Director Indra Kumar, who started off with films like 'Dil', 'Beta', 'Raja' and 'Ishq', had incorporated dramatic elements in them. However he changed path with 'Dhamaal' though still he couldn't resist the temptation of adding some drama in the climax of that film as well, something that hadn't been accepted whole heartedly. However with 'Double Dhamaal' he steers clear from even a single serious moment and just ensures that the film truly stays true to it's name.
Yes, it is abound with gags, rests on slapsticks, spoofs more than a dozen odd movies, scenes and actors, is filled with double entendres and is out and out goofy. But then let the fact be stated - this is exactly the kind of flavour that one would have expected from the film in the very first place. It wasn't meant to be a sophisticated take on comedy. Instead, it was supposed to be loud, riotous and absolutely nonsensical - in short the kind of genre that one associates with 'Double Dhamaal'.
For Riteish, Arshad, Ashish and Javed, the journey continues from where they left in 'Dhamaal'. Conned by Sanjay Dutt, they now want to get even with him. In company of Mallika and Kangna, he is enjoying the best of all worlds. So much so that the dumb and funny quartet plot revenge and try to turn tables on Dutt by taking him for a ride. It is this Tom & Jerry show that ensures that the fun continues till the very end.
So whether it is Riteish's constant 'dhamki' of unleashing Sanju's MMS, discovery of an oil field or introduction of a goon (Satish Kaushik) who is trying to take a religious route - all of this ensures that one is engaged in the first half. Okay, so it isn't overtly breezy but good dose of slapstick, songs and skin show keep your attention on the screen.
The second half though really picks up well and while there is a brief portion (for around 10-15 minutes) surrounding the 'Oye Oye' song where you feel that the pace is slackening, it is a mere aberration because from that point on till the very end, the graph just continues to build on. The pick of the lot in the entire second half (and in fact the film as a whole) is the 'Gorilla' sequence. Really, if you are willing to unleash the kid in you, chances are you would indeed roll up laughing.
This is not all as the entire impersonation act by Arshad Warsi (as a Sardar who is also 'asardar') is terrific and so is Riteish in his twin get up of an Afro-American and a Gujarati businessman. However Ashish Chaudhary's 'Barbara Mori' take off completely falls flat and is more of a put off than fun. Also, the entire 'Taare Zameen Par' and 'Guzaarish' dig doesn't work which (as stated earlier) results in a few not-so-engaging moments.
However leave these few minutes aside and the fun just doesn't subside. The entire 'Tukaram' sequence is a riot as well and so is the entire 'turning over the tables' episode which ensures that 'Dhamaal' would well be entering into it's third part and even more.
Dutt, who chooses to either completely enjoy himself or just sleepwalk in his films these days chooses to do the former here and shows why he is the 'baap' in his age group. Javed does well and enjoys a good screen time for himself. Satish Kaushik brings back his 'Pappu Pager' act from 'Deewana Mastana' and is terrific. Kangna (thankfully) allows herself to be carefree in this film while also coming up with generous skin show. Comparatively Mallika is restrained but shows that she can be the leading heroine material at least in movies of this genre. Music by Anand Raj Anand goes well with the film's mood and doesn't allow one single dull moment. Dialogues are wonderful at most places.
Off late there have been numerous examples when a so-called comedy has fallen flat. Thankfully and fortunately this isn't the case with 'Double Dhamaal'. It makes you laugh, and laugh really-really loud, right through it's two and a half hour duration. In fact there are several scenes that continue to play in your mind long after the film is through. No wonder, it doesn't just do well, it does very well and ends up exceeding expectations. So much so that one doesn't mind giving it a second dekko.
Rating: ***1/2
Watch Public Review
Comments