Story of Jack and Johnny going up the hill....
Itโs an Ayushman Khurana film, so two things are for sure. One, no one else would have dared to commit to the subject or the role and second, it will be rich in content. The film doesnโt disappoint in either.
Ayushman is a star, be it his body language, the nose ring, the dialogue delivery, the conviction, he is just flawless and as always makes you think with his first shot that no one else possibly could have been a better choice for the role.
Jitendra kumar is a brilliant choice. Seasoned. Camera friendly. And he has been endowed and trusted with a superb script which he has definitely outperformed himself.
Supporting cast is the heart of the film.
Gajraj ji, as usual brilliant. Better late than never, at least he is getting his due.
Neena ji is outstanding.
Sunita, manvi play their part with grace and make their presence felt with even one passing shot.
But it is Manu Rishi, aka chaman chacha who just walks away with the film. He caught the eye with oye lucky... he impressed with phas gaya Obama... but this time he stole the show. With actors like Gajraj and neena in the frame, he has simple outshone everybody and is the heart of the film.
The film deals with a sensitive issue and restores to some explicits rather than subtlety fearlessly. But doesnโt disgust for sure.
No bollywoodish gay mannerisms and unnecessary pink clothes, no feminine body language, no making merry out of someoneโs gender preferences.. the film wins on that part. But falls flat in the climax where Ayushman comes put of the room in a saree.
It is not crisp and hard hitting as Article 15 or section 375 ( both the films are a must watch btw), and takes lot of cinematic liberties and mass pulling theatrics, some of them work, some donโt.
It is not as subtle but intriguing as shubh mangal savdhaan also, which I would definitely put a few notch higher than this one.
And definitely not close to badhai ho..
But it has itโs moments
Beautifully shot camaraderie
Honest effort
Songs are good and aptly placed.
Definitely a one time watch, though not unmissable but definitely enjoyable in many parts.
At least with me, more than Ayushman or even neena gupta, itโs Manu Rishi who lingers on.