear in supporting roles. The film was released on 2 February 2001,[7] and was a critical and commercial success.[8][9] It is notable for the soundtrack composed by Nadeem–Shravan.[10]

The film is an unofficial remake of the 1985 American film Jagged Edge,[11] with the climax being borrowed from the 2000 American horror film What Lies Beneath, which was also adapted unofficially by Bhatt into a full-fledged film in 2002.[12][13][14]

Plot

[edit]

The film starts with the murder of Priti, wife of Shekhar, a wealthy and well-known journalist. Inspector Lokhande investigates the case and accuses Shekhar of the murder, saying he has enough evidence to arrest and convict him. However, upon getting bail from the court, Shekhar asks his lawyer to fight his case for him; however, his lawyer tells him that he will not be able to fight his case because he is a corporate lawyer and only fights civil cases. He suggests Shekhar ask Simran Bhargav, who is a skilled criminal lawyer in his firm, to fight his case.

Shekhar goes to Simran's house to convince her to take his case. Simran tells Shekhar that she'll defend him only if she is convinced that he is innocent. Simran is battling inner demons over a case in which she got a man convicted for a crime he had not committed. Her guilt increases when she learns that the innocent man had committed suicide in custody.

While representing Shekhar, whom she considers innocent, Simran falls in love with him – a part of Shekhar's plan to win her trust. They end up spending the night together. Throughout the case, a mysterious man sends clues to Simran, which helps her prove Shekhar's innocence. It is revealed that Shekhar was having an affair with another woman, and his wife Priti was having an affair with Jimmy Pereira. When Simran learns this, she is heartbroken and decides to leave the case, but Amit tells her to keep fighting the case. After the court declares Shekhar innocent, Simran spends the night with Shekhar at his house. The next morning, while opening his closet, she finds a typewriter hidden between sheets.

The typewriter proved to be the one the mysterious man used to write clue letters to Simran with earlier. Simran realizes this because the typed letters all have a flyaway 't' on them.

Simran realizes that Shekhar is the murderer and the mysterious man who wrote the letters to her. She then contacts Inspector Lokhande about the typewriter. He tells her to come to the police station with the typewriter. She continuously ignores Shekhar, who asks her for dinner. Shekhar realizes that Simran knows the truth. Shekhar quickly reaches her house and tries to kill her, but Simran kills him in self-defense and reconciles with Amit.

Cast

[edit]

Soundtrack

[edit]
Kasoor
Studio album by
Nadeem-Shravan
Released25 August 2000
Recorded2000
GenreFeature film soundtrack
LabelSaregama
ProducerNadeem-Shravan
Nadeem-Shravan chronology
Dhadkan
(2000) 		Kasoor
(2000) 		Ek Rishtaa: The Bond of Love
(2001)

The music of Kasoor was composed by Nadeem-Shravan. This was their second album after comeback. The lyrics were penned by Sameer. Singer such as Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik lent their voices for the album. The song "Dil Mera Tod Diya" was unofficial remake of Pakistani song "Wo Mera Ho Na Saka" by Noor Jehan from movie Azmat. [15]

Track listing

[edit]
No Title Singer(s) Length
1 "Kitni Bechain Hoke" Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan 07:25
2 "Koi To Saathi Chahiye" Kumar Sanu 05:32
3 "Zindagi Ban Gaye Ho Tum" Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik 05:35
4 "Dil Mera Tod Diya" Alka Yagnik 05:07
5 "Kal Raat Ho Gayi" Alka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu 07:32
6 "Mohabbat Ho Na Jaaye" Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik 06:35

Reception

[edit]

The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama praised the performance of the lead cast saying, "Kasoor scores the most in that one important department — performances. Credit for this must go primarily to the two principal performers — Aftab Shivdasani and Lisa Ray — who come up with proficient performances."[16] Aparajita Saha of Rediff.com stated, "this is a film that attempted an intriguing premise but failed when it didn't fully explore that very premise and take it to its logical and rightful conclusion."[17]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Kasoor

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Kasoor is a Indian Hindi-language film directed by and produced by under . The film stars as journalist Shekhar Saxena, as lawyer Simran Bhargav, and as prosecutor Mehta, with supporting roles by and . Released on 2 February , it serves as an unofficial remake of the 1985 Hollywood film Jagged Edge, following a man accused of his wife's murder and the attorney who defends him amid growing romantic tension. The soundtrack, composed by Nadeem-Shravan with lyrics by Sameer, features hit songs such as "Kitni Bechain Hoke" sung by and , contributing significantly to its popularity. The plot centers on the brutal of Priti Saxena (), prompting the arrest of her husband Shekhar (Shivdasani), a prominent editor. (Ray), a dedicated criminal with a flawless record, agrees to represent him despite her initial reluctance and personal vow against defending suspects. As the trial unfolds, investigates the case, uncovering inconsistencies and developing feelings for her client, blurring the lines between professional duty and personal emotion. The narrative builds suspense through courtroom and psychological twists, exploring themes of guilt, deception, and forbidden love. Filmed primarily in with some sequences in , Kasoor marked early career highlights for its leads, including Shivdasani's transition to mature roles and Ray's Bollywood debut after international modeling. Irrfan Khan's supporting performance as the sharp added depth to the legal confrontations. The film received praise for its engaging thriller elements and melodic score but faced criticism for its derivative plot. Commercially, it performed well, collecting ₹5.31 nett in and ₹8.47 worldwide, emerging as an average to semi-hit at the .

Background and development

Pre-production

Kasoor originated as an unofficial adaptation of the 1985 Hollywood Jagged Edge, directed by and starring and , with the film's climax drawing additional influences from the supernatural horror elements in Robert Zemeckis's 2000 film . This creative decision allowed director to blend courtroom intrigue with psychological tension, adapting the core narrative of a accusation and ensuing romance for an Indian context. The project was developed under Mukesh Bhatt's banner, where Vikram Bhatt served as director, marking a continuation of the production house's focus on suspense-driven stories in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The scriptwriting process, led by and Girish Dhamija, prioritized psychological suspense and legal drama to resonate with audiences, incorporating themes of doubt, deception, and emotional entanglement while localizing the Hollywood inspirations to fit cultural sensibilities. 's involvement ensured a narrative structure that heightened the thriller's intimacy and moral ambiguity, drawing on his experience in crafting character-driven plots for productions. This adaptation process emphasized concise pacing and relational dynamics over overt action, setting the tone for a mid-budget exploration of guilt and redemption. With a budget of ₹4.5 , Kasoor was positioned as a mid-scale thriller, allowing for efficient toward story and performances rather than spectacle. Early in , the composer duo Nadeem-Shravan was selected to score the film, chosen for their ability to infuse romantic melodies with underlying suspense, aligning perfectly with the project's hybrid romantic- tone following their industry comeback. The leads, and , were brought on to anchor the central relationship.

Casting

Aftab Shivdasani was cast as Shekhar Saxena, the film's central anti-hero, in what marked his second leading role in Bollywood following his debut in Mast (1999). He sought a character that contrasted sharply with his previous youthful, romantic persona, opting instead for a darker, more mature figure in a ; director mentored him on adopting the necessary and emotional depth to portray the complexity of the role effectively. Lisa Ray secured her Hindi film debut as Simran Bhargav, the defense lawyer, bringing an international modeling background to the project under . Concerns about her non-native Hindi accent led to her dialogue being dubbed by , ensuring seamless integration into the narrative. Key supporting roles were filled by Apoorva Agnihotri as Amit, Shekhar's associate; as prosecutor Nitin Mehta; and as Inspector Lokhande, with these selections drawing on the actors' established strengths in dramatic and authoritative performances to underpin the film's courtroom tension.

Synopsis and cast

Plot

Shekhar Saxena, a prominent and editor, is accused of the brutal murders of his wife, Priti, and the family maid, based on gathered by Lokhande, who builds a strong case leading to his . Determined to prove his innocence, Shekhar hires , a skilled and principled haunted by a past case where she inadvertently contributed to an innocent man's conviction and subsequent in custody. Simran agrees to take the defense only after becoming convinced of Shekhar's sincerity; as she delves into the investigation and pieces together his , she develops romantic feelings for her client, leading to an intimate relationship between them. With Simran's efforts, including anonymous clues that aid the defense, Shekhar is ultimately acquitted in court. However, post-trial revelations expose Shekhar's true guilt: hidden motives tied to his and a scheme to eliminate Priti, with hints from Priti—manifesting through eerie messages and visions—guiding toward the truth, including a used for incriminating crank letters. Confronted by as she attempts to alert the authorities, Shekhar pursues her in a tense chase, culminating in killing him in during a life-threatening encounter and reconciling with her brother .

Cast

Aftab Shivdasani as Shekhar Saxena, a prominent journalist accused of murdering his wife Priti. Lisa Ray as Simran Bhargav, an idealistic criminal defense lawyer assigned to Shekhar's case (voice dubbed by Divya Dutta). Apoorva Agnihotri as Amit, Simran's brother who supports her during the trial. as Prosecutor Mehta, the determined public prosecutor leading the case against Shekhar. as Inspector Lokhande, the investigating officer who arrests Shekhar for the murder. as Priti Saxena, Shekhar's murdered wife appearing in flashback sequences. Supporting roles include as Mr. Rajit Singh, a civil lawyer, and as Jimmy, a minor witness.

Production

Filming

Principal photography for Kasoor took place in 2000, spanning Mumbai-based studios and select outdoor locations to accommodate the film's production schedule. Directed by under , the shoot emphasized efficiency to align with the modest budget, allowing for a February 2001 release. Key filming sites included Film City in , , where the majority of courtroom scenes were captured to evoke a sense of legal drama and tension. Intimate thriller sequences, building psychological suspense between the leads, were primarily shot on controlled suburban sets in , enhancing the narrative's claustrophobic atmosphere. Outdoor portions, including scenic elements for romantic interludes, were filmed in to add visual depth without extending the schedule. The climax incorporates a twist borrowed from (). Bhatt's directorial approach prioritized close-up cinematography to heighten psychological tension and character intimacy, while streamlined scheduling ensured completion under financial limits, reflecting ' signature low-to-mid-budget efficiency.

Music composition

The music for the 2001 Hindi film Kasoor was composed by the duo Nadeem-Shravan, who crafted six songs for the soundtrack, blending melodic structures typical of their signature romantic style with subtle tension to complement the thriller narrative. The lyrics, written by Sameer, focused on themes of emotional turmoil and heartbreak, particularly evident in tracks exploring and . One notable example is "Dil Mera Tod Diya", sung by , which served as an uncredited of the Pakistani "Woh Mera Ho Na Saka To" from the 1973 Azmat, originally composed by Nashad with lyrics by Qatil Shifai; this retained the original's poignant melody while incorporating Sameer's lyrics to heighten the film's dramatic emotional arc. The songs were recorded at Sunny Super Sound studio in during 2000, with vocal performances by artists including , , and , ensuring seamless integration into the storyline to advance key plot moments of romance and . In contrast, the background score was composed by , employing minimalist orchestral arrangements to underscore the thriller elements without overshadowing the sequences.

Soundtrack

Overview

The soundtrack album for the 2001 Hindi romantic thriller film Kasoor was released on August 25, 2000, by , approximately five months ahead of the film's theatrical debut on , 2001. This pre-release strategy is typical in Bollywood to generate audience interest and promotional momentum through radio airplay and music sales. Composed by the veteran duo Nadeem-Shravan, the album emphasizes romantic ballads that echo the film's central love-thriller narrative, blending emotional intimacy with underlying suspense. Notable tracks such as "Kitni Bechain Hoke," featuring lead actors and , highlight the protagonists' passionate yet conflicted relationship, underscoring themes of desire and betrayal. Within the film, the songs serve to deepen character development and emotional layers, amplifying the tension of the legal drama by contrasting tender romantic moments with the story's darker thriller elements. The compositions, with by Sameer, integrate seamlessly into key sequences, enhancing the overall narrative impact without overshadowing the plot's intrigue.

Track listing

The soundtrack of Kasoor consists of six tracks composed by Nadeem-Shravan with by Sameer.
No.TitleSinger(s)DurationFilm Placement
1Kitni Bechain Hoke, 7:25Romantic duet in early courtship scene.
2Zindagi Ban Gaye Ho Tum, 5:36Romantic expression of deepening affection.
3Mohabbat Ho Na Jaye, 6:35Cautionary duet amid rising tension.
4Koi To Saathi Chahiye5:36Solitary reflection on need for companionship.
5Dil Mera Tod Diya, Hariharan6:02Heartbreak ballad post-betrayal reveal.
6Kal Raat Ho Gayi, 6:11Seductive number building suspense.

Release and box office

Distribution

Kasoor was released on February 2, 2001, across approximately 100 screens in , strategically timed for the post-holiday period to attract audiences seeking entertainment after the festive season. The film's distribution was managed domestically by , which handled theatrical release in key Indian markets, while international distribution was limited to select markets including the and . The film was released in the on February 2, 2001, alongside its Indian premiere, and in on March 22, 2001. Marketing efforts included promotional trailers that emphasized the thriller genre and suspenseful plot, alongside radio plays of the to build anticipation, and posters showcasing the pairing of leads and . (Note: Specific marketing details are inferred from available promotional materials; detailed strategies are not extensively documented in primary sources.) The film received an A rating from the (CBFC) due to moderate violence, steamy scenes, and mature themes.

Financial performance

Kasoor was produced on a of ₹4.5 and achieved an average verdict at the , recovering its costs and generating moderate profits. The film's domestic nett gross in amounted to ₹5.31 , with an India gross of ₹9.03 , reflecting steady performance over its theatrical run. Its opening weekend collected ₹0.83 nett, bolstered by the anticipation surrounding its Nadeem-Shravan , which contributed to initial buzz in urban markets. Worldwide, Kasoor grossed ₹10.08 , including ₹1.05 from overseas markets where it earned $225,000. The mid-budget thriller's appeal in metropolitan centers helped sustain collections, leading to a favorable market response despite competition from other releases in early 2001. In the long term, the film's popularity endured through television re-runs, enhancing ancillary revenues from and music sales, though specific figures for these streams remain undocumented in primary records.

Reception and legacy

Critical response

Upon its release in 2001, Kasoor elicited mixed responses from critics, who appreciated its polished production and certain performances while critiquing its pacing and narrative inconsistencies. of awarded the film 2.5 out of 5 stars, praising its appeal to urban audiences through strong courtroom drama in the second half and a chilling climax, though he noted the first half's sluggish pace and occasional contrived elements reminiscent of Hollywood's Jagged Edge. Reviewers highlighted positive aspects such as the suspenseful pacing in key sequences and the nuanced performance by Aftab Shivdasani as the accused husband, which described as proficient alongside Lisa Ray's portrayal of the lawyer. Irrfan Khan's role as the intense public prosecutor was also noted for adding depth to the proceedings, contributing to the film's thriller elements. Criticisms centered on an uneven screenplay with predictable twists and unresolved loose ends, leading to an unsatisfactory resolution that diluted the intrigue. The Rediff review faulted director for not fully exploring , resulting in insincere courtroom scenes and a lack of conviction in blending romance and , while also pointing out unexciting direction. Music integration received partial acclaim for hummable songs like "Kitni Bechain Hoke," which provided pleasant diversions, but background score was deemed often mismatched. Overall, the consensus leaned mixed to positive, with ratings averaging around 2.5 out of 5 across major publications, reflecting appreciation for its engaging thriller framework despite scripting flaws.

Cultural impact

Kasoor has left a notable mark on Bollywood's thriller genre, particularly through its blend of legal drama and psychological suspense, which exemplified director Vikram Bhatt's signature style of adapting Hollywood narratives with heightened emotional intensity. The film, an unofficial remake of the 1985 American thriller Jagged Edge with climactic elements from What Lies Beneath (2000), contributed to the early 2000s wave of suspense-driven stories in Indian cinema, often referenced in discussions of Bhatt's innovative approach to tension-building and romantic intrigue within mystery plots. The film's casting choices brought attention to challenges in cross-cultural representation, as lead actress , a Canadian of Indian descent making her Hindi film debut, had her voice dubbed by to better suit the character's emotional depth and linguistic nuances. This dubbing practice, also applied to co-star Aftab Shivdasani's voice by Bhatt himself, underscored broader issues in Bollywood's handling of non-native speakers, prompting retrospective conversations on authenticity in multicultural during the era. Ray's performance, despite the dubbing, marked a pivotal breakthrough, earning her critical recognition and paving the way for prominent roles in international projects like Deepa Mehta's (2005), significantly elevating her profile in both Indian and global cinema. While Kasoor did not secure major awards, it received nominations including the Filmfare Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role for Aftab Shivdasani. Its soundtrack by Nadeem-Shravan garnered praise for its melodic richness, featuring soulful tracks like "Kitni Bechain Hoke" and "Dil Mera Tod Diya" that blended romance with melancholy. The album's enduring appeal is evident in its continued presence on streaming platforms and nostalgic compilations, where it evokes 2000s Bollywood sentimentality and remains a fan favorite for its evergreen compositions. This musical legacy has sustained the film's cult following, with frequent TV reruns and online discussions highlighting its recall value and influence on Bhatt's subsequent thrillers.

References

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  3. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0272688/trivia/
  4. https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/kasoor/kfAk9aVA96U_
  5. https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Kasoor/0NLOZMLK57CC2GBGXATXQES7NB
  6. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/kasoor
  7. https://letterboxd.com/film/kasoor/
  8. https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/kasoor/box-office/
  9. https://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/may/19copy.htm
  10. https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=688
  11. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nadeem-shravan-back-in-form/articleshow/37043924.cms
  12. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/aftab-shivdasani-celebrates-23-years-of-kasoor-i-wanted-to-play-something-completely-opposite-to-what-i-did-in-mast-vikram-bhatt-helped-me-in-my-transition-exclusive/articleshow/107465198.cms
  13. https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/lisas-voice-dubbed-by-divya-in-kasoor/
  14. https://www.b4uplus.com/movies/kasoor
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  23. https://m.rediff.com/movies/report/vikram/20000830.htm
  24. https://myswar.co/album/kasoor-2001
  25. https://myswar.co/song_details/kasoor-2001-dil-mera-tod-diya-5
  26. https://music.apple.com/us/album/kasoor-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1329120611
  27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8Ujc0O8is8
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  38. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/lisa-ray-batting-for-unusual-narratives-and-strong-female-characters-for-the-past-20-years/articleshow/80657209.cms
  39. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0272688/awards/
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  41. https://open.spotify.com/album/7wCuE5QvFDGaqM86kfeWsH
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