Most of the films showcase a place in all its glory. One feels like packing the bag and heading to that place immediately. For instance, most viewers fell in love with Spain after witnessing the beauty of the country in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Moviegoers expressed a desire to experience Punjab and all the fun and masti out there after watching Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Jab We Met etc. Delhi and its localities have become world famous thanks to Queen, Vicky Donor, Khosla Ka Ghosla etc. But when it comes to Haryana, Bollywood has made sure that viewers feel a scare the moment anyone mentions the name of the state. From NH10 to Tanu Weds Manu Returns to now Guddu Rangeela(and all films released this year), the state has been shown in a bad but realistic light, with all these flicks highlighting the horrors of inter-caste or same-gotra marriages. But while NH10 and Tanu Weds Manu Returns were well made films, Guddu Rangeela is an average product. Read on to find out why.
The story of the movie: Guddu(Amit Sadh) and Rangeela(Arshad Warsi) run an orchestra group in Haryana and also indirectly indulge in criminal activities. Because of their activities, they get into a major trouble. The only way out is to accept Bangali’s(Dibyendu Bhattacharya) offer: kidnap a girl called Baby(Aditi Rao Hydari) and walk away with a large sum of cash. Sadly, things take an unexpected turn despite things going as per the plan. Soon they realize that they have become a part of something and it’s definitely not merely kidnapping. What’s more, Baby is related to the dreaded MLA Billoo Pehelwan(Ronit Roy).
Talking of the positives, the storyline is definitely promising. Few scenes are unpredictable and hold interest. Performances are quite good while the humour in few sequences is simply superb. The first half is engaging. In fact, the film doesn’t quite bore and has a crisp narrative of 124 minutes. On the flipside, the film needed a realistic setup but the action scenes take the film to a different zone. It is unconvincing to see Guddu Rangeela and gang defeating the cops and goons so easily so many times. Yes, 2 scenes stand out – when Guddu escapes from the loo and Guddu and Rangeela’s banter when they rescue Bangali. But the impact is diluted as it’s too filmy. Also, it’s incidental that Guddu Rangeela are orchestra group owners. It doesn’t really serve any relevance to the principle storyline. The manner, in which Billu Pehelwan, in his entry sequence, convinces a parent to kill his daughter, could have been stronger and more convincing. Also, why Guddu and Rangeela are kept in dark initially about the real plan is explained by the makers but this aspect could have been better narrated. Finally, the direction and writer could have been better. This is especially in the film’s finale.
Arshad Warsi as always is fine and lovable. He always performs with sincerity and it’s evident that he’s enjoying his part. Definitely, it’s not at par with Jolly LLB but is a decent performance nevertheless. Amit Sadh adds to the fun element and looks dashing. His moments with Aditi Rao Hydari are quite nice. Aditi Rao Hydari delivers a great performance but is let down by the writing. Her character in fact doesn’t have much to do at all in the pre-climax and finale. Ronit Roy is terrific and the best performer in the film. He is a pro when it comes to oozing fear and he does the same in the film with ease! Dibyendu Bhattacharya plays an interesting character and does well. Shriswara Dubey(Babli), who disappeared after her wonderful performance in D-Day, gives a decent performance. Brijendra Kala as always is quite natural. Rajiv Gupta(Inspector Gulab Singh) raises lot of laughs. Amit Sial(Inspector Ajay Singh) has a great screen presence. Virendra Saxena is okay in the special appearance.
Amit Trivedi’s music is okay and the best song of the lot is undoubtedly Mata Ka Email. It is quirky and outstanding! Hitesh Sonik’s background score enhances impact in some scenes. James Fowlds’ cinematography is good, especially the aerial shots. Subhash Kapoor’s story is nice, inspired from real life events. But screenplay could have been a bit better. Same goes for dialogues. Direction also suffers to an extent due to a flawed script. Subhash Kapoor is the same guy who gave us the much loved Jolly LLB and in future will be directing Munnabhai Chale Delhi. Hence, such a product is not expected from him. Hope he gets back in super form with Munnabhai Chale Delhi and also Jolly LLB 2!
On the whole, Guddu Rangeela is at best an average film. It rests on a great premise and is equipped with fine performances. But the writing is far from best and even direction is shaky. Go for it if you are really a huge fan of Subhash Kapoor, Arshad Warsi or Jolly LLB. Or else, watch it later in the comforts of your home!
My rating - 2.5/5!