Malaysian critic appreciates moral message of 'Bhootnath'

Kuala Lumpur, May 30 (IANS) A Malaysian film critic has said that although Hindi film "Bhootnath" is a children's movie about a father-son relationship, it sends a strong moral message and tells children that there are no ghosts, only angels.

The Amitabh Bachchan-Shah Rukh Khan starrer is "a ghost story, not the spooky kind but one aimed at children", says critic K.N. Vijiyan, writing in the New Straits Times.

"Children are exposed to so many things today over television and the Internet. It is doubtful whether they would appreciate this movie despite its strong moral message," he says.

"Towards the end, I asked myself what I was doing watching a children's movie. It is then that director Vivek Sharma surprises the audience and it becomes a touching commentary on father-mother-son sentiments.... That had the audience clapping at the end.

"There are no killings despite it being a ghost movie, only a bit of fun," notes Vijiyan, calling child star Aman Siddiqui "adorable".

According to him, Amitabh and Shah Rukh "may have personal differences but both are consummate artistes".

"Shah Rukh was reported to have worked free for the Chopras in this movie. He is credited with a guest appearance but appears in quite a number of scenes," the critic points out.

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