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Kidnap is a Bollywood thriller film directed by Sanjeev Rattan, which was released in 2008. The movie presents an intense storyline filled with suspense, drama, and emotion, featuring prominent actors Sanjay Dutt, Imran Khan, and Minissha Lamba in lead roles. It revolves around the kidnapping of a young woman and the desperate quest of her stepfather to bring her back home safely, entwining themes of family ties, revenge, and the myriad hues of human relationships.

The story begins with Sonia Raina (played by Minissha Lamba), the daughter of a wealthy business tycoon, Vikrant Raina (played by Sanjay Dutt), who lives an opulent lifestyle in Mumbai. Sonia is depicted as the apple of her father's eye, a teenager full of life, and is on the brink of celebrating her 18th birthday. However, this joyous event takes a dark turn when she is kidnapped under mysterious circumstances.

Vikrant Raina, a man of influence and power, is depicted as a loving but estranged father. Sonia lives with her mother Mallika (played by Vidya Malvade) and her new husband. The absence of her father from her life has caused a rift, which the film carefully exposes as layers of their past are revealed. The happy façade of Sonia's life soon crumbles when her abduction necessitates the return of Vikrant, who must confront his past and present to save his daughter.

The mastermind behind the abduction is Kabir Sharma (played by Imran Khan), who plays an enigmatic and intriguing young man with a grudge. His motives are initially unclear, and as the narrative unfolds, viewers are taken on a journey through his complex psychology. Kabir sets forth an elaborate game, communicating with Vikrant through a series of clues and demanding actions that test Vikrant’s skills, patience, and affection for Sonia.

The movie utilizes a non-linear narrative style, segueing between flashbacks and present-day events, gradually peeling away the layers of each character's motivations and histories. The tension builds as the deadline given by Kabir draws closer, and Vikrant’s desperation to find his daughter before time runs out becomes palpable.

Throughout the film, Sanjay Dutt's performance as the anguished father is powerful and evocative, stirring empathy in the audience. Dutt's portrayal of Vikrant, a man torn by regret and fueled by the urgency of rescuing his daughter, draws attention to the internal struggle such a situation may inflict upon a parent. Imran Khan, in one of his earlier roles, delivers a performance that marked him as an actor capable of executing complex characters. His portrayal of Kabir showcases shades of darkness and depth that add intensity to the plot.

Minissha Lamba's character, Sonia, is not just a helpless victim; throughout the narrative, her strength and resilience come to the fore. She portrays different shades of her character as a teenager caught in a troubling predicament while maintaining a sense of innocence that contrasts sharply with the cruel situation she has been plunged into.

The film's direction keeps the audience engaged through a good pace and strategic plot twists that maintain suspense. The cinematography effectively captures the gritty and tense atmosphere essential to a kidnapping drama, while the city of Mumbai is almost a character in itself, with its bustling streets and urban landscape providing a fitting backdrop for this high-stakes chase.

Kidnap also features a musical score that complements the film's mood. From intense background scores that heighten the suspense to emotional tracks that delve into the characters' emotional states, the music by Pritam adds another layer to the narrative's overall impact.

The underlying theme of family and the lengths to which a person will go to save a loved one is central to the movie. It also scratches the surface of many aspects of human behavior, including the consequences of past actions and the idea of redemption. As Vikrant grapples with his own feelings of guilt and unwavering resolve to recover his daughter, the story raises questions about forgiveness, the nature of justice, and the bonds that hold us together.

Kidnap, with its mix of thrilling sequences, emotional turmoil, and psychological depth, offers viewers a Bollywood experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The performances by the leading trio anchor the film, making it a memorable entry in the thriller genre of Indian cinema. The movie kept moviegoers on the edge of their seats as they followed the unfolding events, hoping for a resolution to the heart-pounding saga of abduction and retribution.

Kidnap is a 2008 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 43 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.6.