Jul 23, 2010 04:01 PM
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(Updated Jul 24, 2010 03:53 PM)
The Akshay Kumar-Priyadarshan combo has worked wonders in the past and hence a lot was expected from Khatta Meetha. Although it surely engrosses in those 2.30 hours, the film falters as it is promoted as a comedy and satire and both of which the film is not! Moreover, the film has a nice story to tell but doesn’t offer anything new. It throws light on the corruption that is rampant everywhere, something that is seen umpteen number of times in our cinema. Nevertheless, Akshay’s performance and Priyadarshan’s direction ensures that the film keeps you hooked from the first scene to last and doesn’t let you leave the theatre dissatisfied even with a flawed product!
The story of the movie: Sachin Tichkule (Akshay Kumar) is a road contractor in Phaltan taluka of Maharashtra who’s struggling to make ends meet. The municipality isn’t delivering him the cheque for his services while Sachin has to pay the due to his workers and owes money to every tom, dick and harry. To make matters worse, the new municipal commissioner Gehna (Trisha Krishnan) turns out to be his ex-girlfriend with whom he had an ugly break-up in college. His father (Khulbhushan Kharbanda) is ashamed of Sachin while his brother-in-laws laugh at him. Still, Sachin dreams big and hopes that he’ll be successful one day. Will he?
Khatta Meetha begins wonderfully with Akshay Kumar singing bhajan that sets the mood. In the next 20 minutes, almost all the important characters are introduced and frankly, this is done in a decent and not haphazard manner. The entire bridge collapse accident episode deviate the film from its actual plot but was well treated. Funny scenes, although not many, stand out and provide ample laughter. The entire road roller-Johny Lever sequence was howlarious and brings the house down. Equally funny was Asrani talking to multiple people simultaneously…damn funny sequence! However, as mentioned before, the film isn’t completely comical and deals with lots of serious issues in a, well, serious manner. The film could have given a strong message which unfortunately doesn’t happen. What you get in the end is a film that’s partly-funny as well as thrilling, action-packed and dramatic! In short, a bhelpuri of various genres!
Most of Priyan’s films are replete with a madcap ending with characters running helter-skelter and funny things happening to them. Well, nothing of that sort is to be seen in Khatta Meetha! The climax, instead, consists of an action-packed chase sequence! Luckily, it works and you come out of the theatre with some satisfaction, if not fully!
The film belongs to Akshay Kumar! All those who feel that Akshay is doing the same kind of comedy and roles should watch Khatta Meetha and experience what this talented actor is capable of! The film may not be a success but Akki’s performance as Sachin Tichkule will be remembered surely for a long time! Be it funny or a confrontational sequence, Akshay was its best! Great work!
Trisha looks charming but she could have surely done a better job. Her role required her to act fiery and strict which couldn’t do properly. In fact, it is bewildering as to why Priyan opted for a Southern actress when any seasoned Bollywood actress (Tabu preferably) could have pitched in a much better performance! Urvashi Sharma, as expected, gives a brilliant performance! There’s no doubt that she’s talented and deserves to be seen more! Rajpal Yadav was perfect for such kind of a role. Johny Lever was funny as usual and his sequence turns out to be the film’s best! Tinu Anand leaves a mark in a small role. Khulbhushan Kharbanda performs with elan. Manoj Joshi was flawless. Jaideep (one who marries Urvashi) was terrific! It was great to see Neeraj Vora after a long time. Makrand Deshpande, Milind Gunaji, Aruna Irani, Asrani and the rest do a fine job.
Pritam’s music was alright and nothing great. There were 4 songs, 3 of which hampered the pace of the film while the 4th (Bull Shit) is shown during the end credits. Ouseppachan’s background score was marvelous. Dialogues were very witty and funny.
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