Bajatey Raho Review {3/5} & Review Rating
A revenge comedy, or conning a con to be specific, is a rarity in Bollywood. Recall KHOSLA KA GHOSLA, which was amongst the first in this genre. Subsequently, a whole new segment that deviate from the tried-and-tested route, boast of an ensemble cast, are close to real life and belong to diverse genres have made it to cineplexes. The success of VICKY DONOR and FUKREY has given an impetus to this trend of low cost, high concept films. Shashant Shah, who attempted diverse genres in his first two outings, DASVIDANIYA [2008] and CHALO DILLI [2011], follows the trail with BAJATEY RAHO.
However, unlike the over-the-top humor that we are subjected to in most films, the humor is understated in BAJATEY RAHO. In addition, Shashant and writer Zafar A. Khan stay true to the 'commercial format' of amalgamating just about every ingredient to quench the appetite of the entertainment-seeking spectator. Although the narrative is not without its share of déjà vu moments, Shashant does manage to dole out a fairly absorbing tale, more towards the second half of the movie.
Sabharwal [Ravi Kishan] is on a roll, committing a series of frauds, all in the garb of a successful business entrepreneur. But little does he know that one of his misdoings has created a huge impact on the lives of four commoners, Mrs. Baweja [Dolly Ahluwalia], Sukhi [Tusshar Kapoor], Mintoo [Vinay Pathak] and Ballu [Ranvir Shorey], which has only resulted into an enormous wave of need for vengeance.
The death of Mr. Baweja [Yogendra Tikku] due to a cardiac arrest after being framed in a bank fraud and Saira, his assistant, being put behind bars, Mrs. Baweja takes the situation in her hands. The four decide to get even with Sabharwal…
While the story starts off on a rather haphazard note with a random sting operation and eventual blackmail, director Shashant Shah manages to weave the plot together without confusion. Gradually, as the story unfolds, the viewer is taken down memory lane which sets the premise while taking the story forward. Since much of the first half goes in establishing each of the characters, the pace appears sluggish, with the romantic track [featuring Tusshar and Vishakha Singh] standing out like a sore thumb. Agree, Vishakha had to fit into the scheme of things, but it could've been done in a more persuasive manner. Fortunately, the narrative gathers momentum post interval as the motley crew gear up for their biggest con yet. It is this episode that elevates the film a notch above the ordinary. Additionally, with a run time of 1.47 hours, the film manages to keep you in your seat for most parts.
But, having said that, let me add that the film is *not* laced with humor-laden situations/episodes in entirety. This one's more about conning the con and settling scores, hence the focus is primarily on drama and taking the story forward. The humor, hence, is sparse and not in your face. Besides, Shashant could've avoided the mostly Punjabi dialect, for it may be difficult to comprehend for the uninitiated.
Shashant reserves the best for the post-interval portions and that includes the con act as well as the songs. 'Tennu Main Love Karda' [modeled on the lines on the popular track from DESI BOYZ], 'Naagin' and the RDB track [towards the end credits] are easy on the lips.
Dolly Ahluwalia, Ravi Kishan, Brijendra Kala and Rajender Sethi are the scene stealers here. Post VICKY DONOR, one sees Dolly in an entirely new avatar and the natural ease with which she glides into her part makes the goings-on worth it. Ravi Kishan enacts the evil man with flourish. Brijendra Kala, playing the sidekick to Ravi Kishan, proves his prowess yet again, while Rajender Sethi may be getting stereotyped in negative roles, but it's a delight watching him as the greedy father of the groom.
Tusshar enacts his part with conviction, while Vinay Pathak, cast in a non-comic character, is restrained. Ranveer Shorey doesn't get much to do here. Vishakha Singh is alright. Kamlesh Gill is wasted in an insignificant role. Husaan Saad is lovable. Yogendra Tikku [as Mr. Baweja], Rajinder Nanu [as Raman], Vikas Mohla [as Pawan], Anya Singh [as Gudiya] and Nikhil Pandey [as Aman Kapoor] fill the bill.
On the whole, BAJATEY RAHO is quite entertaining with an absorbing second half. Decent entertainer!
