Chennai Express Review

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