Director: David Dhawan
Producers: Viacom 18 Motion Pictures
Writers: Sajid-Farhad and Renuka Kunzru
Cast: Ali Zafar, Divyendu Sharma, Siddharth, Taapsee Pannu, Anupam Kher, Rishi Kapoor, Lillete Dubey
Music: Sajid-Wajid
Genre: Comedy
Rating: * * * ½
Story Outline: Siddharth (Ali Zafar), Omi (Divyendu Sharma) and Jay (Siddharth) are the best of friends living as paying guests in Goa. Omi and Jay once set their eyes on a beautiful young girl Seema (Taapsee Pannu) and fall head over heels. Both are determined to win her heart but they both fail miserably. They feel pangs of jealousy when Siddarth later on gets involved with her.
Review: Remakes are best enjoyed if they aren’t compared with the original classic. At least, I am a firm believer in this theory. If you manage to do that with David Dhawan’s Chashme Baddoor, remake of Sai Paranjpe’s Chashme Buddoor, you are set for a rib-tickling joy ride. The high doses of laughter will also ensure that you turn a blind eye on few questionable instances.
Writer duo of Sajid-Farhad, who has penned lines for numerous successful comedies, is once again in terrific form. If crazy, mindless humor is your taste, you will find non-stop hilarity for the entire duration, even when the story turns serious. Its large contribution comes from the crazy shayaris rendered by Omi’s character. In fact, after a point of time, you will start giggling every time he is about to start a new one with, “Toh Arz Kiya Hai…”
In between such funny moments, Renuka Kunzru (screenplay) has developed the story and added the twists properly with the interval point deserving special mention. The all-important final culmination is convincing too. All in all, it is heartening to see Dhawan regaining his touch. With this film, we can say that Bollywood’s fun machine is back!
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There are moments where the humorous moments appear forceful, especially during Omi and Jai’s first encounter with Seema. Chashme Baddoor also suffers from some amount of vulgarity by objectifying the leading lady. It wouldn’t have reduced the entertainment or humor if it was avoided. Off late, Bollywood is accused of portraying women in questionable manners and rightly so.
Sajid-Wajid’s composed tracks go well with the film and add on to the entertainment even though the famous ‘Har Ek Friend Kamina Hota Hai’ comes in the end. The title song (Early Morning) is super-satisfying too. The technical departments are adequate.
It was vital for the trio to shine in their performances and that, fortunately, happens here. Ali Zafar does a pleasant, decent job, except on occasions where he sounds awkward. Siddharth is very good as a youngster obsessed with movies. He pulls off those crazy moments appropriately. But it is Divyendu Sharma who is the scene stealer with a super hilarious act. He is also largely helped by the writers.
Taapsee Pannu makes a confident debut in Hindi films. Apart from the looks, she, more importantly, impresses with her acting skills. Rishi Kapoor enacts a crazy character with ease while Lillete Dubey is lovable once again. Anupam Kher and Bharti Acharekar chip in with good supporting acts.
Overall, Chashme Baddoor is a laugh riot that will please the masses. Despite the absence of big names, the film will succeed in climbing the box office ladder.