Here comes a fun, filmy, foodie paradise, the baap of all things Bollywood

The neon board glows glamorously in the night, suggestive of a period cinema hall. Inside, the show reeks of a Sholay-istic charm. Posters that take potshots at popular Hindi movies of the Golden Sixties, a comparative display of Hollywood and Bollywood superheroes and a cabaret-isque red breathe bright.

The songs remind you of everything from Raj Kapoor to Yalgaar, Prabhudeva's pelvic thrusts to rain-soaked sarees. And the menu's just as melodramatic, with its hilarious illustrations and crazy names.u00a0


Inside, the show reeks of a Sholay-istic charm. Posters that take potshots
at popular Hindi movies of the Golden Sixties, a comparative display of
Hollywood and Bollywood superheroes and a cabaret-isque red breathe
bright. pics/Rajeev Tyagi

Desi digs
The grub here, just like its inspiration, is a mish-mash of popular Indian eats. The ragda pattis sandwich is a great veg pick, and the sour-spicy murgh salli chaat, a non veg must-have. In salads, we tried the tuna niscoise, which was equally fresh. We only wish the fish portion had turned up a little fatter. Wash these down with the sharbat-e-tarbooz (sparkling watermelon juice) or their jal jeera, both of which will soon have you repeating them.

There are coffee table books on everything in Bollywood, from classic films to SRK, stacked neatly for a quick flip. The large screens tend to clash with the music, so we suggest you ask them to switch it off and revel in the street spirit instead. Call for the murgi nu farcha, a Sindhi fried chicken preparation, too.

The servings are not too tiny, but not enormous enough to leave you with little space for the mains. Which means you will enjoy that pure-ghee soaked khichda (their version of the classic khichdi) without feeling full. Served with thoughtful accompaniments like mint-yoghurt, green chillies, pickle and chopped onion, we declare this their homeliest, highest scoring dish. All served in an elongated platter which accommodates the package prettily. Their chholey kulche comes a close second.

Team it with the trivia at the end of the leaflet, which explains how each Bolly twin has to be on the opposite side of the law and other amusing theories, bound to leave you with a smile. The Bombay paan sheesha adds to the experience, with its mild yet distinct flavour. Don't forget to stop and see the amusing posters pasted all over the place. Some that say there's a Hindi hero for every Bolly superhero or villain, like Krrish for Superman and Mogambo for Dr No.

Drinks? Their license was just in. Unfortunately, not the stock.
If in a group, opt for the assorted platter in desserts, with rare specialties like khubani ka meetha, doble ka meetha, fried ice cream with chocolate and brownie with ice cream, all worth that last indulgence. And oh, the best part: there memorabilia will be up for sale soon.

Chalchitra
Food: Desi
Service: Pleasant
Ambience: Big on Bolly
At: M 38, 1st floor,u00a0M-block Market, GK II.
Meal for two: Rs 1000.
Timings: 11 am to 1 am.
For reservations, call: 9999855519, 46696057.