Expectations for Armaan have been running high and quite rightly so. After all, first time director, Honey Irani has also written the script with the help of lyricist Javed Aktar. Add to this a lethal pairing of Amitabh Bachchan and Anil Kapoor and we end up with a product definitely fit for Cannes 2003! Bollywood has produced films in the past depicting the lives of doctors but thanks to Honey Irani's approach, we revisit the same formula with added freshness and zest! Dr. Sinha (Amitabh), a reputed doctor, dreams of turning his small hospital into a medical complex, equipped with the latest technology. His adopted son, Akash (Anil) a neurosurgeon, is equally devoted towards fulfilling his father's dreams. Enter Soniya Kapoor (Preity), a rich and arrogant woman used to having her own way. So when her path crosses with Akash, she decides to have him for herself. Meanwhile, Akash who is oblivious of Sonia's intentions is only too happy in the company of Neha, a fellow doctor working at the hospital. Soon the death of Dr.Sinha sees a new awakening for Akash who finally learns about the 'financial agreement'. He decides to sacrifice his own love in order to fullfill his father's dreams. So he marries Sonia and tries to forget Neha. But the constant clashes which arise between the couple escalate to a point where Sonia meets with an accident. The film reaches a high point from here on, as Akash ends up in a dilemma . . . If his operation on Sonia proves unsuccessful he will be branded a murderer but if he succeeds, he will be leading a life of hell with this arrogant woman. The writer in Honey Irani leads the viewer to a surprising climax. She makes the audience explore the intricacy of human relationships and exposes the vulnerability of the individuals. Shankar-Ehsan-Loy of Dil Chahta Hai fame provides a soothing score once again especially with the song meri zindagi mein aye. Debutante director Honey Irani succeeds in bringing out the best from Anil Kapoor who is divided between loyalty and love. Gracy Singh gives a pleasant performance but somewhat gets over shadowed by the superb acting of Priety Zinta. Amitabh Bachchan gives an outstanding performance. Just by watching him in one of the film's crucial scenes involving an injured boy shows what a great asset he is to Bollywood. On the whole Armaan is a film full of freshness and style; a combination rarely witnessed in today's Bollywood films. So do take a 'dekho' at this one. It's definitely worth a trip to the cinema! Reviewed by Manish Gajjar, BBC Shropshire’s Mr Bollywood. | 
