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By Joginder Tuteja, May 26, 2009 - 13:52 IST
MOVIE DETAILS
Cast: Aftab Shivdasani, Aamna Shariff, Linda Arsenio, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Sanjay Mishra, Manoj Pahwa
Director: Robby Grewal
Producer: Anuj Saxena, A. P. Parigi, Gary. S
Music: RDB, Xulfi, Vipin Mishra, Mehfuz Maruf
Lyrics: RDB, Xulfi, Vipin Mishra, Syed Gulrez
THE FILM
Now this one really promised to be a film that would revive the nostalgia of a Hrishikesh Mukherjee or a Basu Chatterjee film. The premise was just perfect for that (Aftab trying to find acceptance for his girlfriend Aamna by using Linda as a camouflage), the middle class setting (Lajpat Nagar, Delhi) being apt and a story that promised simplicity. In that context Aloo Chaat does work to an extent though how one wishes that the entire 'chaat' was consistently spicy and evenly cooked.
Of course quite a few scenes do stand out in the narrative of Aloo Chaat, especially the ones where Sanjay Mishra appears on scene. Watch out for his 'shakki mama' act as he looks at anything and everything suspiciously. So whether it is questioning the arrival of a 'firangi' would-be 'bahu' [Linda] or the escapades of his 'bhanja' [Aftab] with his friend [Aamna] or the picture of Aussie cricketer Michael Clarke looming large as one of the ex-boyfriends of Aamna - this 'mamu' doesn't spare anyone.
Surprisingly Aftab is a lot restrained in the film. Known for his excellent comic timing, one expected him to go all out in Aloo Chaat where there was ample scope to flex his facial muscles. However, except for 3-4 scenes, he seems tensed throughout the film's duration. Linda, who has earlier been seen in Kabul Express and Mumbai Salsa is spirited and does well in the part that she gets to play. In fact it's to her credit that even though she appears in a two piece lingerie for a crucial scene in the film, it doesn't seem vulgar at all. As for Aamna, she makes an entry only mid-way into the movie and hardly gets much scope to perform except for a couple of song and dance sequences and a few cosy moments (where the chemistry is pretty much visible) with Aftab.
Talking of songs, they pretty much keep Aloo Chaat sailing well, especially the numbers 'Dhadke Jiya' and RDB's title song which comes in end credit roll. The background score is ok though. Dialogues are witty for most part of Aloo Chaat, especially the ones mouthed by Kulbhushan Kharbanda and his on screen mother Dolly Ahluwalia. These two actors do quite well though Manoj Pahwa's sexologist part is just okay. Also, one doesn't quite understand the requirement of an extended screen presence of a desi rock star who keeps hopping over to his clinic for 'rocking' in real life too? Same holds true for the entire 'aloo chaat' metaphor which is put in place by including two characters who ferry around the city with an 'aloo chaat' stall?
At the end of the day, are there are fun moments? Yes. Are there funny characters? Yes! It's just that the ride is uneven with some moments really bringing on the laughs while some making you merely go through the motions. A pity, since director Robby Grewal showed a promise of something far-far better!
PACKAGING
The DVD comes in a regular plastic case
DURATION
The film's duration is 110 minutes
SPECIAL FEATURES
The DVD doesn't come with any special features
TECHNICAL DETAILS
- 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation
- Subtitles in English
- Dolby Digital 5.1
PRICE
Rs. 199/=
CONCLUSION
Aloo Chaat is a film that you can relish once and then move on to a different dish.
  
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