Garam Masala   Producer: Ganesh and Ratan Jain Director: Priyadarshan Starring: Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Paresh Rawal, Rimi Sen, Neha Dhupia, Daisy, Neetu, and Nargis Music: Pritam Lyrics: Sameer, Mayur Puri Recommended Audience: Parental Guidance Film Released on: 02 November 2005 Reviewed by: Aakash Gandhi  - Rating: 4.5 / 10   Let us know what you think about this review Music Review

Another Priyadarshan comedy…has to be worth your time right? Not with Garam Masala. Priyadarshan is known by many as a “master storyteller” but his fame is short-lived throughout this rather outlandish tries-to-hard comedy. It’s no doubt that he struck out with Kyon Ki, and unfortunately, Garam Masala isn’t much better.

Akshay Kumar plays the role of Mac. Mac is the ideal “player,” as he just can’t get enough girls. His best-friend-turned-rival, Sam (John Abraham), only adds to the unnecessary craze of the film.

It’s obvious that Priyadarshan is trying to fill the script with non-stop one-liners that will have you on a roller coaster of giggles. Unfortunately, the lack of direction and over done script make for a shoddy project that is filled with unrealistic coincidences of the like.

The first half has close to zero substance. We are constantly introduced to new characters that clearly are misplaced in Priyadarshan’s script. Yes, Mac’s interactions with the airhostesses are quite comedic at times, but the scenes are so heavy on dialogue that you feel like Priyadarshan is spoon-feeding every little detail to you, with no respect for the audience’s intelligence.

Yes, supporters of such commercial comedies will justify the film by saying that you are supposed to shut your mind off when you go to watch this kind of film. But the film needs to be entertaining to some degree! The chemistry between John Abraham and Akshay Kumar was virtually non-existent. Moreover, the three airhostesses were merely used as plot props, which were given absolutely no scope in the film.

But there were a few limited bright spots in Garam Masala. The music was a refreshing break from the chaos, as was the limited presence of Paresh Rawal, as the erratic cook.

Performance wise, Akshay Kumar has really improved on his comedic acting. However, it really is no comparison to his performance in Hera Pheri. John Abraham is definitely a victim of a sour casting decision. Maybe comedy just isn’t his cup of tea.

The three newcomers, Daisy, Neetu and Nargis, fit their roles, which could have been filled by any three good-looking girls. As I said, they were merely used as props to help nudge the story along. Rimmi Sen, as the innocent fiancé, fills yet another miniscule role appropriately. Paresh Rawal was completely wasted as the eccentric cook. Even though it was a nice break from the rather bumpy story, his presence was not felt at all.

I guess Garam Masala could barely pass as some kind of a time-pass film. Most people will go and see it simply because it’s a Priyadarshan film starring Akshay Kumar. If you do go to see this, then please don’t expect anything more than a whimsical piece of work that tries way to hard to gain your interest.