I walked into the cinema hall with minimal expectations for ABCD: Anybody Can Dance. Frankly, I anticipated a low-budget imitation of the Step Up franchise. The 3D aspect seemed like a gimmick, as I’m generally not a fan of 3D unless it truly enhances the film. However, I emerged from the theater genuinely surprised and thoroughly entertained by ABCD.
Initially, the movie doesn’t make a grand impression. The opening dance sequences are decent but not particularly captivating. The scene sets up the conflict between Vishnu (Prabhu Deva) and Jahangir (Kay Kay Menon), establishing the narrative backdrop. We are then introduced to the vibrant bastis and chawls of Mumbai, and the exceptionally talented group of dancers reminiscent of Dance India Dance contestants – Dharmesh, Salman, Punit, Vrushali, Mayuresh, Prince, and others. Lauren Gottlieb, known from So You Think You Can Dance, is introduced subtly at first, with her character’s proper introduction reserved for later in the film. The movie progresses with a mix of songs and dance sequences, building towards something more.
However, just before the intermission, the film delivers a stunning ‘Down Under’ dance sequence. This street-style, high-stakes dance battle culminates with Prabhu Deva showcasing his legendary dance prowess, proving why he remains one of India’s greatest dancers, even today. From this point onwards, ABCD transforms into a showcase of brilliantly choreographed dance numbers, making it incredibly enjoyable.
Prabhu Deva in ABCD movie
The storyline is straightforward, as one might expect in a dance-centric film. There’s a predictable twist near the end and an inspirational final dance performance aimed at winning the “Dance Dil Se” championship. It’s a classic underdog narrative, focusing on the journey and the spectacle of dance rather than complex plot intricacies.
ABCD: Anybody Can Dance is explicitly tailored for audiences who appreciate exceptional dance performances. If you are a fan of the Step Up series or dance reality shows like Dance India Dance or So You Think You Can Dance, you will likely love ABCD. The dance sequences are plentiful and arguably on par with, if not surpassing, the Step Up movies in terms of quality. Importantly, the choreography is distinctly Indian, avoiding the feeling of simply copying the Step Up style, lending it a unique flavor. While the acting from the primarily dancer cast isn’t stellar, it’s notably better than what is often seen in the Step Up films. The acting responsibility largely falls on Kay Kay Menon, who delivers a performance that oscillates between dramatic and over-the-top. Ganesh Acharya provides a commendable supporting role. Prabhu Deva acts as the central anchor, holding the movie together with his presence and dance. The remaining cast members are given minimal dialogue, mostly serving to move the dance sequences forward.
Sachin-Jigar, the music directors, deserve significant praise for creating a truly danceable soundtrack. The film features two Ganpati tracks that are strategically placed to energize the audience, similar to the popular “Deva Shree Ganesha” track from Agneepath, managing to be uplifting without being overly sentimental or preachy.
Dancers in ABCD movie
The 3D in ABCD feels somewhat unnecessary. In certain instances, particularly in crowd shots, the 3D effects appear somewhat artificial. However, in some dance sequences, the added depth does enhance the appreciation of the choreography, offering a better sense of spatial dynamics.
Beyond the dance, there isn’t much more to elaborate on about the movie. Its relatively short runtime is a definite plus. For those who enjoy dance, ABCD is a must-watch. By seeing it in theaters, you’d be supporting India’s first contemporary dance film. You’re unlikely to be disappointed. Remo D’Souza’s directorial debut is commendable – it’s a fitting tribute to dance. A subtle yet effective detail is how Remo realistically portrays the dancers’ progression; they don’t perform as polished professionals from the outset but evolve with each dance sequence, mirroring the growth in the choreography itself.
Primarily for its choreography, ABCD earns a 4 out of 5. Overall, the movie gets a solid 3 out of 5.
