Get trapped into Makdee’s web. Review on Makdee

Films are flopping left, right, and center. There seems to be no order in this disorder. Things are in a state of chaos. There’s no escape. Filmmakers, who are touting their films as ‘different’, are struck by a thunderbolt and are sent reeling – crying, pleading for help.

Suddenly, in this pathetic chaos, arrives a ray of hope - Makdee - a brilliant film meant for children that entertains even adults. At the time of writing this review, it’s too early to declare the box office verdict of this almost magical movie, but one thing is for sure; director Vishal Bharadwaj (music director of Maachis, Satya, etc) has woven a web in which, once you enter, you would find it impossible to extricate yourself.

Sample this. Chunni and Munni (Shweta) are identical twins, as different from each other as chalk from cheese. Munni is the obedient and studious types, while Chunni creates situations that are veritable nightmares for the denizens of the village in which she lives, and a treat for the audience. Chunni and Munni have a common friend, Mughal-e-Azam (wonder who gave him that name). He works for Kallu qasai (Makarand Deshpande). One day Chunni plays a prank on Kallu qasai but it is Munni who has to pay the price for it. Munni inadvertently enters the mansion of Makdee (Shabana Azmee), the local witch, who transforms human beings into animals. This time she turns Munni into a hen. Chunni pleads with her and sheds copious tears for Munni’s redemption. Makdee relents, but only on the condition that Chunni gets her 100 chickens as she is hungry for the past century. A flabbergasted Chunni is left with no other option but to comply. She sets about her task with utmost sincerity, but, one day, she and Mughal-e-Azam come across Makdee’s little secret. How the children overcome Makdee’s web and rescue Munni along with the other villagers from the witch’s evil spell, forms the rest of the story.

Makdee is not just entertaining; it also brings out certain pertinent social messages without being preachy. The strong point of the movie … well … let’s see where to begin… there are so many. The performances are first rate with little Shweta as the twins Munni and Chunni stealing the show outright. Shabana Azmi as the witch is in super form. Shabana is such a versatile actor that she now makes any character she essays believable. This is the hallmark of a great performer. Makarand Deshpande, though stereotyped, is good too, and so is the child who plays the lovable, plump, Mughal-e-Azam. Vishal’s music and Gulzar’s lyrics add to the feel of this film.

All in all, Makdee is paisa-vasool and more. Wish there were many more such webs. But filmwallhas, please do not try and imitate Makdee. The audience has wizened to your herd mentality.