Monday, July 11, 2011

Review: Movie - Delhi Belly

A word of caution – Please leave your kids and your parents behind if you are planning to go for ‘Delhi Belly’. Also don’t go if you are averse to language abundantly laced with expletives and choicest of slang words or if, in case, you like orange juice :). The movie though thoroughly enjoyable uses language that may not be suitable or acceptable to all. Delhi Belly is a tribute to both the underworld of the city as well as what might happen to you if you choose to try the street food without caring much for the hygiene.

Plot:
One of the virtues of this film is its simple plot. It’s a short, sweet, fun film that makes no attempt at imparting you a message or teaching you the virtues of being a hero etc. It’s a story of three average guys with their own little problems and what happens to them when they get entangled with a diamond smuggling ring.  There are other characters thrown in to add flavor and color to the happenings on screen but all of them gel quite well in the narrative and nothing seems to be out of place. Most characters would remind you of somebody you have met in real life.


Cast/Performances:
Everyone has done quite a good job. Imran deserves respect for doing a role so early in his career that doesn’t fit into the traditional ‘hero’ mould of Hindi film industry. Vir does justice to his role. His dance on ‘Jaa chudail’ number is a treat to watch. Kunal is a revelation in his character and provides the funniest lines and situations in the story. The best of the pack though is Vijay Raaz playing the role of a local don. Look out for the scene where he calls Shenaz’s character as Vladimir’s supervisor. Even though the scene is supposed to be comic there is poise and restraint that lights up the screen. Both Poorna and Shenaz have done their parts well. Kim Bodnia plays the role of Vladimir (at first I thought he was some Indian actor of foreign origin like our dear Bob Christo) .

Screenplay/Dialogs:
Screenplay is crisp and dialogs are well written. Abundant expletives apart, the dialogs are framed intelligently. The writers assume that both the characters and the viewers are intelligent and don’t spend too much time explaining situations. Some of the scenes could have been done more aesthetically like the one where Vijay Raaz opens the stool sample instead of the diamonds. There was no need of making it gross; it was definitely something that could have been done without. But at the same time, full marks for not showing gory bloodshed in the climax shooting scene and instead depicting the impact intelligently through the old couple’s room.  

Music/Songs:
Music is the highlight of the film. Ram Sampath’s music is not only refreshing; it identifies with the film as well. Most songs are used for intelligently done promos and are just used as background scores for specific situations - right from ‘Saigal blues’ to ‘DK Bose’ the songs complement the situations. The only dream sequence is the ‘Jaa Chudail’ number and it has been so nicely done that it’s a complete treat to watch. The movie ends on a high with “I love you like I hate you” featuring Amir Khan (another feather in his overcrowded cap).

Verdict:
As long as you satisfy the conditions mentioned at the beginning of this review, you should come out smiling. I would go for 4 out 5 for ‘Delhi Belly’.

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3 comments:

  1. I give 5 out of 5.Dude its too good movie.

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  2. @Viru - It's a good fun movie no doubt, but nothing great in my opinion.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your writeup just added more latency in stimulating any enthusiasm.

    ReplyDelete