Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; April 3, 2014)

In director Ananth Narayan Mahadevan’s upcoming release, The Xpose, almost every character has been inspired by yesteryear Bollywood actors. So, while Himesh Reshammiya’s Ravi Kumar — a suspended cop-turned-superstar — has been modelled on Raaj Kumar, Yo Yo Honey Singh’s Kenny Damania is based on Pran.

 The story starts when two rival actresses have simultaneous releases — Reena Mera Naam starring Chandni (Zoya Afroz, Miss India 2013 second runner-up) and Ujjwal Nirmal Sheetal featuring Zara (Sonali Raut). Zara’s character has been inspired by Zeenat Aman, and Chandni’s, by Parveen Babi. The narrative gathers pace when a catfight and a murder takes place at an afterawards party.

 In a special appearance, Irrfan plays Alec D’Costa, one of the biggest black marketeers of the 1960s, while Adil Hussain will be seen as Rajan Anna, modelled on don Varadarajan. Says Ananth, “Deep within, the film is a violent love story which leads to desire, scandal and murder. The music is also one of the highlights.” The film’s theatrical trailer launches today on HRMusikOfficial.

 The Xpose, produced by Vipin Reshammiya and presented by HR Musik, releases May 23.