2011 has been one of the better years for Bollywood in the recent past. There have been some treats for cinema lovers with half of the year to still come. But Delhi Belly, let's just say, takes things to a completely different level! With it, a new era in Bollywood officially begins!
To start with, when I first came across the trailer, I couldn't help but admire how appealing and cult like the Music was. About the film however, I assumed that it would be a random compilation of abuses and double meaning jokes just to get people's attention. Well, I am glad I was wrong, and HOW! The story line is more or less a comedy of errors, replete with contemporary references and extremely realistic settings that urban youth can completely relate to. Not much to talk about the story line per se. So there is this package that needs to be delivered, and a lot of mess occurs as 'passing the parcel' is going on between the stars and the ensemble cast. Anyway, we really needn't veer in that direction. Here's stuff that you need to know- the cinematography is par extraordinaire. While that's almost a given every time the perfectionist Khan is producing a film, but some shots in this one are really breathtaking (albeit gross sometimes, like when they focus on Kunal Roy Kapoo's not so picturesque rear). These brilliant shots are more or less evenly distributed throughout the film. That, coupled with other strong technical aspects, easily ensures critics' liking for the film.
As for the masses, if my judgement is anything to go by, they are totally going to love it with lavish doses of humor through and through. Sparing some remotely lame jokes, most of the humor here is intelligent, boind to captivate urban youth! The actors have all done a great job. Kunal Roy Kapoor's performance totally stands out and this is definitely Imran Khan's best so far (Not like he has a flattering body of work but if anyone was planning to write him off, they surely need to press Ctrl+Z). Poorna Jagannath is convincing as the educated and fun modern woman and Vir Das is his usual funny self. Vijay Raaz shows why he is loved so much as an actor as there is no one else who could have done that kind of justice to the negative role. Shehnaz, I'm afraid doesn't match up tp the rest of the cast's performance but a good show by her too. All of the ensemble cast members also wholly justify their casting.
Let's move on to what, according to me, was the strongest aspect of the film. Got to be honest, the superhit songs had a massive role to play in mounting the film's popularity prior to its release. In the film, however, songs (including the cult hit DK Bose and the hummable Switty) have been sparingly used, mostly in the background. That does nothing to prevent them from standing out. The background score too is a jackpot! Especially the score associated with Vijay Raaaz and his gang, an absolute beauty! If people are meant to get what they deserve, Ram Sampath is going to get so damn big in the coming years... he has been seamlessly respected within musical circles but it was high time he got his due with the masses. And Delhi Belly has done just that. Take a bow, sir!
At this point, I can recollect many scenes that I wish to talk about but some of that might spoil the fun for those who haven't yet seen the film. So my best advice as of now would be, watch the damn film as and when you find the time! It'll be the best 96 minutes ever! WARNING: Not for those who find abusive language offensive. Also, the film has a more Mumbai twang to it rather than Delhi in more ways than one, but who cares? Mumbai and Delhi are going to love the film alike, I am sure!
So go right ahead, watch the film... My verdict: It is the closest to becoming a cult hit amongst the recent crop of films. Irrespective of what the Box Office tells us in the weeks to come, this one will be remembered and talked about for a long, long time; and a huge reason for that is the censor board's unbelievable kindness! Yup, this is a big collection of never seen before stuff and can't be missed at any cost. so Bhaag bhaag and catch the first show that you can (if you haven't already)! I, for one, am surely gonna watch it one more time at least!
Rating: 4/5
