Oye, its funny!. Review on Oye Lucky Lucky Oye

Every once in a while comes a film that makes a silent entry on the screen catches you by surprise.  OYE LUCKY! LUCKY OYE! Is just the antidote for the depression – inducing news hitting the headlines since the last two days.  With high expectations after his debut film, KHOSLA KA GHOSLA, director Dipakar Banerjee does not disappoint.

Just as you settle down, the disclaimer or rather claimer, that the film borrows heavily from real life incidents readies you for the surprise package. Lucky is the story of a small time thief, Lucky (Abhay Deol) who steals just about anything, stuffed toys, greeting cards, clothes, police bikes, even dogs! He is a glib talker, and his hands do most of the talking.  The story begins in the crowded by lanes of Old Delhi, tracing Lucky’s life as a teenager aspiring for a better life, chronicling his first love, his friendships and of course, his initiation into conning.  The boy playing the young lucky is a delight to watch.  Watch his altercations with his father (Paresh Rawal).  As he grows up, his hunger for the good life makes him break into the big league.  Through his sidekick, Bangali (manu rishi), Lucky meets Gogi Bhai (Again Paresh Rawal), who is a band owner-cum-stolen goods buyer.  Paresh again appears in the film as the shrewd Dr Handa.  Handling all three concurrent characters with panache,  Paresh proves that one can never get enough of good things.

Once the characters and Lucky’s modus operandi are established, the film does stagnate a bit.  But the dialogues, especially the one lines, more than make up for the wafer-thin storyline.  Abhay Deol is a treat to watch.  This low profile Deol is a true find.  He is effortless and at some places, especially with the raise of the eyebrow and dimpled smile, does give a glimpse of his famous uncle.  But resemblance apart, he is probably the ‘only actor’ in the clan.  He slips into the character of a middle class delhi guy aspiring for riches and somewhere deep down, respectability.  Thankfully the director keeps the film light throughout and one can just about perceive Lucky’s despondency Money may not buy him a place in society, but Lucky is not about mend his ways.  Neetu Chandra as his love interest, Sonal, too is effective.  A special mention for Archana Puran Singh as Mrs. Handa.  She is delightful as the social ladder-climbing, class conscious Punjabi Housewife.

Dipakar Also does a wonderful take on the electronic media.  The frenzy of reporter of SANSANIKHEZ KHABAR is spot on the hilarious.  And to repeat again, every once in a while comes a film that DOES NOT have item numbers and unnecessary dream sequences.  Luckily, OYE LUCKY has just a fast paced Punjabi hip hop title track running in the back ground that builds up with the story.

Though the film may not appeal universally due to its typical delhi based northern flavour, its uniqueness is a breath of fresh air.  In fact, it’s a comedy that is actually funny.  And, one star is especially for Abhay Deol who carries the film entirely on his shoulders, or should I say, ‘steals the show!’