Indian romantic comedy. Review on Second Hand Husband

When I was about to walk into the theatre screening ‘Second Hand Husband’, the usher tried to dissuade me. Are you sure you want to see it, he asked. There is only one other viewer inside. Why don’t you go to the auditorium next to this one, which is also showing a new film, he added. Taking umbrage, I declared I had bought a ticket for this film, and that I would see the very one.

I wish I had listened to him.

I was here to see if Govinda’s daughter, whose debut this is, had the same zany gene in her. And to see how Gippy Grewal, Punjabi star, would fare in his first Bollywood outing.

Within the first few scenes, it was clear that Tina Ahuja was a no-hoper. And that Grewal should go right back to doing what he does best. The rest are no better. Alok Nath sports an ingratiating grin. Ravi Kissen shouts at earth-shattering decibels. Rati Agnihotri appears off colour. Vijay Raaz seems to be the only trying to keep a straight face and struggle through.

But what really broke my heart was Dharmendra. He has to play an ageing roue, coming over all creepy and flirtatious with women young enough to be his grand-daughters. And the way he is made to go about it makes him look scarily like one. No film is allowed to do this to He Man Dharmendra, First Rate Hero.

No, just no.