Producer: Vashu Bhagnani
Director: Khalid Mohamed
Cast: Tabu, Kay Kay Menon, Bhumika Chawla, Rahul Bose, Divya Dutta, Riya Sen, Jimmy Shergill, Ashmit Patel, Natassha
Music: Himesh Reshammiya

Journalist turned filmmaker Khalid Mohammed’s former films Fiza and Tehzeeb couldn’t create much spark on the box office though they were critically acclaimed. ‘Silsiilay’ has been webbed and weaved on the women related issues that are very contemporary and socially moral. Vashu Bhagnani who has so far dwelt in hard-core commercial stuff, takes a different route with this film. The film brings together a gallery of formidable stars like Tabu, Kay Kay Menon, Celina Jaitley, Bhumika Chawla, Rahul Bose, Divya Dutta, Riya Sen, Jimmy Shergill, Ashmit Patel, Natassha.

‘Silsiilay’ is a women oriented film that voices against man. Khalid has always bottom-lined his films on the complexity and intricacies of relationships. This film dwells with the relationship of three women with their men, who in return are slap dashed with foul dealings from them. The film is significant to the modern perspective of women, who have learned to move with the tide leaving their past behind.
 
‘Silsiilay’ is a reasonable engaging story narrated by Shah Rukh Khan.

Zia (Bhumika Chawla) is a heroine in the film who is a Bollywood star climbing the stairs of name and fame. Her stair to success is Neel (Rahul Bose) with whom she has a live-in relationship, but she has decided to break-up with him soon. The reason, she wanted to marry him and have a baby whereas he preferred a new run after Nandita (Priya Badlani). But Zia takes him on her stride with something he cannot refuse.

Anushka (Riya Sen) plays an office receptionist who has come to the city of dreams from Dehradun. She is a middle class girl though longs for a rich and loving guy and her hunt end in Nikhil (Ashmit Patel). But he prefers a one-night stand before tying the wedlock. She agrees initially to refuse later. Tarun (Jimmy Shergill) her colleague loves her but has never expressed his feelings to her. Riya Sen is tuck between the two guys, as she has to opt for one.

Rehana (Tabu) is the second wife of Anwar (Kay Kay) and is a high-society lady. Her stepson Inayat (Karan Pathanky) comforts some feelings in his heart for her and hates his daddy.  Anwar is having affair with Preeti (Celina Jaitley) who happens to be the mistress of her husband. Rehana is webbed between the whole unfaithful affair.

The story of Zia and Neel is igniting and set the pace of the movie from the word go. The scenes between them are handled with aplomb. Bhoomika Chawla appears in a new look and role. She proves her versatility in glamour roles and in portraying her sexuality. Nice job from her.  Rahul Bose carries his role with strength on his shoulders.  
 
Anushka, Nikhil and Tarun help little to hold on to the film. There is nothing novel in the story, which is on a very predictable line. Riya looks good with a pleasing performance. Ashmit Patel and Jimmy Shergill also do fine in their given territory.
 
Rehana’s story is bold and scintillating. With incest and extra marital at its base, the story has elements to catch ones attention. Tabu again excels conveying expressions in a sensitive and controlled manner. Kay Kay doesn’t get much scope. Karan Pathanky impresses and Celina Jaitley seduces.

Khalid Mohammed has done a good story telling. Some shots are refined which hold the strength of the film. He has also been capable of churning the best shot from the cast. But weaving three stories together has made the film run out of depth. Everything moves on in a hurry, not allowing the audience to settle down with the characters. There are many questions left unanswered. It’s the dialogues which serves as the connecting means between the characters and the audience.

The modern overtone of the film is sure to catch notice of many. The film is experimental and the theme may appeal more only to a tiny segment.