When the intentions are right, everything falls into place. Also, if you have minimal expectations, a moderately decent fare is likable. Patiala House was dull on hype and having seen the fate of last few Akshay Kumar films, one went inside the movie hall hoping to see another yawn-fest. But the promise displayed by Nikhil Advani with Kal Ho Na Ho gets a new life with Patiala House. It’s an emotion packed drama that strikes a chord with the viewer.
Yes, it’s way too long and a few of the songs needlessly stretch the proceedings. Also, the giant ‘family’ has way too many characters to remember who’s whom. The emphasis of the film is on Akshay and his family, maybe because of this, the romance between him and Anushka never really blossoms. In other words, it’s a father-son story and don’t go expecting a love story.
As I mentioned in the beginning, the ‘right-intentions’ makes this film watchable. No vulgar dialogues (remember Tees Maar Khan), no skin-show-shosha item numbers and no blonde babes displaying abundant cleavage. The back-story of racism in England and how Gurtej Singh Kalon (Rishi Kapoor) fights for the pride of Asians has a sense of realism in it. The synergy with which Asians and native Britishers have been blended together is progressive.
The ease with which Akshay Kumar gets into the England cricket squad is laughable. Kumar, to his credit, looks somewhat convincing as a cricketer. The cricket matches have been shot well and manage to shake up adrenaline with its filmy punches. England cricketer Nasser Hussain speaking Hindi sounds funny. The on-field battle between Kaali (Akshay) and Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds is interesting.
Rishi Kapoor is over the top but still he is superb in the dramatic sequences. In fact, his performance dominates Akshay’s acting for most parts. Kumar puts in a restrained performance. It’s a far cry from the badly written clownish comic roles that have been a regular fare from him in the last few years. His body language displaying complete dejection or when he breaks down as his father turns him away from the hospital room showcase his potential as a serious actor. Dimple Kapadia doesn’t have too many scenes to show off her tremendous acting skills. One of the scenes in the end where she confronts Rishi is commendable. Wish she had more scenes and dialogues in the film. Anushka Sharma speaks too fast but her sprightly presence is likable and she also steps up the glamour quotient in a few of the songs.
Santosh Thundiyil’s cinematography is impressive, specially, for the manner in which he has shot the cricket matches. Manan Sagar’s editing is sloppy. Film should have been 20-25 min shorter. Anvita Dutt Guptan and Nikhil Advani’s screenplay (dialogues by Anvita) doesn’t have anything original in it. You’ve had several films on somewhat similar subject of Asians Vs the White villains in the past too. Yet, the sincerity in the effort is commendable. There’s simplicity in the narrative which is likable. Music is a mixed bag. ‘Aadat Hai Woh’ and ‘Kyun Main Jaagoon’ are wonderful soothing numbers which have been sung and written well. Other songs are mostly dominated by the Punjabi flavor and one can’t call them the most memorable Panjabi influenced numbers.
Patiala House is a decent family entertainer that may test your patience at times. But still, you’d come out with a smile. Worth your money.