Bittoo Boss Review

 If you have seen the promos of 'Bittoo Boss' then well, you actually don't quite know the film's plot in entirety. With emphasis on shaadi-byaah, naach-gaana and stuff alike, one did expect the film to be a love story in the middle of all the celebrations. However that is far from being true because love story is just the driving force for the film. Instead, it is more about the escapades of a V.D.O. shooter (Pulkit Samrat) who loses way for a while and tries to gain quick bucks by making reality porn films of honeymoon couples. In the process he ends up saving a life, unites a couple and finally sees redemption coming his way.

What strikes though about 'Bittoo Boss' is the fact that despite voyeurism as the central theme, there is not an ounce of nudity in the two hour narrative. With no skin show, a single cuss word or any other innuendo that may have made a segment of audience squirm in their seats, 'Bittoo Boss' succeeds in keeping itself clean. This is the reason why one is surprised to see a U/A certificate for the film, especially since it's most controversial song, 'Bitoo Sab Ki Lega', is not even a part of it's running length.

Another factor that keeps one's interest alive in the proceedings is newcomer Pulkit Samrat. Yes, the film does dip at a few places, especially in the second half, but Pulkit never once fails to deliver. In fact one waits to see him back on screen every time the focus meanders towards the honeymoon couples. There are two such episodes in the second half (first between two school kids and second between a shy husband and a forward wife) and while this turns out to be a weaker part of the film (sad, because ideally this should have been the most entertaining), it is Pulkit's return to scene that brings the film back.

The first half of the film doesn't have any such roadblocks though since it it passes by as a breeze and takes a good and well written dramatic turn at the interval point as well. Pulkit's introduction as the friendly neighbourhood V.D.O. shooter, his interaction with Punjab-di-kudi Amita Pathak, their nok-jhok, his charm and persuasion - first time director Babul ensures that just about everything contributes to making 'Bittoo Boss' a fun ride. In fact just when one had thought that the film was only about fun and frolic, the dramatic outburst in the pre-interval point takes the film to it's all time high.

The second half begins well too with a lot of promise, especially with the introduction of a driver (new find Ashok Pathak) who steps into a role which could have been tailor-made for a Rajpal Yadav or a Sanjay Mishra. He gives a good account for himself and frankly, he is the prime reason why smiles and occasional laughs keep returning on the scene. The hidden camera sequences a la 'Ragini MMS' or 'Love Sex aur Dhokha' don't quite work though and one also misses the presence of a love story since Amita stays away from scene for way too long.

However it is the earnest and natural act by Pukit that saves the day here. He is quite camera friendly and at times comes across a good mix between Ranveer Singh and Ranbir Kapoor. His body language is just perfect for the role and so is his dialogue delivery. The film is nothing short of a show reel for him as he gets into an emotional roller coaster ride. The one who gives him good company is Ashok Pathak who is a good find indeed and is plain natural again. Amita too had clearly moved ahead of her earlier acting assignments and though her part isn't as author backed as Pulkit, she goes with the flow.

'Band Baaja Baaraat', 'Ragini MMS' and 'Love Sex aur Dhokha' - These are the films that one ends up recollecting while watching 'Bittoo Boss' that starts off on a light hearted note, takes a dramatic turn, tries to bring in some comic quotient, gets into an emotional zone and ultimately settles down with the call of 'all is well'. Though one does feel that it could have pushed the envelope further and gone all the way, especially from the wholesome entertainment standpoint, there are portions in your film that turn out to be genuinely funny (or touch your heart), hence allowing you to sit through the film comfortably.

Rating: ***