Producer: Ronnie Screwvala;
Director: Dibakar Banerjee
Writers: Dibakar Banerjee, Urmi Juvekar, Manu Rishi Stars: Abhay Deol, Paresh Rawal, Neetu Chandra, Archana Puran Singh, Manu Rishi
Creative Quotient
If Dibakar Banerjee’s debut Khosla Ka Ghosla was a film that hit home, his second offering isn’t off the mark either. He takes a peek into a Punjabi Delhi neighbourhood and his survey brings forth a pulsating screenplay. A teenaged and turbaned Lucky (Manjot Singh) isn’t daunted by his father (a loutish Sikh) who won’t give in to his demands and will keep an obese mistress who will make advances on young Lucky. But Lucky’s eyes are set on a greeting-card seller’s nubile daughter - he will not only buy her the wrong card (a get-well-soon greetings!) but also take her on a spin on a stolen scooter and then offer her butter chicken in a posh restaurant. A disturbed family set-up, the wrong set of friends and morals lead him to be one of the most nimble thieves who will make away with your music system, television set, tableware, clothes and car! A clean-shaven Lucky (Abhay Deol) is out at large stealing and living out of suitcases and cars as he doesn’t want to be traced back to a permanent address!
Lucky and his right-hand man Bangali (Manu Rishi) join up orchestra singer Goga Bhai’s (Rawal’s second role) nefarious racket of stolen cars and he spreads his wings further - from Mumbai to Chennai - there’s no escaping Lucky’s net. Finally Lucky meets Dr Handa (Rawal’s third role), a veternarian who thinks nothing about greasing a few palms for the successful launch of his restaurant (funded by Lucky). Lucky’s finally betrayed by his business partner and his right-hand man and lands behind the bars. But can how long can the cops keep a slippery customer in??
A high score in terms of creativity and authenticity of plot and premise. Banerjee and co-writer Urmi Juvekar must be lauded for their engaging screenplay and crackling lines. Bravo!
Technical Expertise
Director Banerjee is in total command of the medium and he delivers a smacking product, though his casting of the protagonist leaves much to be desired. Abhay Deol in a defining role ends up giving a fixed moronic expression that belies Lucky’s chutzpah totally! Deol is totally miscast. Paresh Rawal in his triple roles is restrained and realistic. Manu Rishi as the opportunistic friend Bangali is thoroughly convincing. Neetu Chandra and Archana Puran Singh aren’t enhancing the appeal of the film in any way other than being in character.
Monica Angelica Bhowmick’s sets in addition to the authentic locations add to the mood of the film. Kartick Vijay’s photography transports you straight to the back-lanes of Delhi and brings alive the chaos. It’s a cinematic experience that a cine-buff cannot miss.
Verdict
An impressive tally of four stars for direction, scintillating screenplay and dialogues, creating the right mood and finally for Paresh Rawal’s well-played triple role.