Hi friends,
Me and my set of buddies, always we plan. For movies we plan. Well in advance we plan. One or two weeks before we plan. Even a day or two before we plan. But thanks to a few, plans always get ruined. Sometimes, yours falsely is the culprit too. But finally, we all succeeded to watch one without problems from any side. Thank also me. I was adamant. With Akki in the film, and in a Priyan film, I could not afford to miss this one. So all of us, to INOX Forum we went. I know, you guys also getting bored by my blogging. So let me get on with some hot stuff in the about-to-chill winter.
tHe k00L k0ncEpt
To be frank, just like afrank, there is no concept in the film to talk of. The storyline revolves, or rather, revolutes around two useless photographers - Mac (Akshay Kumar) and Sam (John Abraham). In order to prove himself, John buys some photographs from a local photo shop which makes the company magazine Garam Masala scale dazzler heights. For his ’’work’’, the guy is promoted, and Akki demoted. John also lay his hands on Maggie (Neha Dhupia).
Furiated, as how anyone could get a girl from him, Akki decides to do something. He remembers his real-life record for the maximum number of g/f’s [Shilpa, Raveena, Pooja], and equals those in the film. He makes some false stories, and by giving a few cheap bucks to the editor, gets hold of three gorgeous air-hostesses - Puja (Nargis), Deepti (Daisy) and Sweety (Neetu). He also has a real fiance Anjali (Rimi Sen) to his credit.
He shifts to the new house, where his cook Uncle Mambo (Paresh Rawal), besides cooking stuff for him, also helps him manage his three girlfriends, so that none may ever clash with each other, or may know of each other’s existence, even if in the same house.
Add to it the comeback of John to Mauritius, and the friendship he shows towards Akshay by staying in his house, and making matters all the more complicated. Chaos reigns most of the times (specially the whole of the second half), and finally... What? You wanna know of the whole story?? Put your hands into your pocket, and watch the movie!!
tHe c00L cRitiC’s cRitiQue
Fundoo is the word for the movie. The film begins with the excellently-captured Adaa, and the sequence right thereafter, when John accidently pushes Akshay in between the legs of a model, indicate of what is going to be offered to you. Thereafter, the date of the two guys with Neha Dhupia, which though individual, turns out to be a group date, and the happenings in the restaurant, specially Akshay’s gesture, is sure to bring the house down.
Similarly, the scene at the airport lounge, where John, after returning, bumps into Akshay, and gets to know of his doings, keeps the going-ons steady. But truly, these are a few select scenes that one remembers at the end of the hour-long first half. There are intermittent sparks of humour apart from these, but one doesn’t mind.
However, it is the second half that adds a new sheen to the enterprise, giving it a new dimension altogether. The first half-an-hour of this takes place in Akshay’s house itself, where he, with the aid of Paresh and John, masterly manages to let the girl’s escape each others eyes. Though being in the same house, no one actually comes to know of the other. The happenings, and the enactment of the entire sequence, will have the audience rollicking in laughter. Ditto for the pre-climax, when the three confront each other.
On the flip side, a strong urge for a story is felt. Even if the plot was wafer-thin, one wouldn’t mind. But with its absence, one feels cheated, albeit slightly, for the director makes up for it with the gags and punches he has to offer. Also, John being so keen to spoil Akshay’s game, why does he support him later on is not explained.
But one thing the critic would like to say here. If you try to find some logic behind each and every thing that happens in the movie, I’m sure you’d like to give the film a negative rating. First and foremost, after he is betrayed by John, why does he seem hell-bent of the girls mainly? Why not money? All the big house, cars, big job, management, etc... All relate to the girls. Why?
Oh! I just said not to find logic, and started finding one myself.
Priyan proves it yet again that when it comes to comedy, none can beat him. With a successful track record to back him, he doesn’t disappoint one bit. He has complete command over the medium, must say. If it wasn’t for his expert execution, this one would surely have been a Thanda Masala.
The dialogue department has been entrusted with Neeraj Vora, and the man highlights the impact of even some mediocre scenes with his wacky sense of humour. Most of the comic situations have been reserved for Akshay, who makes the most of it.
Art direction (Sabu Cyril) is passable, while the editing (N. Gopala, Arun Kumar) is sharp. One doesn’t mind a few sequences being long-drawn, as each minute of those is rib-tickling.
Music by Pritam is an asset. The songs are tuneful, and come at the right place, and do not hamper the pace of the movie. ’Falak Dekhun’ is cleverly woven into the script, while the title track comes as the end credits. For more info on the music, read -- Hot Chilli Pepper --.
tHe kAAm oF tHe cASt
Without doubt, Akshay Kumar is the life of the movie. He is present in almost every frame, and stands out with a performance that is sure to win him all the accolades and honours. Note specially, his mannerisms and facial expressions in most of the scenes in the second half, where he is the centre of confusion. Even stone-hearted people would have liked to sympathize with him, never mind the reason behind it..
John Abraham does not deliver this time around. He tries his best to do comedy, and that’s where he falters. Comedy is something that should come naturally, but in his case, it does appear artificial. However, he does shine is the scene where he saves Akshay from letting the girls know about each other, in the second half.
Paresh Rawal is outstanding as the old man. Any Priyan film is incomplete without him, and this is no exception. His portrayal of an overused cook is excellent. Rajpal Yadav provides some funny moments too, though his character ain’t properly developed.
For the three girls, Daisy, Nargis and Neetu, it’s difficult to find out or to remember who’s who. All being newcomers, recalling that is not an easy task. Nevertheless, all were confident to the core, and do their part extremely well. Also, all look better in casuals rather than in their uniforms.
Neha Dhupia exudes oomph in a cameo. A talented actress like Rimi Sen has been wasted. Though she does her job well, a junior actress should have been considered for this small role.
tHe LasT wOrd
A good, timepass movie. Leave your thinking caps behind and you’ll return home satisfied. Don’t bother your brain too much about the reason for the going-ons, your brain is too small for those thoughts anyways. Being released aptly, in the festive season, it will do well in the first 5 days, despite of two major oppositions. And now I finish, my last word has proceeded to more than 2-3 sentences. So no more. Enough said. Now it’s your say in the Comments Section!
Cheers!
aLi.
© Aliasgar Poonawala, 2005
