By Taran Adarsh, June 23, 2011 - 23:30 IST
Yet another sequel of a well-liked franchise makes it to cineplexes; this one's helmed by Indra Kumar, the King of Melodrama. The challenge evidently lies in making DOUBLE DHAMAAL far more engaging, compelling and amusing than the first in this series. Right from DIL, his directorial debut, to DHAMAAL, his last outing, Indra Kumar has integrated a generous dose of light moments in all his films, irrespective of the genre. And he's got it right most of the times! The four jokers [Arshad, Riteish, Javed, Aashish] reunite to cause a comic riot in the much-anticipated follow-up DOUBLE DHAMAAL. DHAMAAL was a laugh-riot and was, in fact, one of the earlier films that gave an impetus to the trend of attempting madcap entertainers.
Packed with hilarious moments, amusing gags, witty one-liners and uproarious situational comedy, DOUBLE DHAMAAL lives up to its name and is in a league and genre of its own. It's double the fun and double the guffaws this time. The humor here is poles apart when compared to the MUNNABHAI or GOLMAAL series, yet the objective of each of those films has been to woo lovers of desi masala movies.
DOUBLE DHAMAAL works for varied reasons...One, the jokes and gags are of a much enhanced quality. A few clutch-my-tummy-and-cackle situations are juxtaposed with the regular loud jesting without a glitch.
Two, the presence of the glam quotient spices up the proceedings [DHAMAAL was an all-male film]. In fact, both Mallika and Kangna are an integral part of the plot.
Three, it appears superior in terms of visuals and also production design. The dazzling locales of Macau are pure eye-candy.
Most significantly, the highpoint of DOUBLE DHAMAAL isn't its script alone. Rather, it is also the imposing chemistry between the boys.
As a matter of fact, we've become so habituated to crudeness in the name of hilarity that we've forgotten to value uncontaminated comedies. Which is why I want to roll out the carpet for DOUBLE DHAMAAL, which is a genuinely witty, plot-driven comedy. Sure, there are few double entendres, but they aren't detestable or distasteful. In fact, DOUBLE DHAMAAL is so asinine and goofy that you might want to forewarn people that they may fall off their chairs, guffawing at the most banal jokes.
All said and done, DOUBLE DHAMAAL is an epidemic of laughter which has all it takes to take the franchise to the next level.
The four good-for-nothing jokers from DHAMAAL -- Roy [Ritesh Deshmukh], Adi [Arshad Warsi], Manav [Jaaved Jaaferi] and Boman [Aashish Chaudhry] -- are back again! They are still as stupid and useless as before. Hard work is a strict no and the only work they have ever done in their lives is to lie down on their backside and dream about a good life where they have everything without doing anything! And then suddenly they spot their enemy -- the corrupt Insp. Kabir Nayak [Sanjay Dutt]. But he's no longer a cop and instead of chasing crooks, he's chasing money -- driving a Merc, has a posh office and a lavish villa. The four mad caps are green with envy and decide that come what may, by hook or by crook, they will share Kabir's good fortune. And so they blackmail Kabir into making them his business partners.
What they don't know is that soon their dreams are going to turn into nightmares because Kabir has his own hidden agenda, only shared by his sultry girlfriend Kamini [Mallika Sherawat] and sister Kiya [Kangna Ranaut]. And so starts a game of one-upmanship, with both sides having tricks up their sleeves and where sundry characters like Batabhai [Satish Kaushik] and King of Casino, Bonzola, turn up to make their life miserable.
DOUBLE DHAMAAL sets in motion with a speedy recap of the first part, to facilitate those who may have watched it but don't recollect the film vividly or those who haven't watched the first part and are clueless about the characters. That helps in getting acquainted with the basic plot and characters at the very outset. In fact, the film takes off from exactly the same point where the prequel concluded.
DOUBLE DHAMAAL works primarily because it's an ingeniously written film that moves briskly from one gag to another, leaving no moment in between to contemplate. You may trace the jokes to some films of yore, but the manner in which these yarns are unified in the airtight screenplay [Tushar Hiranandani] merits an ovation. Since the expectations are monstrous from this flick, Indra Kumar seems focused on meeting those expectations. The perfect execution of the script by the director combined with the brilliant comic timing of the actors assures you that the franchise is in safe hands. Also, I'd like to make a note of the witty, brilliant dialogues [Farhad-Sajid] that spice up the proceedings well. Music has always played an integral part in Indra Kumar's movies and though DHAMAAL didn't have a great soundtrack, DOUBLE DHAMAAL has two sprightly and infectious tracks [Anand Raaj Anand] that compliment the movie well -- the title track and 'Jalebi Bai'. Aseem Bajaj's cinematography is top notch. He captures the grandiose look on celluloid splendidly.
This comic-and-wit contest is so intense that it is unfeasible to single out any one actor as the scene-stealer. Arshad, Riteish, Jaaved and Aashish are no aliens to tomfoolery and each one of them carries off their scenes with aplomb. Each of them is a born-laugh-raiser, actually. Riteish is simply outstanding. It won't be wrong to state that this is his career-best work. Arshad's comic timing is amazing and it's evident yet again. Jaaved is super. It's a tough part to handle and he does it with amazing ease. Aashish is a complete revelation; he brings the house down with his act. The usage of prosthetics grants a lot of definition to this outrageously comical character. In fact, the four actors co-ordinate well to make the goings-on look flawless and unblemished. Also, the various getups and makeup of all the actors deserve a special mention.
Just as it's impossible to imagine GOLMAAL without Ajay, it's hard to think of DHAMAAL without Sanju. He's not so much a part of the comedy as he is the catalyst for much of it... and he's the best man for the job. Both Mallika and Kangna have key roles to play and don't come across as mere props. Mallika is excellent and this film will make people realize that she can handle comic roles with effortlessness. Kangna is equally competent and her scenes with Riteish are sure to be noticed. Satish Kaushik is in top form. In fact, he's bound to walk away with ceetees and taalis whenever he appears... also towards the end. Zakir Hussain is adequate. On the whole, DOUBLE DHAMAAL is a seriously hilarious movie that lives up to its title -- it's double dhamaal all the way. If you are not looking for wisdom and rationale in a light-hearted entertainer, I am sure you will savor this carnival of claptrap. Sometimes, a good laugh is all you need to make your day. Try not to miss this one, it pledges hilarity in abundance... Carrying a positive vibe and a high degree of expectation, the film is tipped to be 'hot' amongst viewers and is likely to embark on a strong initial at the box-office. Here's hoping that the first half of 2011 closes on a dhamaal note with DOUBLE DHAMAAL.
Story : The gang of Dhamaal -- Adi (Arshad Warsi), Manav (Jaaved Jafri), Boman (Ashish Chowdhury), Roy (Riteish Deshmukh) are back. Once again they have just one purpose in life: to get rich, any which way. This time the plan entails duping their tormentor Kabir (Sanjay Dutt) by messing up his personal and professional life.
Movie Review: First things first, part one was better. It was stupid, but it did have lots of goofy humour and fun. The sequel is more stupid than funny, nevertheless there are enough moments to keep the clock ticking.
The entire film operates as one extended con game where most of the chaos is kicked up by the loser foursome of Arshad, Jaaved, Riteish and Ashish. It's one of the most dysfunctional bunch of friends in Bollywood, where each seems to be more stupid than the other. Yet, when they pool in their mental deficiencies, they do manage to create some madcap moments on screen.
In the first half, they try to ingratiate themselves with Sanjay Dutt in order to win a partnership in his firm. And the fact the he has a svelte girlfriend like Mallika Sherawat and a siren sister like Kangana Ranaut motivates them further. But when they realize the tycoon has put them in a soup by peddling gutter water in the middle of Mumbai as oil, they know it's time for revenge. Specially since they are being hounded by the local gangster (Satish Kaushik) who is baying for their blood. Act two is all about vengeance and one upmanship between the foursome and Sanjay Dutt.
This one's definitely not for the fastidious, choosy viewer but for those who don't mind losing it for a bit, Double Dhamaal works like an average Bollywood comedy. Performance-wise, it's one big circus with the guys hogging most of the limelight. The girls -- Mallika and Kangana -- are mere confetti.
Movie Review: First things first, part one was better. It was stupid, but it did have lots of goofy humour and fun. The sequel is more stupid than funny, nevertheless there are enough moments to keep the clock ticking.
The entire film operates as one extended con game where most of the chaos is kicked up by the loser foursome of Arshad, Jaaved, Riteish and Ashish. It's one of the most dysfunctional bunch of friends in Bollywood, where each seems to be more stupid than the other. Yet, when they pool in their mental deficiencies, they do manage to create some madcap moments on screen.
In the first half, they try to ingratiate themselves with Sanjay Dutt in order to win a partnership in his firm. And the fact the he has a svelte girlfriend like Mallika Sherawat and a siren sister like Kangana Ranaut motivates them further. But when they realize the tycoon has put them in a soup by peddling gutter water in the middle of Mumbai as oil, they know it's time for revenge. Specially since they are being hounded by the local gangster (Satish Kaushik) who is baying for their blood. Act two is all about vengeance and one upmanship between the foursome and Sanjay Dutt.
This one's definitely not for the fastidious, choosy viewer but for those who don't mind losing it for a bit, Double Dhamaal works like an average Bollywood comedy. Performance-wise, it's one big circus with the guys hogging most of the limelight. The girls -- Mallika and Kangana -- are mere confetti.
Critic's Rating: 3/5
By Pankaj Sabnani, Glamsham Editorial
If we go by the last scene of DOUBLE DHAMAAL, DHAMAAL 3 is on the cards. Looking at DOUBLE DHAMAAL, we hope it doesn't happen.
Talking about sequels, you will agree that making a sequel is always a challenge. The expectations are high and the comparisons to the original are inevitable. There is a pressure to at least be at par, if not better than the earlier part. DHAMAAL was wacky and hilarious at the same time. Even the characters and their quirky traits were enjoyable. Now, in DOUBLE DHAMAAL, the same characters are rudderless due to the lack of a coherent script.
Incase you don't remember, the initial reels of the film give a quick recap of the previous part. Roy (Ritesh Deshmukh), Adi (Arshad Warsi), Manav (Jaaved Jaaferi) and Boman (Aashish Chaudhry) had donated their money to charity. Two years have passed and they are still waiting for an easy way to make big money. However, unlike their precarious condition, Inspector Kabir Nayak (Sanjay Dutt) has made a huge transition (we're not told how). He drives a Mercedes and has a swanky office. That's not all. He also has two lovely ladies - Kamini (Mallika Sherawat) and sister Kiya (Kangna Ranaut) for company. Looking at his opulent lifestyle, our four guys get envious and decide to dupe him. But their devious tricks turn futile as Kabir is able to outsmart them every time. Who will have the last laugh?
The first thing that hits you while watching DOUBLE DHAMAAL is that it's too loud. Each and every character is screaming and the gags are over the top. Apart from a few sequences that make you laugh, majority of it is a lot of codswallop. While DHAMAAL had a good plot, DOUBLE DHAMAAL falls way short in terms of the story, despite moving from Mumbai to Macau. The narrative does improve in the second half, but it's simply not enough. Randomly placed songs add on to your woes.
There are some cheeky digs taken on films like PEEPLI [LIVE], GUZAARISH and TAARE ZAMEEN PAR. Wonder how some of the vulgar gags and dialogues got a green signal from our Censor Board. Aseem Bajaj's cinematography is fine. Anand Raj Anand's music is average. Sanjay Sankla's editing is inconsistent.
Talking about performances, Arshad Warsi and Ritesh Deshmukh stand out. Jaaved Jaaferi is good. Aashish Chaudhry is decent as a man and outrageous as a woman. Sanjay Dutt is wooden. As expected, the ladies don't have much to do. It's high time that Kangna Ranaut does something with her diction. Mallika Sherawat is all right in her Jalebi Bai item number. Satish Kaushik is funny in his small role.
With a negligible funny quotient and a feeble script, DOUBLE DHAMAAL ends up being a 'double' disappointment.
Rating - 2/5
Talking about sequels, you will agree that making a sequel is always a challenge. The expectations are high and the comparisons to the original are inevitable. There is a pressure to at least be at par, if not better than the earlier part. DHAMAAL was wacky and hilarious at the same time. Even the characters and their quirky traits were enjoyable. Now, in DOUBLE DHAMAAL, the same characters are rudderless due to the lack of a coherent script.
Incase you don't remember, the initial reels of the film give a quick recap of the previous part. Roy (Ritesh Deshmukh), Adi (Arshad Warsi), Manav (Jaaved Jaaferi) and Boman (Aashish Chaudhry) had donated their money to charity. Two years have passed and they are still waiting for an easy way to make big money. However, unlike their precarious condition, Inspector Kabir Nayak (Sanjay Dutt) has made a huge transition (we're not told how). He drives a Mercedes and has a swanky office. That's not all. He also has two lovely ladies - Kamini (Mallika Sherawat) and sister Kiya (Kangna Ranaut) for company. Looking at his opulent lifestyle, our four guys get envious and decide to dupe him. But their devious tricks turn futile as Kabir is able to outsmart them every time. Who will have the last laugh?
The first thing that hits you while watching DOUBLE DHAMAAL is that it's too loud. Each and every character is screaming and the gags are over the top. Apart from a few sequences that make you laugh, majority of it is a lot of codswallop. While DHAMAAL had a good plot, DOUBLE DHAMAAL falls way short in terms of the story, despite moving from Mumbai to Macau. The narrative does improve in the second half, but it's simply not enough. Randomly placed songs add on to your woes.
There are some cheeky digs taken on films like PEEPLI [LIVE], GUZAARISH and TAARE ZAMEEN PAR. Wonder how some of the vulgar gags and dialogues got a green signal from our Censor Board. Aseem Bajaj's cinematography is fine. Anand Raj Anand's music is average. Sanjay Sankla's editing is inconsistent.
Talking about performances, Arshad Warsi and Ritesh Deshmukh stand out. Jaaved Jaaferi is good. Aashish Chaudhry is decent as a man and outrageous as a woman. Sanjay Dutt is wooden. As expected, the ladies don't have much to do. It's high time that Kangna Ranaut does something with her diction. Mallika Sherawat is all right in her Jalebi Bai item number. Satish Kaushik is funny in his small role.
With a negligible funny quotient and a feeble script, DOUBLE DHAMAAL ends up being a 'double' disappointment.
Rating - 2/5
Star Cast: Sanjay Dutt has played his part wel,l while Riteish Deshmukh definitely deserves brownie points for his acting skills as he entertains in some interestingly different characters. Arshad Warsi proves again, the fact that circuit has a major part to play in Munna’s life; his excellent comic timing leaves an impression. Ashish Chowdhry seems a little uneasy. Javed Jaaferi contributes to some light moments, though at times becomes repetitive. Mallika Sherawat fails to create a mark with ‘Jalebi Bai,’ but looks glamorous and at ease. Kangna has not been granted a role to show her acting prowess, she slips down miserably to balance it even with her cleavage show.
Direction: ‘Double Dhamaal’ is not a mindless comedy, it does entertain in few parts. Expectations are bound to be higher, this time round for the director Kumar, who's delivered comic and emotional elements beautifully with movies like 'Ishq' and 'Dil' respectively. But, a huge star cast and foreign locations couldn’t be the saving grace for the director. Indra Kumar manages to make use of the star power, but fails to turn the movie into a paisa-vasool entertainer.
Dialogues / Cinematography / Music: Dialogues are mostly influenced by popular Bollywood movies, just to add perkiness to a comic script. The characters seem to struggle to make you laugh. Cinematography is decent. Music is forgettable and even ‘Jalebi Bai’ seems to be over-hyped, as Mallika doesn’t make you groove to the tune.
3 Ups and 3 Downs: ‘Double Dhamaal’ caters to some funny jokes which turn out to be interesting with some adult components sprinkled into it. If you are interested in catching a huge star cast, you can go for it, but don’t forget to carry popcorns, incase, you tend to lose interest in between. Mallika’s bikini act and thumkas could be another reason to buy a ticket. However, if you expect 'Dhamaal' in ‘Double Dhamaal’ then don’t forget to carry the double dose of pain-killers, that’s our honest take!
No comments :
Post a Comment