If I'm honest with you people, I struggled to imagine how this adaptation would turn out as a feature film. Thus, I felt it would be most appropriate to go in with strictly moderate expectations. In the end, I'm pleased to report I came away very satisfied.
The film itself, directed by Umesh Shukla, is an adaptation of an Indian play, which itself was an adaptation of 'The Man Who Sued God'. The plot however has incorporated various Indian elements, and the film on the whole has a very desi feel, and doesn't at all resort to insulting religion. It was wise investment by actor turned producer Akshay Kumar.
Paresh Rawal plays Kanji Bhai, an atheist who is also a moderately respected shop owner who goes about his business in the typical middle-class way, until disaster strikes that is. Kanji, after being rejected by the Insurance company decides to start a court case in order to try and prove that his shop was in fact destroyed by divine intervention, but no lawyer is willing to take his case. On top of that, his family strongly disapproves of his decision. Om Puri now enters, followed by Akshay Kumar. Things get very interesting This film belongs to Paresh Rawal, who so effortlessly carries the film for more than 2 hours. His comic timing is to his usually high standards. Akshay Kumar and him make the on screen goings on memorable and entertaining, once again post the Hera Pheri films
Of the supporting cast, Mithun Chakraborty impresses the most. The character of a swami (holy man) comes so naturally to him. Meanwhile, Mahesh Manjrekar also leaves his mark as the opposing lawyer, as does Om Puri.
The main highlight for me is how the courtroom scenes are dealt with. You get engaged in the drama, and the inclusion of humor makes them even more enjoyable.
A problem is that the screenplay builds the picture very slowly for the first 15 minutes or so. You might get a tad restless here, but be patient. The remainder of the film will more than compensate, I'm sure.
I'm unsure of the purpose of the song 'Go Govinda', which takes up a good few minutes. It looks out of place. The choreography is top notch, however, and the Prabhudeva-Sonakshi duo light up the screen to keep you entertained.
The cinematography is both good and consistent with the purpose of the film - it wants people like you and me to be able to relate to it easily.
I should tell you that, as a theist, I didn't at all feel offended by the premise of the film. A small point, but important nonetheless.
Overall this is an entertainer that urges you to think, and is quite right in its message.
7/10
The film itself, directed by Umesh Shukla, is an adaptation of an Indian play, which itself was an adaptation of 'The Man Who Sued God'. The plot however has incorporated various Indian elements, and the film on the whole has a very desi feel, and doesn't at all resort to insulting religion. It was wise investment by actor turned producer Akshay Kumar.
Paresh Rawal plays Kanji Bhai, an atheist who is also a moderately respected shop owner who goes about his business in the typical middle-class way, until disaster strikes that is. Kanji, after being rejected by the Insurance company decides to start a court case in order to try and prove that his shop was in fact destroyed by divine intervention, but no lawyer is willing to take his case. On top of that, his family strongly disapproves of his decision. Om Puri now enters, followed by Akshay Kumar. Things get very interesting This film belongs to Paresh Rawal, who so effortlessly carries the film for more than 2 hours. His comic timing is to his usually high standards. Akshay Kumar and him make the on screen goings on memorable and entertaining, once again post the Hera Pheri films
Of the supporting cast, Mithun Chakraborty impresses the most. The character of a swami (holy man) comes so naturally to him. Meanwhile, Mahesh Manjrekar also leaves his mark as the opposing lawyer, as does Om Puri.
The main highlight for me is how the courtroom scenes are dealt with. You get engaged in the drama, and the inclusion of humor makes them even more enjoyable.
A problem is that the screenplay builds the picture very slowly for the first 15 minutes or so. You might get a tad restless here, but be patient. The remainder of the film will more than compensate, I'm sure.
I'm unsure of the purpose of the song 'Go Govinda', which takes up a good few minutes. It looks out of place. The choreography is top notch, however, and the Prabhudeva-Sonakshi duo light up the screen to keep you entertained.
The cinematography is both good and consistent with the purpose of the film - it wants people like you and me to be able to relate to it easily.
I should tell you that, as a theist, I didn't at all feel offended by the premise of the film. A small point, but important nonetheless.
Overall this is an entertainer that urges you to think, and is quite right in its message.
7/10