Housefull 2   Producer: Sajid Nadiadwala Director: Sajid Khan Starring: Akshay Kumar, Asin, John Abraham, Jacqueline Fernandez, Ritesh Deshmukh, Zarine Khan Shreyas Talpade, Shazahn Padamsee Music: Sajid-Wajid Lyrics: Sameer Genre: Comedy Recommended Audience: General Film Released on: 05 April 2012 Reviewed by: Samir Dave  - Rating: 6.0 / 10   Let us know what you think about this review Music Review

Yes, I get the fact that he wishes to make entertaining films for the whimsical and more tolerant (of mediocre films) masses, and doesn’t quite care for the nose in the sky “elite” filmgoers who prefer comedies like” Munnabhai” (both films) and “3 Idiots”. Yes, I get that he blatantly makes his films as middle of the road as possible. It’s almost certain that his films will have nice locales, a multitude of pop culture stars, sexy women showing off their curves, silly minor characters that pratfall into silly comedic routines, foot tapping music, all wrapped in a nice silk red bow. So, based on all of this, let’s look at “Housefull 2” as what it really is.

It’s not an attempt to make a better film than the original, but more of a “to be continued” continuation of the first film in thinking only. So, you’re probably wondering what all this gibberish and gobbledygook talk actually means? Well, it’s that if you think “Housefull 2” is going to be the absolute best comedy you have ever seen in your life, well…hate to break this to you, but that’s not going to happen. If you want to have some mindless fun (preferably after throwing back a half dozen shots), then this film is for you yaar!

So, let’s get to it, “Housefull 2” is a film that is half “housefull “ and half “houseempty”. First let’s analyze the housefull part. The movie itself is more fun than it has a right to be given the considerably weak screenplay/story/plot. The fun resides in the charisma of watching the cast interact. By that, I mean the male cast, as the female cast is basically window dressing (aside from Asin, who makes a commendable effort). Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Ritesh Deshmukh , and Shreyas Talpade are all fun to watch. They are utter goofballs, and their chemistry works. The older cast that includes Rishi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Mithun Chakraborty, Boman Irani (who is not that old), are also fun to watch…sharing a goofy but endearing chemistry.

The first half of the film has the trademark “housefull" humor. The direction by Sajid Khan is his usual, he’s got that certain style that fits in with the kinds of films he makes. Let’s face it, it’s probably easier directing action than trying to direct a spontaneously comedic scene and Mr. Khan knows what he is doing in that regard. Note Mr. Khan, next time try an action film, something different to keep your creative juices flowing. Yeah, right. I know that’s not going to happen, instead we will probably get “Heyyyyyyy Babbbbbbieeeeeeeeee 2 ½”.

Now, the “houseempty” half: The female cast is disappointingly hard to watch (other than Asin, who is the only saving grace). Jacqueline Fernandez, Shazahn Padamsee, Zarine Khan do not emote. If you take away the, “I’m leering at you as a male audience member in a creepy manner” effect their “beauty” has in the film, there is a palpable void in terms of their acting. The music by Sajid-Wajid is thoroughly disappointing. Yeah, I know…others will say that it fits the scenes. I won’t. The music is atrociously bland. This is especially disappointing considering that Sajid Khan’s previous films had really fun music. To be honest, I can’t even remember a single tune…it’s all one big generic mess. The screenplay by Sajid Khan, Tushar Hiranandani, and Farhad Sajid has the potential for a wittiness that is never fully realized. The cinematography by Manoj Soni is fairly nondescript. Finally, the second half barely turns the film into a cohesive whole.

So, to summarize, “Housefull2” is a fun if flawed film, about four men marrying four girls, whose four fathers will clash with everyone to generate comedic scenes of laughing power. Or something like that. It’s worth a single watch, just to see the spectacle of it all and you will find yourself chuckling against your will. In the end it fulfils its mediocre challenge, which is to be as general of a comedic film as possible. Fluffy and fun like a cloud that floats away at the slightest breeze, “Housefull 2” will keep you entertained and smiling for the most part. Just don’t expect it to rock your world yaar!