Lage Raho Munnabhai is a rare case of the sequel being even better than the original. That’s because it is different from the Original in all respects but the fact that the 3 funny guys have been retained. Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi and Boman Irani have essentially continued from where they left Munnabhai in terms of performance. But the real credit goes to Rajkumar Hirani.
Actually, I would say the credit goes to Ashutosh Gowarikar for providing inspiration to a new generation of Indian Movie-makers with Lagaan. He has showed them a treasure trove of possible stories hidden in India’s rich past. He also revealed a glimpse of how to mould them in a context relevant to the modern generation. Kamlesh Pandey of Rang De Basanti took it a step forward by literally applying the past in a modern setting and now Rajkumar Hirani has taken it a step forward by making this application infinitely enjoyable.
The beauty of the film is in its script and dialogues. The performances support the story with Ssanjay Dutt and Boman Irani standing out. Arshad Warsi is a bit stale and repetitive but still enjoyable. Vidya Balan is good in her role of pretty damsel and doesn’t have much to do.
The best thing about the movie is its ability to deliver a message without resorting to sermonising. Too often in the past, movie makers failed to distinguish between a theatre and a classroom loading the denouement with sermons galore. Hirani has kept this to a minimum, letting the message sink in subtly while the audience is laughing away.
All in all, these are the kind of movies that will take Bollywood to a higher level. These are the movies that suffuse us with pride!