In recent times, many Bollywood biggies are churning out
blockbusters out of south remakes. So it’s high time that Sharukh Khan should
deliver such a mass hit. Instead of a remake, Sharukh chooses an entire
mishmash of south Indian films and even names it “Chennai Express”. Let’s see how this ride went?
Plot: Rahul(SRK) at 40 is still on search for a bride. The reason
shown here is …he is busy taking care of his grandpa. Finally when his Grandpa
dies at 99, Rahul promises his grandmother to mix the ashes in Rameshwaram. But
he has other plans to join his friends in Goa.
But the destiny has completely different plans for him. He
meets Meenamma(Deepika Padukone) in “Chennai Express”. She actually ran away from home to escape
the marriage. Now Rahul falls in a situation where he has to accompany Meenamma
to her native Komban village.
What’s in store for them in Komban village should be watched
on screen.
It's called Chemistry...
Sharukh never fails as Rahul, so this time too he delivers that
romantic “man” next door. He gets back to ease on romance, much energetic than
recent JTHJ.
2013 can be named as Deepika’s year in Bollywood. She
already has two 100 crore films in her kitty this year and now the third one. Some might
get irritated with half-boiled hindi-tamil diction. But she maintained it with
ease throughout. Her chemistry with her “om shanti om” co-star is once again
picture perfect.
Tamil actor Sathyaraj as a selfish father is good. Other
actor who played Deepika’s fiancé gets noticed.
Good and bad…
Like any other journey, this trip in Chennai Express has its
ups and downs.
First half passes very
smoothly with the introduction of characters. Train episode is hilarious and so are the Anthakshari episodes. Cinematographer
Dudley deserves a special applause for so beautifully capturing the scenic
locations in south. You should watch that waterfall near the bridge. Vishal-Sekhar have composed nice songs which
are nice on-screen. “Titlee”, “Kashmir –
Kanyakumari”, Priyamani’s item number “1234” and Final “Lungi dance” are all
hummable.
Story of the film is of course pretty normal and nothing
fresh. And there is hell lot of inspirations from lot of south Indian movies.
After a smooth first half, there is no gripping second half. Running away and
getting back home, keeps on repeated with no motive.
Rohit shetty who delivered several blockbusters rarely had a
story to tell. His forte has always been quick screenplay with right mix of
action sequences, laughs and songs. Here too he plays safe bet with bankable
stars and good commercial aspects.
Board the train if you get bored…
Chennai Express is just like many other commercial pot
boilers which are credited with 100 crore+. Treat it as like any other time
pass entertainer and you can safely take a chance like me and be part of
history.
Rating
60/100
