Sahi Dhandhe Galat Bande Review

 'Hum Badmaash Zaroor Hain, Par Kaminey Nahi' - This punch line from the film pretty much describes the mood of the film which turns out to be one of the pleasant surprises of the current Bollywood season which is experimenting with different subjects.

As the leader of a gang which indulges itself into 'maar peet', kidnapping, extortion and other illegal activities, actor-director Parvin Dabas does all that he is asked to do by his boss and father figure (Sharat Saxena). He is ably supported by other youngsters who go by the names of Ambani, Sexy and Doctor. They get an opportunity of a lifetime when they are asked to curb a protest that is about to ensue in their own village. This is what leads to the game of double crossing that meets an end which is deadly as well as enthralling.

This very plotline brings to fore a few other Bollywood flicks that have been seen in the recent times. Villagers' land being acquired for a pittance by the Government reminds one of the similar plot that was explored in Ram Gopal Varma's 'Sarkar Raj'. Dirty politics being played around this has faint resemblance to 'Manorama-Six Feet Under'. On the other hand the kidnapping episode was touched upon in 'Yeh Saali Zindagi' early this year. And yes, relationship shown between Parvin and Saxena has a 'Ghulam' touch to it (with Saxena being a common element).

However other than these brief similarities (and that too in theme, not any sequence in particular), Parvin's treatment of SDGB stays on to be absolutely original. While the overall feel of the film stays on to be largely light hearted, there is good bit of drama added as well to make it even more entertaining. Also, the pre-climax sequence with a well crafted action sequence that is totally shot in slow motion has a definite Guy Ritchie influence to it, something that was also the source for the pre-climax sequence in 'Delhi Belly'.

Not that the film is devoid of any blemishes. Firstly the pace in the first half of SDGB tends to slow down at number of points. Also at a couple of places you can't really fathom why a particular subplot hasn't reaches its culmination. Then there are also a couple of points where the film ends up taking a rather filmy turn. (Spoilers ahead) Chief Minister's college going son (Udit Khurana) joining hands with Parvin's gang is one such instance. Moreover right through the film there are number of people falling dead all across the village and the fields but surprisingly there is no enquiry whatsoever.

However all of this is ignored in the bigger picture that the film tries to paint and that is about an entertaining story being told and that too without thrusting the issue (of villager displacement) down your throat forcibly. In fact there are number of humorous sequences that keep your interest level high for most part of SDGB. The killer amongst them all is the sequence where Chief Minister's son is asked to dance at the kidnappers' den. Music by Siddharth-Suhas is another big strength in SHGB because each of the 6-7 songs that play in the background accentuates the narrative.

Fifteen minutes into 'Sahi Dhandhe Galat Bande' and the first thing that strikes you about it is its texture. To compliment the village theme and feel of the film, the film's cinematography as well as characters filling the frame never ever seems out of place. So while Ambani's (Ashish Nair) one liners do bring on smiles every time, Sexy's (Vansh Bhardwaj) natural act is convincing too. Doctor (Kuldeep Ruhil), who is the voice of reasoning, plays his part well too while Parvin, the most experienced of all, is a total natural. Sharat Saxena is good as always, Anupam Kher is reliable though Kiran Juneja Sippy seems more like a Bollywood mom than the character she plays.

SDGB is yet another instance of a first time director making a good attempt and walking away with flying colours. It turns out to be a film which has a twist and turn at every corner - some exciting, some just about passable, some thrilling, a few not to so thrilling, some surprising and a few predictable. Still once the end credits start rolling, you do feel that those two hours have been reasonably well spent.

Rating: ***