Why do we watch movies? A simple question with even a simpler answer; we watch movies to get entertained. This entertainment can come through various forms; we can get entertained with good comedies; makers can entertain us by teasing our thought process; we can fall in love with romance & action or we can savor the tears we cry after watching a good drama.
But what would you say if a movie tries to entertain you in more than one form? Well, the movies which try to pack everything in one package can fall either way; they can either go horribly wrong or they can make us fall in love with them. “Khatta Meetha†makes exactly the same attempt, and thankfully it comes in the second category.
Before further details, I’ll list down a few Negatives in the film…
• Just like so many other Priyadarshan movies, there are various characters which are very loud and sometimes their loudness tends to irritate your nerves.
• The promotions presented the film as a full-on comedy (like previous Akshay / Priyan movies) which might be a bit misleading for those who are searching only laughs out of it.
• Though the movie keeps the viewer engrossed for the most of the time, but at some places the things seem like being dragged and repetitive. Especially Akshay’s repeat visits to the municipal office.
• There are few brief moments where screenplay seems distorted, but thankfully subsequent scenes very much make up for these slight hiccups.
• A few double meaning jokes here and there might disturb a few. (but can be really enjoyed by the majority)
Now coming to the Positives …
• Direction is top-notch; Priyadarshan is in full form after quite a while. The crude and in-your-face treatment works big time.
• The comedy is excellent. It is much better than what we have seen in recent Akshay movies like DDD and HF. The comedy over here cheers the hall up with carefully crafted situations and intelligently written dialogues.
• The film shines with some spirited performances. Though a few of the actors were a bit more over the top than required, but the overall performance quotient remains positive.
• The drama is really engrossing in the second half.
• The movie is very much relatable. There are no super men or jokers over here. Even the action sequence doesn’t look un-realistic and the characters don’t have to make stupid faces to make you laugh.
• Thankfully, the romance is kept to the bare-minimum. Any extension in this would’ve disturbed the balance.
• The dialogues are very powerful. The dramatic ones as well as the funny ones. They have the required punch.
• The music is decent and thankfully doesn’t disturb the flow of the film.
About the Performances …
• Akshay Kumar is in real good form here. His comedy timing is spot-on; his frustrations are believable and he makes you gradually fall in love with his character. For those (including this reviewer) who wanted him to do something more than comedies, well his act in “Khatta Meetha†is indeed an answer to our demand. For me, this is among his best works ever.
• Trisha Krishnan looks beautiful and enacts her role with ease.
• Urvashi Sharma, playing the role of Akshay’s sister Anjali has done a commendable job in her brief role. Her expressions and dialogue delivery is impressive.
• Rajpal Yadav is at his funny best. Johney Lever and Israni are usual in their guest appearances.
• Kalbhushan Kharbinda is decent and Aruna Irnai doesn’t have much to do. Tinu Anand is sufficient in his special appearance.
• Markand Deshpandey looks uncomfortable in his role, actors playing roles of Akshay’s brother and Brothers in law are decent most of the time, but sometimes become way too loud. But the actor playing the role of politician Sanjay Rana (don’t know his real name) has pitched in a real good performance.
Overall, “Khatta Meetha†is a full on masala film with loads of spontaneous comedy, engrossing drama, a realistic look into a world which is very relatable for people of India and Pakistan. Add a bit of action and the tinge of romance in it and there … you have a masala film ready and Priyadarshan makes sure that all the masala is presented in the most “audience friendly†way. Recommended; for its ability to entertain.
