Middle Class Entertainment - simple and lovely. Review on Do Dooni Chaar

I went with my family to see this movie. There were a few things eating away in my mind: would my teenage daughters enjoy seeing two has-been stars in a soppy family drama? Would they identify with the two youngsters seen across all the posters splashed all over the town? Was it worth spending 1200 INR on a movie that was sans action, sans special effects, sans sci-fi, sans dance items . and finally, would there be any take-home message when we left the cinema hall.

I am happy to report that all my fears proved unfounded, and there indeed was a take-home message that will perhaps linger in the daughters' collective minds.

This, then, is a story of a typical middle class family living in a DDA flat in New Delhi. The Duggals are a motley lot. A father, Santosh Duggal(Rishi Kapoor, paunchy but genuine) who teaches mathematics at a pittance of a salary in an engineering/management college(we aren't told exactly where); a mother, Kusum Duggal(Neetu Kapoor, who returns with a bang - OMG she looks so lovely and slim!) who is always calculating how the expenses will be met, but retaining a sense of humour, nevertheless; a son, Sandeep,  who makes money on the sly by bunking classes and betting on cricket(Archit Krishna); and a bob-cut daughter, Payal,  (Aditi Vasudeo) who can drive, who has aspirations of working and earning money on the side, and who, eventually plays a crucial role in the final denouement.

The daughter's voice acts as that of a narrator, and tells us what her story is all about. It is, she says, a journey of their family from a TWO wheeler to a FOUR wheeler. Hence, do dooni chaar.:-)

Through a clever script and effortless acting by all the four main protagonists, the story takes us on a ride through Payal's eyes. Rishi, or Santosh Duggal, teaches, but earns so little that he has to give  tuitions in private classes in the evening hours. When he approaches the college principal and the owner of the tuition classes for monetary help, he is denied this by both these worthies. However, through thick and thin, he maintains his integrity and honesty. When confronted with a situation where he is on the verge of bowing before the lure of the lucre, he gives his best performance, which is restrained, dramatic and touching at the same time.

Neetu, or Kusum Duggal, tired of running short of finances every month, urges her honest husband to do a little jugglery by the side and get in more money, and although she is suggesting something wrong, we, the viewers, side with her because of her superb acting prowess.

The actors playing the son and the daughter are newcomers to the industry, but it is they, and especially Aditi, who almost steal the show from the veteran actors.

Saying anything more about the story would act as a spoiler, but believe this: the story is lovely, and we, the viewers, are almost rooting for the family to emerge victorious at the end.I must mention that you will simply love the portly Rishi Kapoor astride a Bajaj Scooter as he dashes about downtown Delhi. You will also like how Rishi and Neetu spar with each other as they argue, discuss and chat with each other.

Acting by the other actors who play in the drama is also superb. Special mention must be made of Akhilesh Mishra, who plays the role of Farookbhai with aplomb, and the actor who plays the role of Santosh Duggal's sister, someone whose name I do not recall right now.

All in all, a great movie, and do enjoy this with your family.

Technical Details:

Producer: S.S. Bhattacharjee Director and Writer: Habib Faisal