And, just as I console myself, saying okay, the man must have his reasons for doing what he is doing -- BANG! Mr Bachchan will turn all my theories on their collective head with another superlative performance.
He does it again in today's release, Viruddh, a film in which he is both the star and the soul.
Acting with Big B, Sharmila, and John
Their banter, their daily routine underline a bond built over the years. Viruddh's first half rides on the talent of these two veteran actors and on their ability to bring their characters to the fore. They really look like a couple who, having faced the vicissitudes of life, are now in complete harmony with each other. I love the fact that the dignified Sharmila Tagore, unlike many senior actresses of our time, does not feel the need to look ultra-glamorous or hide her wrinkles.
And, when their son Amar (John Abraham) returns home from London with a British girlfriend, it does not take the Patwardhars any time to welcome her into their loving fold.
Tragedy has to strike, and it does, with Amar being killed when he witnesses a crime.
AB: Sixth time lucky with Viruddh?
It's a downward spiral as Viruddh enters its melodramatic, post-interval
The tragedy of an only child's unnecessary death never comes through.
The brutality of the system does not come through.
The crushing weight of the battle for justice -- so poignantly brought to the fore in Dhoop -- never comes through.
Instead, one is left with questions:
Why is the film called Viruddh
family comes first?
Why does the inspector (Sachin Khedekar wasted in an inconsequential role), who begins the film with a speech about how Vidyadhar is doing what he should do, change colours so often?
Why are the product placements (I can understand the need) so inappropriately placed? Do you really need a product placement soon after a death?
Why waste actors of the calibre of Prem Chopra, Shivaji Sattam and Sharad Saxena in roles that seem almost like those of extras?
Most important: will someone tell me what Sanjay Dutt was doing in the film?