Dir: Samir Karnik Cast: Dharmendra, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Anupam Kher, Kulraj Randhawa, Mukul Dev
Yamla Pagla Deewana
U/A; comedy
Dir: Samir Karnik
Cast: Dharmendra, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Anupam Kher, Kulraj Randhawa, Mukul Dev
Rating: ***
What's it about: When one of the leading families of B-town decided to spoof themselves, the news was met with raised eyebrows. But knowing the Deols, Yamla Pagla Deewana became one of the most anticipated films of the year. While their last effort Apne was more cringe-inducing than serious, YMD is a great effort at poking fun at themselves and their claims to fame. Sunny's mind boggling action, Bobby's tomfoolery and Dharmendra's daru jokes are the mainstay of the film. YPD is set smartly in Canada (mini Punjab of the west) and revolves around Sunny's search for his brother and father who've been missing for 30 years. He starts his hunt in Benares and soon finds them, only to realise that they are expert conmen who would do anything to make a quick buck. The second half of the film is a laugh riot with Bobby's romance with Kulraj Randhawa going for a toss, thanks to her band of Jat brothers.
What's hot: Director Sameer Karnik knows his USP is the Deol trio. He doesn't waste a single moment in cashing in their natural affable chemistry. The trio have a fan base spanning generations and the story ably draws these eager audiences inu00a0-- be it with Dharam's one liners and his take on wine and women, Bobby's buffoonery or Sunny's dhai kilo ka haath. Sunny is in his true element and does full justice to his subtle and underplayed character. Then there is the huge fight scene where he saves his father and brother from goonsu00a0-- guaranteed to bring in the seetis. Dharmendra's zest to tackle every scene with the enthusiasm and vigour he showed in his youth is worth applauding. While the first half is tepid, the second half picks up very well. The entire plot surrounding Kulraj's impending wedding and her brothers and the confusion leading to a rib tickling climax (very similar to Andaaz Apna Apna) is hilarious. Karnik uses images, montages and songs from yesteryears to invoke emotions of love for the family. Kulraj makes an impact with her ease and natural grace. Sucheta Khanna gets a special nod for her character Boli.
What's not: The first half ends on a lethargic note. Whenever the jokes take the film to a high, the emotional angle drags it down again. Despite the guffaws, the film drags mostly due to the jarring item songs and the extended romantic track between Kulraj and Bobby. If it had been 20 minutes shorter, it would have made more of an impact. Apart from the title track, none of the songs are memorable. Bobby seems more relaxed when it comes to playing a sardar than a Benarasi babu. There are moments when his accent and diction are unintentionally funny and loud. Dharmendra may be the biggest draw, but making him wriggle his hips to an item song or drool and smack his lips while looking at young women is simply embarrassing. The action is obviously inspired by Wanted and Dabangg and is nothing new. Bullets moving in slow motion and 360 degree rotation shots have been done before.
What to do: A solid second half resurrects YPD from becoming a lampooned version of just another slapstick. Watch it for the Deols and their hilarious antics.
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