Exactly a decade back, even Rakesh Roshan would've never envisaged that KOI... MIL GAYA [2003] would cover such a long and prosperous distance, regaling audiences and winning hearts across the globe. The gargantuan success of KOI... MIL GAYA encouraged the Roshans to create one of the most lucrative franchises in India, resulting in KRRISH [2006]... and now KRRISH-3 [2013]. In retrospect, the franchise only got bigger with the passage of time. The scale, the budget, the characters... everything seems like a giant leap than the predecessor. On a parallel track, the expectations attached to the franchise continue to grow manifold.

One of the most expensive films produced in India, KRRISH-3 retains the story of noble versus sinful [the plot is connected with the predecessors], but Roshan Sr. makes sure he renews and revamps the latest installment -- adding the evil mutants to fight the superhero, garnishing the plot with loads of visual effects, et al -- attempting to match the superhero flicks that arrive from Hollywood. The essence remains the same: the superhero has to save the planet from destructive forces. The difference lies in the fact that Roshan Sr. envelopes the typical Indian emotions with technology to tug at your heartstrings and win you over. 

Besides the superhero, another standout aspect of KRRISH-3 is, without a shred of doubt, the antagonist, who is extremely powerful and who has created an army of mutants, which is called maanvar [a combination of maanas/man and jaanwar/animal]. And it is this aspect -- half human-half animal -- that gives this superhero film an edge. The pack of villains [Chameleon Kaya, Rhinoman, Antman, Frogman, Cheetahwoman, Scorpionwoman] challenge the powers of the superhero and the duel that ensues reverberates in your memory much after the screening has concluded.

Additionally, KRRISH-3 is a technical marvel and all those doubting whether the homegrown superhero and visual effects would really match up to the international levels or look outright tacky would stand vanquished. Watch it to believe it, is all I'd say!

After defeating the villainous Dr. Siddhant Arya [Naseeruddin Shah] and bringing his father Rohit [Hrithik Roshan] back from the dead, Krrish [Hrithik, again] continued fighting against evil and saving innocent lives. Now Krishna [Hrithik] is living a happily married life with Priya [Priyanka Chopra], while Rohit is using his scientific brilliance to benefit society. And Krrish is everyone's favorite superhero saviour.

Unknown to them, a dark force is growing in another part of the world. Kaal [Vivek Oberoi], an evil genius, is selfishly misusing his powers to spread fear, death and destruction. And he is being assisted by an army of very dangerous beings, which he has created himself. Not long after Kaal's plans are put into action, both Rohit and Krrish find themselves in front of a crisis of epic proportions, which only they can resolve, together. But when they finally cross paths with Kaal and his army, neither of them is prepared for what lies ahead.

Kaal not only brings the world to the brink of disaster, he also puts the strength and love of Krishna and his family to test. And Krrish has to somehow find the power within to face an unbeatable foe. The greatest battle between good and wicked sets in motion...

Rakesh Roshan has adapted himself to the fast-changing times. His clutch on the emotional quotient is apparent in every venture, but in KRRISH-3, the marriage of content and VFX is the motivating force, its biggest USP, which sets it apart from his previous directorial ventures. The veteran knows with experience that mere VFX minus drama/emotions will fall flat on its face and at the same time, with Hollywood invading the marquee with technical marvels, one has to contend with global standards too. Roshan Sr. smartly assimilates the esteemed formula of good versus evil with the technical wizardry of today to create a visual spectacle that is sure to redefine the escapist cinema we are synonymous with.

From the writing point of view, while the first half introduces us to the characters and the conflict sets in motion, it's the second hour that works like magic, holding you attentive till the last frame. Kangna's character is one of the striking aspects, Vivek's villainy reaches its crescendo and the fight between good and evil, towards the second half, is the hallmark of the enterprise. Besides the VFX, the look of the characters catches your eye. The costumes, the makeup, the overall makeover of the characters is truly imaginative, with the director and those associated in the respective departments running their imagination wild to create an impression.

The soundtrack of KRRISH-3 is ordinary, although the songs are well filmed, especially the one between Hrithik and Kangna. Having said that I'd like to add that the soundtrack could've been memorable like Roshan brothers' earlier accomplishments. The background score [Salim-Sulaiman] is top notch, enhancing the impact of several sequences. Cinematography [S. Tirru] is awe-inspiring, with the stylish visuals garnishing the plot exquisitely. The dazzling locales and sets only add to the beauty. Action and stunts are electrifying, befitting a superhero movie. Dialogue are perfect.

It must have been a challenge of sorts for Hrithik Roshan to portray the characters differently, besides concentrating on voice modulation as well as physical attributes. The actor has the physique to pull off the masked man adroitly. As Rohit, the septuagenarian and Krishna, his young son, Hrithik is most persuasive as well, gliding into the characters with incredible ease. The franchise seems inconceivable without Hrithik as he exhibits his range as a performer. He's the showstopper here, without any hesitation!

Vivek Oberoi is in top form as the antagonist. The intensity, the voice and the makeover gives the term 'villain' an all-new meaning in KRRISH-3. Though the actor has portrayed negative characters in several endeavors, you're sure to see Vivek in a new light here. He gets to portray a layered character that is sinister, brutal and caustic. Vivek should finally get his due with this film.

Priyanka Chopra is efficient enough, portraying her part very well. Note her sequences in the post-interval portions. She's truly fantastic! Kangna Ranaut is superb. She exhibits a lot of toughness in her personality, which gels well with her on-screen character. She's deadly and gorgeous -- a lethal combo. The actress is sure to win laurels for the role. Naseeruddin Shah and Mohnish Bahl appear in cameos. Arif Zakaria and Rajpal Yadav are adequate. The actors portraying the parts of the mutants register an impact.

On the whole, KRRISH-3 has the ingredients that make a splendid superhero film, besides being Rakesh Roshan's most accomplished work so far. Besides a riveting plot, the film scores brownie points thanks to the strong undercurrent of emotions, the clash between the protagonist and antagonist/mutants, the awe-inspiring visual effects, the larger-than-life entertainment and of course, Hrithik Roshan, who is matchless in this avtaar. It's a Diwali bonanza for moviegoers across the globe and is sure to conclude the celebratory period on a high. BLOCKBUSTER.