ABCD - Any Body Can Dance

wogma rating: Add to that never-watched 'To Watch' list (?)

quick review:

ABCD - Anybody Can Dance is more a bunch of people showcasing their dancing talent and ab control than anything else. The story is just a functional wrap-around the makers' passion for dancing but the dances themselves are like those seen in reality shows.

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Director: Remo
Running time: 145 minutes
Genres: Drama
More Movie Info

ABCD - Any Body Can Dance - Preview

Kay Kay Menon! Oooooh...playing a dance teacher? Wow, really? Oh maybe that's what they mean by 'anybody can dance'. Or maybe he's just playing the dance company's manager. I have hardly ever seen Kay Kay Menon dance, but if he's really playing a dance teacher/choreographer I am already waiting to watch the film.

This is despite the fact, the good vs evil seems to be very clear in the trailer itself. Either that is damn good character establishment or the epitome of predictability. So, this must be one of the very few times that a movie interests me even though the story seems to be a run-of-the-mill one, this once an underdog competition one. Other than the presence of Kay Kay Menon, the credit goes to watching people dance for two hours. The music seems to be widely appreciated as you can see below. Also, I absolutely loved the last dance sequence in F.A.L.T.U which was also directed by Remo D'Souza.

Interestingly, the promos at least don't have a prominent lead lady. For a dance film, that seems a little off. I hope it is used to the advantage of the story.

Music Reviews:
Bollyspice - "4/5"
dunkdaft - "ABCD packs a punch that is able to make anybody, dance. "
IBN Live - "4.5/5"

- meeta, a part of the audience

ABCD - Anybody Can Dance has Gopi (Ganesh Acharya) tease Vishnu (Prabhu Deva) "You want to make a Lagaan?", when Vishnu expresses that he'll train some good-for-nothings from a slum area compete in a TV dance show. Within context, it is funny. As the movie progresses you realize Remo D'Souza actually made Lagaan cum ChakDe! India cum 3 Idiots. Unfortunately, not in terms of quality of narrative, but only in terms of the themes touched upon. This when all he actually wanted for ABCD - Anybody Can Dance to do is express his love for dance. Also, if there are so many choreographers interested in making a film about dancing, why can't we have a full-blown musical?

Unfortunately, the dances here come across as aerobic and gymnastic routines, with a little yoga thrown in. Except for the extravaganza in the end, it's a true spectacle. Isn't dance a lot more about grace than being able to contort your body into twists and turns. For the joy of watching dance, I'd happily watch Madhuri Dixit in all her elegance or Sri Devi mimic Michael Jackson, even if it's just for half a minute.

Fortunately, on the other hand, I knew what to expect. So, if you are a fan of Prabhu Deva kind of dancing, you are in for a treat. Even if a lot of the sequences look like they might be inspired from something already done elsewhere. However, I would think to showcase actual talent in dancing, shouldn't there have been many more long shots?

Sure, the final dance is spectacular, yet it is nowhere close to the one in F.A.L.T.U or that in Aaja Nachle. Also, F.A.L.T.U had much more of a story than ABCD - Anybody Can Dance.

While the twists in the end added an element of surprise, they fail to tug your heart the way they could have. There is so much dance to be showcased that there is no room for the characters to build a connect with you. At least, not enough for you to go beyond the obvious good vs evil. Other than that too, there were a few things that I liked about ABCD's story - the tight slap between a father and his son, the fact that Vishny eventually has no love interests to distract us from the main story. But, the typical character turn-arounds in the end nullify the things going for ABCD.

However, ABCD if taken as a display of current-day dancing, is quite enjoyable. If only, it stuck to its title. When you say Anybody Can Dance, I would have wanted people like me, who have two left feet and are extremely conscious about it, to dance. But, it's ultimately, people who can dance, can dance.

- meeta, a part of the audience

32 reviewers(?) - 16 yays 13 so-so 3 nays

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

Thumbs up, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...Sharing the experience of watching it in the theater, it was really great to see ABCD with a group of young dance students sitting in the row ahead, who were really enjoying each and every dance movement on the screen with their energetic shouts, whistles and comments.... full review

Thumbs up, by Pooja Rao, Bolly Spice : ...The respite is; that in isolation; each piece works beautifully well.... full review

Thumbs up, by Mayank Shekhar, Daily Bhaskar : ...Whether ot not you make it to Dance India Dance, this is a much better film to learn from, and aim higher... full review

Thumbs up, by Suparna Sharma, Deccan Chronicle : ... 3D is a bad idea, especially for a dance film.... full review

Thumbs up, by Smita, Desi Martini : ... Prabhudeva as Vishnu is all intensity and consumed by dance.... full review

Thumbs up, Free Press Journal : ...The climactic dance show down is done with a lot of native intelligence and showman ship and pays off big time... full review

Thumbs up, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...Whether you are 8 or 80, this film is for you. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Swati Deogire, In.com : ...Unlike the dance moves, the story is nothing new but Remo D’Souza’s powerful choreography is breathtaking and that makes us ignore the flaws (like the barely needed 3D effects)... full review

Thumbs up, by Fatema H Kagalwala, India Entertainment : ...The film is a hearty celebration of all the vibrancy of dance.... full review

Thumbs up, by Gaurav Malani, indiatimes : ...Having Prabhu Deva as the lead in a dance film, one might get carried away with the thought that half the battle is won. However director Remo D'Souza neither overuses the dancer nor under-utilizes his potential. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Joginder Tuteja, Indicine : ...ABCD turns out to be a film which scores in the uniqueness quotient.... full review

Thumbs up, by Aakash Barvalia, MoviezADDA : ...Remo had proved his narration and direction talent earlier in his directorial debut, and thus he had again impressed here with its experimental theme and bringing an altogether new talent on the screen.... full review

Thumbs up, by Mansha Rastogi, Now Running.com : ...Watch it for the unadulterated passion for dance and the spellbinding dance act of Prabhu Deva! ... full review

Thumbs up, by Prasanna D Zore, Rediff : ...is a must watch not only for dance lovers but also for those who like good cinema... full review

Thumbs up, by Swati Rohatgi, STARDUST : ...Prabhudeva’s performance leaves you tongue tied and no superlative can match to the brilliance of his dance act... full review

Thumbs up, by Madhureeta Mukherjee, Times of India : ...This movie isn't about the A-to-Z of dance; but if there's rhythm in your body this one will move you... full review

So-So, by Nikhil Kumar, Apun Ka Choice : ...It is the ever dependable Kay Kay Menon who comes up with a convincing portrayal of a cunning, avaricious, smug, snobbish owner of a dance company. He lends the right strut and swagger to his character, putting to shade everyone in the frame.... full review

So-So, by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama : ...The comparisons with F.A.L.T.U. would be foolhardy, since the two films belong to diverse genres, but Remo shows ample growth and confidence as a storyteller... full review

So-So, by Subhash K Jha (IANS), DNA : ...What sees ABCD through is its sincerity of purpose. Director D’Souza intends to do a "dance film" with a sturdy plot to hold up the choreography.... full review

So-So, by Ravi Kandala, fullhyd.com : ...What happens then is a story that will blindside you completely and take your breath away - nah, not really. ... full review

So-So, by Divya Solgama, Gomolo.in : ...His diction and accent is terrible, but when he dances one forgets everything and are just left gasping.... full review

So-So, by Vinayak Chakravorty, india today : ...Superb camerawork and sound design assist the 3D frames, though Sachin-Jigar could have come up with more whacky tunes for the soundtrack... full review

So-So, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...Kay Kay plays the gelled-hair, arrogant dude to the hilt. His co-star Prabhu Deva has the most mobile pelvis, but is no actor. So isn't well-known choreographer Ganesh Acharya, who has been given a sizeable speaking part alongside Prabhu Deva.... full review

So-So, by Mohar Basu, koimoi : ...Ganesh Acharya is marvelous in his adorable stint... full review

So-So, by Janhavi Samant, MiD DAY : ...Kay Kay Menon and Ganesh Acharya ham to their heart’s content while the ensemble cast is earnest but raw.... full review

So-So, Movie Talkies : ... full of clichés…... full review

So-So, by Karan Anshuman, Mumbai Mirror : ...Directing non-actors, greenhorns and Prabhu Deva in a single film, while simultaneously handling all other aspects, is biting off more than he can chew.... full review

So-So, by Sanyukta Iyer, Star Blockbuster : ...Even though Remo tries to keep his film as hatke as possible, comparisons to Hollywood’s Step Up series is nomiss! ... full review

So-So, by Arya Yuyutsu, Zee News : ...The acting is largely poor and is only bearable because there’s very little of it required. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Ravina Rawal, FirstPost : ...A bunch of deep and meaningful stuff tries to happen in the mean time... full review

Thumbs down, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...There's some genuinely original choreography up there, but it's lost in a plodding film with characters you couldn't care about.... full review

Thumbs down, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...The drama, interspersed with freestyle dance performances that draw moves from varied influences, plays out along predictable lines.... full review

85 tweeters(?) - 72 yays 8 so-so 5 nays

vjb2008: Just watched the first ever 3D Dance film of Indian cinema..ABCD (Any Body Can Dance )...a superb and a must watch film..⁰Awesome movie..

vivekagnihotri: The young boys and girls did a great job of bringing Remo D'souza 's vision to life .Review of ABCD by @JokesDostiEtc http://riyareviews.blogspot.in/2013/02/review-of-abcd-any-body-can-dance.html”

vachpekar: Awesome movie ABCD - Any Body Can Dance...!!

V_rampuria: AbCd - Any bodY caN dancE... banged thE floorS ...A musT watcH moviE ...headS oFf ...5 staR ...No wordS to eXpress

TwitchFilm: Review: ANYBODY CAN DANCE 3D is a Kickass STEP UP Clone Worth Your Money! http://feeds.twitchfilm.net/~r/TwitchEverything/~3/da96jmV3sRU/review-anybody-can-dance-3d-is-a-kickass-step-up-clone-worth-your-money.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=twitchfilm

taylorlights: I DONT EVEN LIKE DANCE???? BUT WHAT THE HELL MAN ANYBODY CAN DANCE IS TOO FUCKING GOOD

TapanHazra: ABCD - Any Body Can Dance super Movie . awesome sala .!

syedirfan03: ABCD - Any Body Can Dance 4/5 Prabhu Deva still rocks in his dance but sucks in Hindi :P

swathirao14: had an awesome weekend.. Watched an awesome movie(Hindi) - anybody can dance(ABCD)

suraj533: ABCD ( ANY BODY CAN DANCE ) super movie...

Sumaiya_1994: Anybody can dance :D true that ;) after a long time soh much fun in the theatre :P @15_mini || What a movie (y) #ABCD

Sujanshetty88: AnyBody Can Dance - Every One Must Watch #ABCD D- Discipline A- Awesome N- New C- Confidence E- Express Remo D'Souza... Bravo

SitiHusniHijrah: Watched ABCD- Anybody can dance, ystd at th cinema. Awesomeee

SindhuSparkles: Aye Makad log ne mast dhamal machaya re! Best dance movie ever! Anybody can Dance,Don't know about that!But they can really dance !! ❤#ABCD

SiddharthBlog: movie review abcd a treat for dance lovers - Sahara Samay: Sahara Samaymovie review abcd a treat for dance lover... http://t.co/726cVeQY

shunya1718: there's only one word for the movie ABCD - Any Body Can Dance and it is "AWESOME"

shammidev: ABCD - Any Body Can Dance very good movie ...

Ruds4u: Wow, Watched ABCD - Any Body Can Dance Salute to the team that they took dancing India into it's next level.

rohith2201: Saw m0vi "ABCD(anybody can dance)" Such a suprb m0vi.!!! ♥♥♥ it

rob_and: Nice story...great dance!!RT @boxofficeindia: Film Review- #ABCD – AnyBody Can Dance http://www.boxofficeindia.co.in/abcd-anybody-can-dance/

RakeshSethi12: ABCD - ANY BODY CAN DANCE ... My fvrt movie :-D

pspany: Watched ABCD - anybody can dance...still in love wit the movie n am so inspired...dancing is my passion

Preetishpn2: ABCD - Any Body Can Dance Rocks !!! Superb movie . A must watch film.

preethu2020: ABCD Any Body Can Dance..itz awsme..

perfektengineer: Dear Prabhudeva, its 'Anybody' Can Dance not Any 'Body' Can Dance. Good movie though.

parabamey27: ABCD-Any Body Can Dance movie was awsome

Pandolindotcom: If you are passionate about dancing, this is the film for you. Remo D'Souza promises you an out and out dance... http://pandolin.com/Movie-detail/abcd-any-body-can-dance-review/

nona_ginting: Today is my first time watched bollywood at cinema. The title is ABCD anybody can dance. That movie's impressed me :)

NitinKalra27: #ABCD Any Body Can Dance... Crazy movie... Beautiful ending...Must watch...

nickskhare: Go watch Prabhu Deva's ABCD...Anybody can dance...Drown yourself in the magic of dance! Great Movie Remo. India's Step up is HERE :-) 10/10

mustafatajkhan: ABCD - Any Body Can Dance came out to be different then what i had expected.. gud movie to watch though for people into dance.

maratheprash: Watched #ABCD (Any Body Can Dance) last night. Such a nice movie.

Manmeshkerkar: ABCD - Any Body Can Dance AWsum... <3 movie.. :* Ramo disuja & Prabhu Deva u ppl rockZzz.... :)

mahiearora49: ABCD (Any Body Can Dance) will be a blockbuster for showr because it is dedicated to dance & Micheael Jackson... http://twitter.com/mahiearora49/status/300225956419891200/photo/1

magiclegspratik: ABCD - Any Body Can Dance is Awesome Movie if u like Dance must watch and Dharmesh Sir is also superb

likanpatra: #‎ABCD - Any Body Can Dance Review - Rating - 8.5/10 - Full Review - https://t.co/tQGt5UmN

LERIPERI: ABCD - Any Body Can Dance \=D/ ...love this movie♥

jimitvaidya: ABCD - Any Body Can Dance's last dance ! wow ! :D

jilstsuresh: Go nd watch Anybody Can Dance. . . . Nice movie. . .

JerryboyUmesh: awSUm......movie....ABCD ( any body can dance) o_O :-P

jaibaksh1979: ABCD - Any Body Can Dance so much fun to watch

jadhavruturaj77: #Watched ABCD - Any Body Can Dance ....... Awesome film...... Really liked to watch Prabhudeva....

imMalav: #ABCD - Any Body Can Dance = Entertainment, Entertainment & Entertainment.

iamtuscm: ABCD Any Body Can Dance @PDdancing u ROCK SIR Awesome Fantastic Fabulous Marvellous n etcccc A MUST DOUBLE TIME WATCH MOVIE RESPECTED SIR

iAm_Esha: ABCD - Any Body Can Dance Enjoyed every minute:-)

ialihassaan: ABCD Any Body Can Dance <3 <3

HIRAMEHTA: "Anybody Can Dance"...yeah its true...if I can..then anyone can..Loved the movie.

disha_kadam: ABCD(Any Body Can Dance) awesome movie!!!! prabhudeva is fab!!!! truly paisa vasool film...

Dhokte1Dhokte: ABCD(ANY BODY CAN DANCE) MUST WATCH MOVIE......

devpatel0112: ABCD (any body can dance) asesome movie

dedh_hoshiyar: If you dont know ABCD of dance still you will appreciate the movie #ABCD (Any Body Can Dance) !! All dancers were just awesome !!

deba_rulzs: Some movies speak fr themselves u dun need to talk much bout dem.Der impact is seized fe eva -Abcd Anybody can dance truly an iconic muvie:)

dashingadity: AnyBody Can Dance - A film for those who love to celebrate dance, music and life! Must watch guys - Rohan... https://www.facebook.com/adityaj1411/posts/10151514698727754

Darpankanther: ABCD (any body can dance) yeah saw it awesume fantastic movie it is guys must watch it.

CindrellaMehfuz: You MUST watch ABCD - Any Body Can Dance! It's superb! At least Indian cinema is evolving!

chintumeena007: $imply Aws0ome......Guy$ Must Watch Go $ Don't Miss iT ABCD - Any Body Can Dance !!

BeingGoati: #ABCD Any body can dance - A Rapchik Movie ;) :D Nice Choreography by Remo & Sir Prabhu deva .. It shud hv been named #Stepup5 Instead \m/.!

beingchandresh: ABCD....anybody can dance... Awesome movie with great 3D effects

babuya07: hay all it's a great movie ABCD(any body can dance)...everyone should watch the movie....

AzizaPanjwani: Anybody Can Dance>>>>>>> #Speechless #NewFavoriteMovie #Respect #StrugglesLeadToSuccess

ayaanahuja: ABCD - Any Body Can Dance in CCCinemas NNNow.. MUSTTTTTT WATCCHHHHH :))))))))))))))))) OOOur RRating : 4/5

arungv: Watched "ABCD - AnyBody Can Dance" in 3D. Superb movie, wonderful dance n choreography, good characterisation & interesting last 10 mins

apekshapd: #anybody can dance revival of all choreographers. Loved it. #danceindiadance top 6.. Dance is to expresd....

Aparajita1dJB: ABCD rocks ! Anybody can dance !

AnujShah010: #ABCD ABCD ANY BODY CAN DANCE Ausm Movie

ankitv: Go watch Prabhu Deva's ABCD...Anybody can dance...Drown yourself in the magic of dance! Great Movie Remo. India's... http://www.facebook.com/ankit.vengurlekar/posts/10151255276471434

ANA7981: ANYBODY CAN DANCE IS AN AWESOME MOVIE.

amitnimade: ABCD (Any Body Can Dance) is, to put it plainly, AWESOME. Bring it on guys… Rock On with ABCD!... Read More... #Bollywood #News

AmitKataria91: ABCD (Any Body Can Dance) is such a super movie.. must watch I'll suggest.. truly awesome work by Remo D'SOUZA..

AmalAlBalooshi: ABCD = AnyBody Can Dance ♡ Awesome movie ♡ loved it ♡ and yes I can dance ♡ #abcd #anybodycandance… http://instagr.am/p/Vcdzqew3bH/

akshaygomes: #ABCD Any Body Can Dance was a hugely entertaining movie!! 1st Day 1st Show and the response which the movie got was just mind blowing!

1110narayan: India's first 3D Dance Film Abcd (Any Body Can Dance )d!s film was awesome n 1 of d best film in the world n universe...

thetworeviewers: Hey guys, watched ABCD(any body can dance) - it is Ok, they have tried to make a copy of Step Up but have not been successful in it, ....

tanqeed: Sanket’s Review: “ABCD Any body can dance” is a fair attempt, but could have been something substantial.#ABCD http://tanqeed.com/forum/sankets-review-abcd-any-body-can-dance-is-a-fair-attempt-but-could-have-been-something-substantial/

sachinchatte: If you've ever enjoyed shaking a leg then Anybody Can Dance is a time pass film. Prabhudeva is a treat to watch, his dancing that is.

rjanup: ABCD - 3 /5 Mirchis - Rj Anup # Anybody can Dance ki script dekh ke Remo ko Shayad Laga ki ,if Anybody can Dance... http://www.facebook.com/rj.anup.uae/posts/538693756165314

JokesDostiEtc: #ABCD - Anybody Can Dance is a one time watch for people/kids who love dancing , it has some dramatic scenes but overall slow.

bloroong: The ABCs of Death ★★☆☆☆, A Good Day to Die Hard ★★★☆☆, ABCD (Any Body Can Dance) ★★★☆☆, The Tower ★★★★☆

Apna990: Movie Review: 'ABCD - Any Body Can Dance' is strictly for dance lovers 'ABCD - Any Body Can Dance' has some good... https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=11855755&l=ef2b9373e4&id=98541573807

aditya_grover: ABCD - Any Body Can Dance [Movie Review] (3/5) Reviewed by: ADITYA GROVER http://www.facebook.com/itsmyopinion.movies https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1154575&l=ae690df8fa&id=101967029898190

xSakinaxx: Remo's movie ABCD-AnyBody Can Dance was a flop. It was faltu, just like his other movie..

VaidehiMody: Keep your friends close, and send your enemies to watch Anybody Can Dance.

iVivekMorepatil: ABCD : Any Body Can Dance * * 2 star ..... paise vayala gele durga la jaun.....bakvas movie he tweeple ! #ABCDMOVIES

Decipher_Monkey: #ABCD Any Body Can Dance but #ECMAM Everybody Cannot Make A Movie.

alee_asghar: Anybody can dance sucks big time! -_-

5 readers - 4 yays 0 so-so 1 nays

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Anil : Decent movie but very superfluous. Dance lovers (and followers of Zee DID) will love it for sure.

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Nikhil : It's awsome.. No words to explain.

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Paresh

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Suman

Nay! Thumbs Down, by Nina : Steinberg-Hart

This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: A few fist fights.
  • Language: A few abuses.
  • Nudity & Sexual content: Skimpily clad women dancing, but nothing that is worse than current day item numbers.
  • Concept: An underdog story.
  • General Look and Feel: Lots of dances.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction:
Story:
Lead Actors:
Character Artists:
Dialogues:
Screenplay:
Music Director:
Lyrics:

ABCD - Any Body Can Dance - Cast, crew, links

Official Sites:
Director:
Cinematography:
Music Director:
Lyrics:
Running time:
145 minutes
Reviewer:
Language:
Country:
Genres:

Comments (8)

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This movie will rocks. Dance and songs are beautiful. Never be bored. I think 3D effects will be great from some shots of Trailer of movie.

The trailers are reminiscent of 'Take the Lead' and 'Step up'... even so... looking forward to watching PrabhuDeva in action :)

@Nikhil Yeah, it will be interesting to see a dance film in 3D. Hope we don't lose out on the colors.

@Pooja Yep!

Suman

Direction: 2.5
Story: 2
Lead Actors: 2
Character Artists: 2

Dialogues: 2
Screenplay: 2
Music Director: 3
Lyrics: 2

Anuj

@Meetu : Is it worth watching in 3D?

Paresh

I thought the movie was fairly entertaining, esp. for Kids, with DID background. It was a simple underdog story, not complicated or pretentious. Kay Kay gave a tremendous performance, displaying his versatility in the range of emotions. The Final act was worth the prize of ticket.

@Anuj The 3D didn't add any value. However, the last dance's extravaganza was splendid on the theater, and more because of the audience reaction to it.

@Paresh For me Kay Kay Menon was made into a caricature. But you are right about the final act. The audience reaction to it was amazing. Though like I say in the review, the one in FALTU worked better for me. There was a theme behind it.

Anil

Decent movie but very superfluous. Dance lovers (and followers of Zee DID) will love it for sure.

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