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Supposedly inspired from the all time 1975 classic Sholay (flames), this version also revolves around two petty thieves, Heero (Ajay) and Raj (Prashant).

They get noticed by police officer Narsimha (Mohanlal) because of their heroism.

Narsimha hires these lads to catch the dreaded and notorious gangster Babban Singh (Amitabh) who had killed his family and cut off his fingers.

When they embark on their mission, Heero falls for the rickshaw driver, Ghungroo (Nisha) whilst Raj develops feelings for the widow Durga (Sushmita).

As the battle reaches the ultimate climax, Babban Singh stops at nothing to eliminate Narsimha's hired guns.

Director Ram Gopal Varma tried to reinterpret the original version but the overall result does not create the same magic.

Ajay Devgan cleverly plays his character with restraint using his eyes to express his emotions.

Whilst debutant, Prashant Raj might have a strong screen presence, he has a long way to go in becoming a more polished actor which will come with experience.

The only two actors who impress with their respective roles are Susmita Sen as the grim and silent widow, and Mohanlal as the revengeful and angry police inspector.

As for Amitabh Bachchan, he tries very hard to rise above the script as the fierce Babban Singh but does not instil the fear of the dictator.

The highlight of the thriller is its brilliant cinematography but this is diluted to a greater extent with a loose screenplay and mediocre musical score.

Even the celebrated song and dance by Urmila Matondkar was of no match to the original R.D. Burman's composition.

On the whole this thriller does not strike the same flames as the original.