Director: Satish Rajawade

Producers: Shekhar Kulkarni and Ajit Bhure

Writer: Dr. Vivek Bele

Cast: Upendra Limaye, Anand Ingle, Pushkar Shrotri, Mukta Barwe, Dr. Mohan Agashe, Vinay Apte, Deepak Karanjikar, Sudhir Gadgil

Music: Sandeep Khare and Salil Kulkarni

Rating: * * * ½

Plot: Three friends Chaku (Upendra Limaye), Pustak (Pushkar Shrotri) and Makad (Anand Ingle) with unusual characteristics live under the same roof. Due to the bond they share, their house is called Unbreakables. However, breaks start appearing in Unbreakables after the arrival of Pencil (Mukta Barwe). This starts a political game between the four.

Review: Political leaders playing tricks to preserve their vote bank is nothing new in today’s times. But what happens when ordinary people start playing such political games in interpersonal relationships? This question is explored in Satish Rajwade’s Badam Rani Gulam Chor. The exploration succeeds in providing some high doses of entertainment in the form of non-stop humor, although it lacks 100% conviction. The film is also blessed by some quality performances.

The wicked yet interesting chemistry between the characters of Chaku, Pustak and Makad is put forth intelligently in the very first scene. The entry of Pencil and its consequences gives rise to hilarious consequences. The names of the characters might sound absurd initially but after knowing the logic behind them, they appear apt and also add on to the humor and so does the different wavelengths of the characters.

A political track is very intelligently mirrored with the tale of the four characters and this is another reason why Dr Vivek Bele deserves high applause. The story takes a very interesting turn in the second half. From this part, Makad’s theories related to marriage and the scene where he and Chaku imagine Pustak and Pencil’s fighting for one and half minutes deserves special mention. These moments certainly have repeat value.

The pre-climax and the climax, however, don’t appear too convincing.  But since you have already connected with the characters and have had loads of laughter, you leave the cinema hall with satisfaction. We can say that after the successful Mumbai Pune Mumbai, Rajwade has once again handled another light-hearted film with maturity.

Decent efforts are seen in the technical departments (background score, cinematography and editing). The songs (Sandeep Khare and Salil Kulkarni) complement the theme well.

Pushkar Shrotri gets into the skin of the character of a bookworm with ease. His comic timing is perfect. Upendra Limaye is maturely convincing as a hot-headed toughie. Mukta Barwe displays the cuteness needed in her act. She is convincing in emotional scenes too.

But the one who turns out to be a surprise package is Anand Ingle. His smart and highly humorous act proves his talent. Vinay Apte and Deepak Karanjikar play warring politicians with conviction. A good cameo act is provided by Dr Mohan Agashe.

Overall, Badam Rani Gulam Chor is a clean entertainer with intelligent humor. The film has a chance of clicking at the box-office.