|
Producers: Sahara One Motion Pictures Creation, Percept Picture Company Prod. Director: Priyadarshan
Music: Uttankk V. Vorra
March 13, 2006
 Leelaram (Paresh Rawal) lives in a remote village where illiteracy, drought and poverty abound.
The villagers are mostly indebted to the Thakurain (Sudha Chandran) who exploits them to the hilt. Leelaram is a lottery vendor and the only person who can manage to speak some English. One day he learns that one of his customers has won a lottery and he wants to retrieve the ticket.
He goes to the winner's home only to find that the winner is dead. Leelaram now eyes the luxuries that accompanies the winning ticket. But his well-kept secret is leaked out and more and more people come to know about the winning ticket, and they want their share in the spoils.
The film has a welcome backdrop of rural India, unlike dozens of city-based subjects churned out these days. Though it does not have big stars, director Priyadarshan has assembled a battery of brilliant performers in this breezy situational comedy. And everyone has played his and her part to perfection.
Though the narrative begins at a tardy pace, it picks up momentum in the latter part and everyone freaks out towards the end. However, there is almost no scope for romance and music. Besides the total rural backdrop may not go well with the multiplex audience who form the core of comedy patronage.
Production values are good. Technically, first rate. The script is hilarious. Dialogue are witty at places. Musically, nothing to write about. Cinematography is of standard.
Performancewise, Paresh Rawal is at his brilliant best. Om Puri provides a perfect foil for him. And together they bring the house down with hilarity. Ritesh Deshmukh does full justice to his role. And after a long time, Asrani comes up with an inspired performance. Arbaaz Khan is good. Rajpal Yadav is effective. Sudha Chandran does well. Shakti Kapoor lends good support.
Directorially, Priyadarshan once again displays his flair for situational comedy.
At the Box-Off ice, lack of face value may hamper its prospects but mouth publicity may help it to sustain.
| 