Oct 03, 2013 04:04 PM
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Director Abhinav Singh Kashyap made the powerful directorial debut ever, with Dabangg. Ranbir Kapoor, on the other hand, is riding high post the spectacular success of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. When both collaborated, one surely expects nothing less of fireworks. Sadly, the promos of their film Besharam made it evident that this is a film where one should not expect much. And sure enough, Besharam is fun-filled time pass ride. It is nothing extraordinary and has quite a few loopholes. But the funny moments, characters and performances ensure that audience get their money’s worth!
The story of the movie: Babli (Ranbir Kapoor) is an orphan based in Delhi. He is a car mechanic but doesn't shy away from stealing cars. He falls for Tara (Pallavi Sharda) who in turn finds Babli to be brash, rowdy and besharam. But that doesn't deter Babli from trying his luck. But sadly in doing so, he gets into the wrong books of the dreaded hawala king Bheem Singh Chandel (Jaaved Jaaferi). On the other hand, the police couple – Inspector Chulbul Chautala (Rishi Kapoor) and Head Constable Bulbul Chautala (Neetu Kapoor) – too set their eyes on Babli.
In a massy entertainer, the entry of the hero has to be, what is best described as, phaadu. Sadly, that’s not the case here as Babli enters the narrative in a comic manner but it isn’t extraordinary. In fact, the villain has a far better introduction! And barring villain’s intro scene, the entire portion of Babli’s entry and the two almost back-to-back songs (Title song and Tere Mohalle) just doesn't work. Thankfully, the film picks up very well after the aforementioned sequences. The characters are well-defined and lovable, especially Babli the besharam. He is manner less and equipped with bad habits but has a cute side to him that comes out very well. The film is fairly predictable but it is all done nicely in the sense that the narrative moves in a feverish but decent pace. Thankfully, the second half is better than the first one. The confrontation of the hero and villain has its moments despite not being outrageously funny. Even the romantic angle does leave a mark. But again, the Aa Re Aa Re track springs up all of a sudden and one wonders, why the hell are so many songs forced into the narrative? Thankfully, things get better post the song. The finale has some brilliant comic and action scenes and the film culminates on a nice note.
Ranbir Kapoor breathes life into his character. The script might not be first-rate but he ensures that he gives more than his best shot. He does raise laughs with his antics and even works big time during action scenes. The fate of the film is unsure as of now but Ranbir Kapoor’s credibility will surely remain intact and viewers are definitely going to come out in hordes when his next project is up for release! Pallavi Sharda has a charm of her own and plays her part with confidence. After doing minuscule roles in films like Heroine, My Name Is Khan etc Pallavi is fortunate to have bagged a role in a biggie and hope she continues with her good job in upcoming films too! Rishi Kapoor as always takes the film to great heights. Viewers might not like the film but they are bound to love this outstanding veteran actor! Neetu Kapoor too gives her best and that she seemed convincing in the action scenes was praiseworthy. Jaaved Jaaferi was suave in the villainous role. For a change, he doesn't display his comic timing even once and that works well too. Amitosh Nagpal (Titu) is hilarious as Babli’s sidekick. Himani Shivpuri (Tara’s mother) is alright. The actor who plays the warden at the orphanage and who plays Timmy also put up a good show.
Lalit Pandit’s music is overall ordinary. Only two songs work – Love Ki Ghanti and Dil Ka Jo Haal Hai. Tere Mohalle and Aa Re Aa Re were forcefully incorporated and one wonders why the makers decide to do something like this especially when it was clear that songs have not worked? Even Ranbir’s Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani had tons of songs but at least, all the tracks had caught on big time before release. But Besharam didn't catch up and surely, the makers could have done away with a song or two. However, Pandit’s background score gels very well with the mood of the film. Madhu Vannier’s cinematography is eye-catching. Sets are superb, especially the neighborhood of Tara…nicely done! Sham Kaushal’s action is larger than life.
Dialogues are hilarious and the major source of comedy in the film. Abhinav Singh Kashyap and Rajat Barnwal’s story and script lack novelty but they manage to make everything fall into place neatly. But the toilet humor simply falls flat. Also, the film and the lead character had the potential to be funnier than what was presented. The action scenes have a comic touch as well but somewhere, it is not something that would make people fall off their chairs. However, Abhinav Singh Kashyap directs the film well and barring the songs, he doesn't otherwise allow the film to go astray. Few scenes are brilliantly directed and thought of (the sudden dog romance that’s thrown in the narrative is brilliant). Kashyap debuted very well with Dabangg and hope to see getting back into that league or maybe go even higher with his upcoming films!
Some of the best scenes:
Bheem Singh Chandel’s entry
Babli drops Tara’s mother
Babli meets Bheem Singh Chandel
Babli in and outside Tara’s office
The intermission point
The songs ‘Love Ki Ghanti’ and ‘Dil Ka Jo Haal Hai’
Babli chased in Chandigarh
Babli at Chautala’s residence
The climax
On the whole, Besharam had the potential to be much funnier and crazier. The introduction scenes are disappointing and there are too many songs in the film. Thankfully, the film has its moments and performances are extraordinary. The second half is better and Abhinav Singh Kashyap manages to put up a fairly decent show.
Nothing extraordinary and a one-time watch for sure!
