Director: Rohit Shetty
Producers: Ajay Devgn Films, Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevison Ltd.
Writers: Farhad-Sajid (Story, Screenplay and Dialogues) and Yunus Sajawal (Story and Screenplay)
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchcan, Krushna Abhishek, Asin, Prachi Desai, Krushna Abhishek, Archana Puran Singh, Asrani, Neeaj Vora
Music: Himesh Reshammiya and Ajay-Atul
Rating: * * * *
Plot: On the verge of bankruptcy, Abbas Ali (Abhishek Bachchan) and his sister Sania (Asin) have almost reached a dead end in life. They find a ray of hope when their family friend Shastri (Asrani) takes them to Ranakpur in Rajasthan in the hope of finding a job for Abbas at Prithvi’s (Ajay Devgn) place. Prithvi is the rough and tough hunk of Ranakpur who doesn’t think twice before roughing up liars.
At Ranakpur, circumstances force Abbas to reveal his name as Abhishek Bachchan when he comes face-to-face with Prithvi. Impressed by Abhishek’s (Abbas) nature and hardworking attitude, Prithvi hires him. But in order to hide his one lie, Abbas has to use a series of lies. This gives rise to a number of rib-tickling incidents. However, how will Prithvi react after knowing he is conned by the one whom he trusted?
Review: It is believed that great stories can be re-told in any time zone by using characters totally different from the ones in the original. Stories by the great Shakespeare are classic examples of this fact. But Rohit Shetty’s remake of Bollywood’s classic comedy Gol Maal (1979) as Bol Bachchan is (in my opinion) the riskiest remake since, apart from changing the time zone and characters, the filmmaker has replaced innocence and reality with utter craziness.
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Reading this, one might feel Shetty has insulted the original Hrishikesh Mukherjee classic. I felt the same when I heard about this and saw promos, especially after seeing how royally David Dhawan failed in a similar task in Chor Machaye Shor (2002). However, after watching Bol Bachchan, I was pleasantly shocked (not just surprised) to see the film turning out to be one of the most enjoyable comedies in the mindless genre. In this way, Shetty has indirectly proved the versatility of Gol Maal and has, I dare to say, paid a tribute to it.
The writers (Farhad-Sajid and Yunus Sajawal) have delivered just what you expect from a film of this genre: non-stop hilarity in the form of some whacky, crazy punches that make you laugh out loud after, at most occasions, almost every seconds. From these moments, Ajay Devgn’s unthinkably weird English interpretations deserve special mention. Devgn’s manner of delivering those lines and their unexpected timing make it further hilarious. In fact, you continue to giggle recalling those one-liners long after leaving the cinema hall, although there would be some who might wince at such homour.
The major incidents from the original are narrated with the use of some creatively funny incidents. These include Abhishek’s gay act and dance, the scene where Archana Puran Singh appears as Abhishek’s fake mother and the climax, which although totally mindless, is unpredictable which makes it funny. But the one moment which surely deserves appreciation is the manner in which Devgn and his comrades react after knowing Abhishek’s true identity.
Thinking of the flipsides, the first thing that appears is the action, which crosses the level of silliness. Surely, they could have done without these juvenile car stunts and fight scenes. Apart from this, the content of the film, including some part of the humour, will get thumbs down from a section of the audience.
The film is well supported by the music (Naino Se Baan and Nach Le), although the title song is simply poor. Technical departments like cinematography (Dudley), background score (Amar Mohile), art direction (Narendra Rahurikar) and editing (Steven H. Bernard) add to the plus points.
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It was vital for the lead actors to give top-notch performances and that is exactly what is seen here. Ajay Devgn succeeds in showing his macho side but at the same time is hilarious during the comic scenes, especially while mouthing his silly English. Another proof of his versatility. Abhishek Bachchan enacts two diverse characters – a simpleton and a naughty gay – with brilliance. His popularity might have lessened due to the fate of his films in last few years but with this performance, proves once again he is one of the most talented actors currently.
Krushna Abhishek continues his brilliant act from the television show Comedy Circus to his Bollywood debut. His comic timing is remarkable. Archana Puran Singh too doesn’t lag behind in an unusually funny role and so do Neeraj Vora and Asrani. Asin and Prachi Desai are average. They don’t get much scope. Jeetu Verma, in the role of the baddie, is strictly okay. Amitabh Bachchan’s cameo in the title song is not bad.
Overall, Bol Bachchan is mindlessness at its best if you can put your topmost organ away. Needless to say, the film will take the box-office by storm. And for those who believe 100 crore is a yardstick for measuring success, yes, the film will cross that milestone.
