At the core concept level this one pretty much seems like a Hollywood set up being offered to the audience.
Characterisation of a young woman picking up the profession of a chauffer and loosening up a rich and snooty heir is the kind that you usually see in romcoms coming from the West. For that, one has to acknowledge actor-writer-lyricist-producer-director Vickrant Mahajan to have actually thought of something unique.
Well, at least when it comes to Bollywood parlance!
Alas, just the core idea is not enticing enough since what one gets on screen is a barely passable film which just continues on the second gear and refuses to accelerate. Well, one can't blame it either since beyond the core plot, there wasn't anything exciting (read: highway) that could have allowed a super fast drive!
Once the characters are established and it is known that Kainaz Motivala (looking beautiful all over again after 'Ragini MMS) and the kind of girl you want to take home to) has been entrusted with the responsibility of driving around Vickrant, you look forward to some nice light hearted moments.
This happens, but only sporadically, as the drive starts losing steam on a gradual basis.
Yes, Prem Chopra (as Vickrant's grandfather) does bring on some laughs and so does Manoj Pahwa who, despite being stereotyped in such characterisation, is still loveable as ever.
However, there is only a extent to which a film can rely only on veteran actors and this is the reason why 'Challo Driver' doesn't quite manage to move ahead at a frantic pace.
The songs don't quite help the cause either as their situational appeal doesn't quite last long due to which there isn't much that plays on mind after the end credits started rolling.
What further pulls the film down is Vickrant's act.
Agreed that the demand of the situation was to have characters that looked like the ones next door but Vickrant is way too plain looking with a barely average act that just doesn't add much spice to the proceedings.
The only solace that all involved can take from the ultimate outcome of the film is that since it has hardly been publicised and also released quite erratically, hardly anyone would realise that it had actually come which means there won't be any mourning once it is gone.
Rating: **
Comments