Producer: Azam Khan, Vinay Pathak

Director: Shashant Shah

Writer: Arshad Sayed

Stars: Vinay Pathak, Neha Dhupia, Rajat Kapoor

Plot: A terminally ill Amar makes a final list of things to do and fulfills those.

Verdict: Interesting story, slow execution.

Box Office prospects: Even Vinay-Rajat fan base may find it hard to digest this long-winding tale.

Creative Quotient:

Amar Kaul (Viany Pathak) is a simpleton who is bullied by everybody from his mom (Sarita Joshi), boss (Saurabh Shukla) to his office colleagues. After discovering his terminal illness, he decides to chuck his mundane job and list out 10 things to do before his death. His 'bucket list' includes buying a new car, going abroad, a date with old flame (Neha), learning guitar, tossing the boss and settling life for his 'mumma'.

The premise of the film is engaging but the narrative drawls and drags. Especially the boss slurping over his food sequence is repeated ad nauseum. When he visits his old friend (Rajat) in Russia (it's never been spelt out, presumably so!) and he finds himself alone on the streets - Amar breaks down and sobs inconsolably for ever and ever. Some scenes are inexplicable as to why a Russian street walker should stop him from jumping over the bridge and then providing him hearth and love on the house!! Till then she hadn't even known he was an Indian since she has a penchant for Bollywood.

Writer Arshad Syed's screenplay is lax and lines pithy. An interesting story idea that loses its grip owing to its long-winding take.

Technical Expertise:

Debutant director Shushing Shah is able to build up inter-personal drama rather well especially between Ajar and his mamma, his guitar teacher Savior and his childhood sweetheart Nihau. Of the actors, Vinay Pathak holds his own as the simpleton and as his swash-buckling alter ego - but he is on the verge of being repetitive and predictable.

Raja Kapok fits in snugly into his suave doctor act, Neha Dhupia is a natural in her part but the most endearing of the lot is Sarita Joshi playing the deaf, cranky mumma with total ease and natural flair. She is a delight to watch. Ranvir Shorey's two-bit cameo is impressive.

Editor Aseem Sinha deserves a sharp rap for his loopy cuts. Credit is due to the production team for finding the right locations and creating the mood for this small film, guitarist Savio's cottage is one such place - it conjures up the Goan backdrop so effectively. Kailash Kher and his troupe provide great theme music to the film; it blends in easily with the narrative.

Barring it's inordinate length and slack lines, this could really have been another smart film from Messrs Vinay-Rajat-Neha-Ranvir & Co.