The economic recession that struck the world 2 years back affected thousands of companies and millions of people across the world. ‘Downsizing’ became a common term as hordes of workers in almost all sectors lost their source of livelihood. India too was a victim although not as gravely as western countries but it’s a surprise that very film few films tackled this issue. Finally, debutant director Rohit Dhawan makes the global meltdown as the crux of his first film Desi Boyz. The son of David Dhawan deserves brownie points for choosing this burning issue but at the same time, he neither turns into an extremely serious affair nor lets it go astray in the ‘illogical but entertaining’ zone. Rohit wisely keeps the film on the middle path from start to finish and performances, cinematography and music complement him. But unfortunately, his execution was weak at several places, making it a ‘good but not a great’ film.
The story of the movie: Jignesh aka Jerry Patel (Akshay Kumar) works as security consultant in a mall in London and lives comfortably in the house of his friend of 15 years, Nick (John Abraham) who’s an investment banker by profession. Life is going great for them. Nick proposes to his girlfriend Radhika (Deepika Padukone) and has just got a bonus cheque. However, owing to recession, Nick is fired from his job. Nick now finds it difficult to fund his expenses and his dream wedding and honeymoon with Radhika. On the other hand, Jerry too gets removed from his job and is informed by Social Services that they’ll put his nephew Veer (Virej Desai) under the care of a foster parent if he doesn’t get a steady job. Their future suddenly seems bleak. However, soon, their life takes a turn. Jerry and Nick turn into Rocco and Hunter – the ultimate DESI BOYZ!
Rohit Dhawan shows promise in the opening sequence which chillingly describes the eerie situation during recession. The first half, in fact, is sans any complaint inspite of incompetent direction at places as the written material was watertight. The entry of Sanjay Dutt spice up the proceedings! The title track and Subah Hone Na De were terrific songs and well shot too! The intermission comes at an apt moment too.
However, trouble beings or rather magnifies in the second half. The ultimate Akshay-John chemistry vanishes as both hardly share screen space and get busy with their heroines. Whether it’s John trying to make amends with Deepika or Akshay getting hooked up with his sexy economic professor (Chitrangada Singh as Tanya), the chemistry wasn’t electrifying and the situations lackluster. The Satish Kaushik sequence (lifted from a TV ad) was anything but funny and the courtroom drama was weird! Both these scenes, besides being directed badly, snatched away the realism that was associated with the film to an extent.
However, having said that, the film isn’t unbearable. The direction might not be upto the mark yet the film keeps you engrossed, even during idiotic scenes. And as said, performances are first-rate. I’ve always loved Akshay Kumar, even in his worst films and Desi Boyz is no exception. The actor here shines more in the emotional sequences, especially the ones involving his nephew. Don’t miss the tinge of sadness in his voice when he promises the kid that he’l be back soon…you can’t help but feel bad deep within! This was the final film of Akshay for the year and 2012 can be his best year yet as he has some great films lined up – Joker, Rowdy Rathore, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2, Housefull 2 and Khiladi 786!
John Abraham astonishes with his fine act! In fact, more than Force (which was promoted as his best work), its Desi Boyz where he shines more! Moreover, his chemistry with Akshay is electrifying and thankfully, we’ll get to see them together once more in Housefull 2! Deepika Padukone’s character suffered from weak characterization but nevertheless pitches in a fine performance. And as always, she looks stunning! As for Chitrangada Singh, she was one of the chief reasons why Desi Boyz seemed so exciting to me! Sadly, she enters the narrative very late. But nevertheless, she looks like a million dollars and performs with ease. But hope to see her in better films in better roles. After all, she deserves nothing but the best!
The kid, Virej Desai, is very adorable. Omi Vaidya raises lot of laughs. Anupam Kher was alright. Mohnish Bahl puts his best foot forward. Sanjay Dutt, in guest appearance, rocks! The film went on a high as soon he entered the screen! In short, he was the best in the film!
Pritam’s music is one of the pluspoints of the film. All songs are terrific and most importantly, well-shot too! The title song obviously takes the cake followed by Subah Hone Na De, Jhak Maar Ke and others. Natarajan Subramaniam’s cinematography was eye-catching, especially the aerial shots of London. Production values were too good and the entire film seemed fresh and youthful!
Renuka Kunzru’s dialogues were funny and went well with the mood of the film. Rohit Dhawan’s story was fantastic without doubt but he faltered with the script and direction. Certain portions seemed a bit hurried and thus not creating the impact it should have. Other such films in the genre like Dil Chahta Hai and Dostana (also helmed by first timers) worked so well not only because the youth could connect with them but also because the films were provided with a sound direction, something which could only be partially achieved in Desi Boyz. Nevertheless, the director deserves appreciation for still pulling out a film with 4 major stars and that too at such young age! Hopefully, his next film would rock! All the best RD!
Some of the best scenes:
The opening sequence
Nick meets Radhika for the first time
Jerry meeting the Social Services authority
All scenes of Sanjay Dutt
The title song, Subah Hone Na De, Jhak Maar Ke
The intermission point
Jerry and Tanya at the club
Tanya strips
The graduation day (very funny sequence!)
On the whole, Desi Boyz, inspite of its flaws, is a decent one-time watch. Director Rohit Dhawan could have turned into an illogical laugh riot but thankfully he didn’t and tried his best to keep the goings-on real and relatable. Performances and music rock while production values are topnotch. At the box office, it might not be a huge grosser but will sail through!