The first question I have for Krishna DK, Raj Nidimoru and Anupam Mittal after watching "99(2009)" is: "Why did you starve us for 6 long years since your last epic "Flavors(2003)"?". Like their previous work, "99" is pure brilliance with a tight plot, jokes that work and pop-culture references that make you go "A-ha!". In other words, a MUST WATCH. Sadly, the movie has the "multiplex" chhap over it that may end up alienating some audience despite the paucity of new releases. If "Singh is Kinng(2008)" can be a hit, this one deserves to be a super-duper! The packed house at PVR on a weekday late show is testimony to that.
Kunal Khemu is an under-rated actor in the mould of Abhay Deol. Luckily, the latter has found his groove with the last couple of releases. Kunal is still stuck at 99(pun intended), despite excellent nuanced performances in some excellent but forgotten films like "SuperStar(2008)". He has an easy charm and superb comic timing. At the same time, his vulnerable eyes poke through your heart during the tragic scenes. I really hope he breaks the jinx of successful child actors(like Urmila Matondkar, probably the only success so far).
This movie also enjoys the acting talent of powerhouses like Boman Irani(who debuted in the fantastic Indy film "Let’s Talk(2002)" but now needs no introduction), Mahesh Manjrekar, Amit Mistry and Cyrus Broacha. All these guys have significant theatre experience and it shows in their comic timing, body language and diction. In smaller roles, the bhojpuri actor and the sidekick provide many laughs with their natural presence. Among the ladies, Soha and Simone are important to the plot but don’t have any spectacular scenes where they get to shine.
So here is my second question to Krishna DK, Raj Nidimoru and Anupam Mittal: "Why didn’t you repeat the ravishing and very funny Pooja Kumar from Flavors, in the role of Soha?". She’d be so purrrfect- and a treat to watch.
In a surprise cameo, Vinod Khanna reminds you of his early days and Sudesh Berry is wasted despite being one of my favorites from the 90s.
The production is very well designed. The movie is set in 99-2000 and it almost feels as if that’s when it was shot. Be it the film hoardings across the city(where did they dig up the "Kaho Na Pyar Hai(2000)" hoarding, for chrissakes!), the mobile phone models they use, the cars they drive or their amazement at the "cyber cafe"- this could well be one of India’s first period films(NOT about the Freedom Struggle)! If anything, that’s one award it deserves for sure. The background score is also well used and adds to the tension/fun of the chase. Also note the very innovative credit titles sequence.
As for the story itself, this is a chase/heist movie in the genre of what Guy Ritchie does. The two losers are on the run from everyone, with their IOUs adding up faster than Sachin’s centuries. Their misfortunes and bravado makes for some very comic situations, without resorting to any toilet humor(well, almost) or Priyadarshan style confusion-climax. The audience kept laughing and clapping all through. Especially loved were the Bombay versus Delhi references(the cities are known for their cultural rivalry and chauvinism). Example: juxtaposing the Bombay abuse "Ticha Mai La." with the very Delhi "Teri Pennn Di.". Hyuk hyuk!
The movie is peppered with cricket metaphors, delivered in Cyrus’s inimitable style. Cricket forms an important part of the plot, with the game being a matter of life and death for everyone.
99 is 2 hours of pure fun. Even though it reminds you of many Hollywood films, it is not a copy but in their genre. This slight difference sets it apart from the 99% junk that Bollywood ends up celebrating annually with the likes of Anees Bazmee, Priyadarshan, David Dhawan and Hansal Mehta. So here’s my third question for Krishna DK, Raj Nidimoru and Anupam Mittal: "Agli picture kab bana rahe ho?"
Go watch it in theatres. Don’t wait for the DVD!:-)