It is easy to dismiss a comic film which relies on gags, slapstick comedy and silly jokes. However, when a film belongs to this very genre and has made no bones about it, it is injustice to shrug it away. Of course, it doesn’t mean that every film belonging to this genre and carrying aforementioned ingredients would invariably turn out to be entertaining. However, if it actually manages to do that job, it is just right to acknowledge that fact as well.
This is what Pagalpanti turns out to be. It stays true to its genre but the good part is that it carries a definite story to it as well. Of course, what could have been done better for this Anees Bazmee directed film is that its storyline should have been far better defined in the promo. Since that was a series of gags, not many got a hang of what Pagalpanti was all about. As it turns out, the film is actually a masala entertainer where other than humour, there is action, drama and a bit of thrills as well, something that makes it far better than what it could have been otherwise perceived to be.
For starters, the entire angle of Niraj Modi (designed on Nirav Modi) is actually the highlight of the film as this is what brings the entire set of characters (forming a mammoth multi-starcast) together. Just like Gulshan Grover’s character based on Harshad Mehta in David Dhawan’s Aankhen, this one too has Inaamulhaq playing a key role in the film. While there are a set of baddies joining the show, there are good guys (John Abraham, Arshad Warsi, Pulkit Samrat) coming in the life of not-so-bad guys (Anil Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla). With the leading ladies chipping in as well and Kriti Kharbanda making the most of the opportunity along with Ileana D’Cruz (suitable) and Urvashi Rautela (sizzling), the base is set for Pagalpanti to run riot.
Not that it turns out to be a howlarious affair with gag-a-moment keeping you in splits. However the good thing is that it never bores. There are sequences where you roll over laughing and then there are some where you just have a smile. However, if at all a scene comes close to falling flat, it’s the performances and comic timing of the actors which manages to hold the stage, hence allowing Pagalpanti to be coherent. Of course, it could have been visually better too had the VFX been better. Even though from indoors perspective it has a lavish look to it, outdoors – and especially during action sequences – it could have been better.
John Abraham is seen in a comic avtar, the kind who has entertained in films like Housefull 2 and Welcome Back. Moreover, for those expecting a Batla House or Satyameva Jayate from him, there is a hint of that in the pre-climax. Yet again, Anil Kapoor has an integral part to play in a multistarrer affair. He plays a don who doesn’t mind becoming a broker when need arises. Reliable as ever, he brings on ample laughs. Moreover, Saurabh Shukla has a lengthy role and together they show good comic timing!
If there is a man for all seasons, it is Arshad Warsi. First there was Total Dhamaal and now there is Pagalpanti. He has a knack for making a solid impression in multistarrer comedy affairs and is Mr. Dependent practically each time around. Meanwhile, there is a cute love story between Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda, and together they actually look quite believable. As a real as well as reel life couple, they look adorable in the film. Together, they bring on some sweet smiles.
That holds true for audiences as well as smiles stay on throughout. A harmless film, it makes sure that for family audiences, and especially kids, there is something in there every 5-10 minutes to be thoroughly entertained. Go, watch it, and you won’t be disappointed.