By Martin D'Souza, Bollywood Trade News Network
To be honest to the makers, this is a cleaner version of a remake when compared to RAM GOPAL VARMA KI AAG, the remake of SHOLAY. VICTORIA NO 203 is the same old story of diamond heist. So you know what to expect. Let's get straight to the actors. Jaaved Jafferi as Bobby Bombatta is over the top, Jimmy Sheirgill surprisingly does not match up to his performance of EKLAVYA or DELHI HEIGHTS. There's something that holds him back here. Preeti Jhangiani as Jaaved's moll has no meat in her role while Kamal Sadanah who is also the producer tries to make a comeback of sorts (not working). As for debutante Soniya Mehra, daughter of the late Vinod Mehra, she has to get her act right. A trip to the acting class with emphasis on finishing will do her a world of good. The inborn talent is there, but it has to be harnessed well. She has to work on her facial expressions, dialogue delivery and body language. Another three films and she will be well on her way... Now for the scene where the diamonds are being robbed. Tora as the ninja is flexible, but why have her ample cleavage smack in your face when she could have worn a fully covered body suit? Was it the diamond heist being filmed or an attempt to titillate the viewer??? The saving grace is Om Puri and Anupam Kher (who play the role enacted by Ashok Kumar and Pran). Their comic timing is perfect which manages to raise a few laughs. To be honest, it's really not your money's worth.
