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By Joginder Tuteja, July 6, 2009 - 15:59 IST
MOVIE DETAILS
Cast: Konkona Sen Sharma, Shernaz Patel, Ira Dubey, Vivek Gomber, Satchit Puranik, Namit Das, Anand Tiwari, Shivani Tanksale
Director: Kunaal Roy Kapur
Producer: Rohan Sippy, Keshav Prakash
THE FILM
Now this one truly catches one by surprise. Released with practically zero publicity in the month of January this year, The President Is
Coming didn't quite make waves at the box office. Though some would have believed that the film would have followed the Loins of
Punjab Presents route (the comparison coming in because that film too was an English satire with Indian actors), it wasn't the case to
be. The film soon saw a DTH release and did manage to create some buzz there. However, around half a year later, the film finally sees a DVD
release and does manage to make it's presence felt.
The President Is Coming comes with an interesting poster campaign that reads - 6 hands. 2 birds. 1 Bush. Rightly so because that
pretty much describes the theme of the film which is centred on an Indian being chosen to shake hands with President Bush when he visited
the country a few years back. So there are six candidates, all of whom go through a trial by a PR agency in what could well be a reality
show today, with one of them being the final winner.
It's this selection process that makes this 'less than 90 minutes film' a pretty engaging affair which has a definite storyline that is
absolutely original and innovative. So what we get to see is Shernaz Patel (excellent) and her junior colleague Shivani (lovable)
interacting with these six candidates and making them go through rounds that are more often than not outrageously hilarious. So whether it
is repeating some of the Bush speeches from the past or getting into fancy dress mode or expressing their views about society in general or
presenting a song or a skit - it's a riot every time six of them are on a frame together.
What also makes The President Is Coming special is the documentary touch that is given to the narrative at quite a few junctures. So
there we have Konkona Sen taking a viewer into her household and talking about her literary achievements. Or Ira Dubey declaring how she
built a Rs. 5 crore cosmetics empire with just a 'little help' of Rs. 3 crores from her multimillionaire dad. Or Satchit Puranik being that
'khadi clad' English hating 'desi' who speaks English just so that he can give it back to those who believe that it is all that stands for
cool. And by the way, he too can be cool if he wants, especially when he can mouth the word 'F**k'.
Yes, towards the latter portions of the film, things do turn a little repetitive while the pre-climax doesn't have a punch similar to that
of the first one hour either. However, leaving aside such minor blemishes, 'The President Is Coming' is good enough for a home video
watch. Watch out for those scenes when one of the candidates is revealed as a closet homosexual. Or that MMS scandal which re-erupts. Or
that quiz session where the stockbroker candidate shows his real worth. Or that out and out MCP persona being worn by the one of the
candidates. Or that shocking twist that threatens to put the entire PR exercise into jeopardy! It is this on-your-face humour that makes
this Kunaal Roy Kapur directed film an enjoyable affair for most of it's part.
PACKAGING
The DVD comes in a regular plastic case though it is better than the usual Moser Baer 'thin plastic case' that had almost become a trademark
for cheap priced DVDs over the years
DURATION
The film's duration is 86 minutes
SPECIAL FEATURES
The DVD comes with a horde of special features:
- Behind The Scenes
- Deleted Footage
- Director's Commentary
- Music Video
- Epilogue
For those who wish to go through the director's journey while making the film, there is a 'Director's Commentary' option in the DVD. 'Behind
the Scenes' is clearly scripted as each of the actors is shown to be harassing director Kunaal Roy Kapur for better footage and promotion.
However, it is real fun, especially the acts by Konkona and Shenaz. 'Epilogue' is the talkie portion which was edited from the final's cut
as it takes the viewer through the lives of each of the candidates after the competition. There is ample 'deleted footage' as well but none
of the scenes are really impressive enough to have been missed in the final cut. The 'music video' is boring and it's good that it was not
included as a part of the film's promotional campaign.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
- 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation
- Subtitles in English
- Dolby Digital 5.1 and Stereo
PRICE
Rs. 199/=
CONCLUSION
A film that comes with an 'A' certificate due to it's quirky humour, mild language and some bold dialogues, be a little careful with kids or
parents around!
 
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