Banjo is a thoroughly confused affair. While in its opening credits, the film mentions that it is a dedication to the street musicians all over, it completely loses its track. The writers put every commercial element in the film such as a rival band, a crime scene, love story, emotional twist and the result is absolutely disappointing.
In the first half itself, the story is seen slipping from its actual subject. To add to the woes of the viewer, they also introduce multiple characters and many of them are a complete nuisance. One such character would be Chris’ friend’s uncle played by Anand Ingle.
In the second half, after Chris finds the band, the writers add stupid elements such as land-grabbing and a shootout that snatch the film way beyond its musical core.
Riteish Deshmukh as Taraat is just a city version ofLai Bhaari‘s Mauli. Of course, he has the rockstar look this time because he is a Banjo player. Deshmukh tries hard to impress in this heroic role but a tepid script pulls him down. If Banjo was written any better, the purpose of working on a solo film instead of his otherwise succesful multi-starrers could have been served
If you are patient enough, only then will you reach the climax of this film and let me tell you, that’s not any satisfying or believable either.
Nargis Fakhri as Chris is completely disappointing. She lacks the body language to be a DJ or feel the music in the first place. A poor dialogue delivery and terrible emotional scenes make you wonder how and why was she the only choice for the film.
TV actor Mahesh Shetty gets a negative role in the film. He overdoes his role slightly and its almost like watching him on the Television.
Banjo could be termed as the most boring music-based film ever! It is a haphazard film that tests your patience until the end! A 2/5 for this film.