Two things for which director Priyadarshan deserves standing ovation – a) he makes a film entirely around a village, that too a comedy and over that a very entertaining one b)he rejects standard ‘hero-heroine’ concept and allows so-called ‘character artistes’ to hold stage. In this, spotlight is on Paresh Rawal, Om Puri and Asrani, and all three assure that they do not loosen the film’s tight grip ever! For the ‘glamour’ part there is Riteish (this boy excels in such frothy roles!) and Reemma (seen earlier in a bland appearance in Hum Ho Gaye Aapke). But both are mere cogs in the wheel, wherein the steering is decisively with Rawal, Puri and Asrani!
The story is pretty straightforward – a village that hasn’t seen much happiness, suddenly finds a Rs 1 crore-lottery winner amongst them, albeit a dead one! As claimants to money clamor in, so do the guffaws pile up, with some occasional sentimental moments, but overall pretty hilarious.
The movie begins with some idyllic rustic shots replete with a ‘boatman’type background song. But once the characters are introduced (in Naseeruddin Shah’s booming baritone),it settles to a cozy humdrum – much like the village life – a bit of camaraderie, a bit of competition; a sliver of happiness, a slice of sorrow; and, a pinch of optimism, a dose of fatalism!
Performances are A-class: it’s tough to decide who is better – Rawal or Puri; both are there in all scenes, and both make a formidable acting pair. To this, there is Asrani added. And of course, not to forget Rajpal Yadav, who is clearly in his full elements under the baton of his regular director! Arbaaz Khan in a brief appearance is good. But, Sudha Chandran (as the vile spinster ‘thakurain’) seems to have walked in from any of her K-serials- even the hideously loud make-up is the same!Riteish Deshmukh gets a small role, but I would still lay my bets on him as someone to watch out for. Reemaa (in back-less cholis) is adequate.
Two more things for which Priyadarshan needs special attention – a full-on outlandish but nonetheless outstanding climax, much like his previous films Hungama and Hulchul. Not to be missed – Rajpal Yadav’s cycle ride in it – if that hasn’t have you falling off your chair laughing, then you seriously need medical help!
Next is, Priyadarshan’s filming of rural ‘item songs’. Though the tune doesn’t live upto Hulchul’s ‘Lutgayi lut gayi Lanka Raavan Ki’, still the picturisation is similar – complete with jalebis getting fried and puris puffing up while a dusky lady in the most tantalizing ghagra-choli does her act!
Uttank Vohra’s music is barely there – only two songs within the film, and one during the end-credits. Needlessly to say, songs are not missed.
The dialogues are delightful.
The negatives? Not many really, except that some might find the ‘glamour’ too lacking, and a pace a bit slow in today’s jet-age. But I enjoyed that. It’s tiring to see only the upside-city-life-slickness all time! Perhaps, a defter editing could have made it pacier and slicker. But, then I guess Priyadarshan wanted it to be a langrous one that can be enjoyed on a lazy dull Sunday. In that respect, I think he is bang on target!
Overall – Enjoyable!
