Combine Ichhadhaari snakes with some of Bollywood’s best special effects and what do you get- Rajkumar Kohli''s Jaani Dushman. This multi-star cast, which was one of the most eagerly awaited films this year, is nothing but a khichdi of the maker’s old films.
  
The story goes into the past and revolves around two Ichhadhaari snakes, Munish Kohli and Manisha Koirala who love each other. But their love remains unfulfilled as Manisha dies after a sadhu (Amrish Puri) curses her and her beloved is left all alone. Meanwhile this sadhu informs Munish that he will unite with his nagin in the 21st Cantury. Fast-forward to this era and you are transported to a college where buddies Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty, Aftab Shivdasani, Arshad Warsi, Aditya Pancholi, Sharad Kapoor, Rajat Bedi, Sonu Nigam, Siddharth and Manisha Koirala study together.

Sunny and Manisha are lovers and are all set to marry after he returns from London but tragedy strikes once again on this desirable damsel. Rajat Bedi and Siddharth rape her on Valentine’s Day at Nagda Fort where all the friends had decided to meet and spend the day. But Manisha doesn’t die before she meets the still-waiting nag Munish ( ?) and breathes last in his arms. She also blames her college friends for her rape and tells him to avenge her death. Then begins Munish’s revenge on these heroes who wonder why they are being targeted for no fault of theirs.
     
Even though this film boasts of such an elaborate star cast, none of the actors actually leave any impact. The movie belongs to Munish Kohli and the actor proves that given a strong role, he can act. Akshay Kumar and his scenes together are very good and some of the action scenes and special effects are simply mind blowing. Other aspects like the music and the lyrics fail to impress at

all. Also, the lack of major heroines is sure to come in the way of the film’s chances at the BO. On the positive side, the suspense though it seems clich�d is very nail biting and makes this thriller addictive enough not to leave your seat. There is also a heavy feeling of d�j� vu but despite that, the director has managed to make his new version of the old hit Nagin quite watch able. It may not become a classic like that film but it is sure going to be liked by the masses who crave for such over-the-top supernatural movies. Jaani Dushman''s constant hissing may just find an audience with them!
 
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