I just liked the song "Laare Chootee", since the day it aired on television.And also, I have somehow enjoyed all Abhay Deol movies till now.Not that, I ran to the theatre first day-first show for his movies:) I saw "socha na tha" and "Ahista Ahista" on TV.But, belive me, I really got engrossed watching them.Even "Honeymoon Travels"(which I watched on dvd), which was wierd though, was funny in its own way.
So.with an immense liking for Laree choote song, a good impression of Abhay Deol and having heard that the movie is little different(dhaai ghante mein dhai crore and stuff), I ventured into the hall, with my friend.
The story begins with Nilesh(Abhay Deol) walking off with a bag full of money(2.5 crore Rupees)! He narrates about his adventure, about how he ended up with so much money.We go back in time, just 2 and a half hours back.
Nilesh misses his 1:40 AM, last local to Vikhroli.He is thrown out by a night duty constable from the platform.He ventures out of the station to get an autorickshaw or a taxi.He meets Madhu(Neha Dhupia).Even she needs to go to Vikhroli, she says she is returning from a friend’s engagement party and has missed her last local.The come to know that there is an auto strike and try to find out other ways to get back to their destinations.In the meantime, Nilesh tries to impress Madhu.He woos her, so that he can get her to his flat.While they are trying to get out of this trouble, they are followed by three drug addicts.When they see that, they have no means to get back to Vikhroli, untill the next local at 4:10 AM, they decide to spend couple of hours at a bar.Even here the drug addicts trace them.Nilesh meets one of his old mate, Patrick, who is now quite rich.Patrick offers to pay Nilesh’s bill and also invites him for a game of "teen patti".Initially Nilesh declines, but finally agrees.The game starts and the players are all who seem to some or other bigwig.Even the owner of the place, Ponappa, joins the game Nilesh wins a lot of money for Patrick.The game is supervised by Ponappa’s lieutinent.
Between the game, Nilesh remembers he has left Madhu outside.he asks Patrick to continue the game.He goes in search for her, but she is not there on the table, where he left.He finds her in the bathroom.One of the drug addict, who was following them, is trying to rape her(rather it appears to Nilesh like that).An incident occurs and the drug addict gets killed.What happens next is a series of twists and turns, few truths revealed till the movie reaches its climax.
Definitely from this point on.the movie is interesting.Nilesh being held responsible for the drug addict’s murder, later we find out is Ponappa’s brother.Madhu’s true identity.Nilesh and Madhu being taken by police for an encounter, on Ponappa’s order.Their escape.And the following scenes do succeed in keeping u glued to the screen.
Also, introduction of Deepak Shirke gives a new twist to the story.However, need to say that the scenes between Deepak Shirke and Abhay get a little lengthy and may not appeal to all moviegoers!(Shirke plays a gay Don and hope u understand what will he expect from Abhay:))
Thers a parallel story running, where in a kidnapped kid is exchanged for a ransom.The kidnappers are Ponapp’s men.Ponappa’s men are killed by Shirke’s aids, who take the money to Shirke.
Performance wise, the movie belongs to Abhay Deol.He has played his role very well.He maybe not a great looking actor, but definitely has charm of his own. Watch him in scenes he tries to impress Neha, or his scenes with Deepak Shirke, You will realize hes definitely an upcoming talent. However, its time he moves to some big banner productions.Neha Dhupia has performed well, though she is more effective in second-half.Deepak Shirke is excellent as the "comic/gay" Don.Snehal Dhabi is good, but looks horrible in his attire.The people playing the cops are adequate.All other actors do justice to their roles. Also, lookout for Nana Patekar’s look alike. I found him funny:)
Direction/Screenplay - The direction is good and tight.Though, screenplay wise, some scenes are unnecessary in the 2nd half.The climax also looks a little stretched.All in all Sanjay Khanduri does a neat job.
Music is good and songs come at appropriate time(though not complete songs, only in bits and parts)!. However the disappointment is that the hit track "Laaree Chootee" is nowher in the film(not even when the credits roll at the end!).
The film is very very mumbaiyya. Mumbai rains, gallis and the typical mumbai flavor is well captured.
All in all a really engaging fare.You wont b disappointed.Paisa vasool.