Aug 29, 2014 03:14 PM
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When someone like Emraan Hashmi is excitedly promoting his film and even making tall claims that Raja Natwarlal would revolutionize the con films genre, one can’t help but be a little more excited for the flick. Obviously actors do anything nowadays in the name of promotions. But if the promo and the premise show promise, certainly one hopes for a highly entertaining time. And as expected, Raja Natwarlal rests on a very interesting storyline. But the execution is shaky and hence the desired impact is not made. Average flick!
The story of the movie: Raja(Emraan Hashmi) is a small-time conman. His girlfriend Zia(Humaima Malick) and partner Raghav(Deepak Tijori), who’s more like a brother to him, are the only two important people in his life. One day, Raja and Raghav ditch their small con games and attempt to make a long shot. In this process, Raja suffers an irreversible damage. He decides to take revenge from the Cape Town-based business tycoon Varda Yadav(Kay Kay Menon). But first, Raja needs to get better in the art of conning. Hence he approaches the reclusive ex-con guy Yogi(Paresh Rawal).
Raja Natwarlal has a decent commencement(although the opening scene seems inspired from the first scene of Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels). Surprisingly, 3 songs are incorporated within the first 30 minutes. However, no complaint as the film has its moments. Also, one can correctly anticipate what shall happen next and yet, one won’t find a reason to grouse. Surprisingly, it’s when the film gets into the unpredictable zone that the movie stars falling. The narrative is too quick and the makers should have spent some time in explaining things properly and make it look convincing. It is clear Raja hasn’t properly learnt the lessons taught by Yogi and yet he agrees to accompany him to con Varda, who obviously is very difficult to be trapped. However, thankfully, there are some great moments in the film that makes the film watchable. The intermission comes at a great point. The con game played by Raja and his gang in the AICA office is actually the best part of the film! But again, the goofs too come to the fore. Few scenes give a strong déjà vu of Special 26 and Khosla Ka Ghosla. Music fails to work, though the songs are well shot and hence bearable. Also, the emotional depth is missing. One doesn’t quite empathize with Raja and the loss he faces in life and which droves him to defeat Varda. Climax is justified and the film ends on a fair note.
Emraan Hashmi is a pro when it comes to playing twisted and mischievous characters and Raja Natwarlal is no exception. The actor looks dashing and delivers a very efficient performance. However, it’s sad to see that the actor is facing rough weather at the box office. After the blockbuster Raaz 3, his three films – Rush, Ek Thi Daayan and Ghanchakkar – failed to make a mark and Raja Natwarlal too doesn’t seem like it will be a huge grosser. Hopefully, Emraan’s upcoming films will be exciting and will get him back in the top league!
Humaima Malick is sizzling and gives a fine performance. Thankfully, she isn’t just an arm candy of Raja and has a small but significant part to play in the narrative. Paresh Rawal is superb and right from his entry scene, he scores a sixer! Kay Kay Menon as always leaves a huge mark and oozes ferocity with his eyes. Great job! Deepak Tijori is lovely and impresses with his supporting role. Out of the gang members of Raja, Ashiesh Roy(also masquerades as Shiraz Patel) is the best. Sumit Nijhawan(Inspector Singh) is fine while Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub plays the mysterious character very well.
Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music is forgettable though it’s easy on the ears. Ikki Dukki is the best. Background score gels into the narrative nicely. Raaj A Chakravarti’s cinematography is fair. Sanjay Masoomm’s dialogue raise laughs at places. Parveez Shaikh’s story is great but screenplay isn’t. And Kunal Deshmukh’s direction fails to do full justice to it. Few scenes are very well executed but overall, he could have done something better as he was attempting a con film after all. And when some of the scenes remind one of famous films of the genre, it’s not done!
Few good scenes of the film:
Raja’s entry scene
Raja and Raghav steal 80 lacs
Raja proposes Zia
Raja meets Yogi for the first time
Varda is offered Don Bradman’s bat
The intermission point
Raja and Varda in AICA office
The climax
On the whole, Raja Natwarlal is strictly okay. It has its moments but is too quick, unconvincing, doesn’t have an exciting music score, lacks emotional depth and gives a déjà vu of Special 26, Khosla Ka Ghosla etc. What works are few con scenes and Emraan Hashmi and Paresh Rawal’s performance. Raja Natwarlal is a solo release and has arrived on a Ganesh Chaturthi holiday. It could have made waves if it was well made. Sadly, the film doesn’t stand much of a chance now. Mr Emraan Hashmi, waiting for you to come back with a blockbuster soon!
My rating - 2.5/5!
