‘Fukrey’ review: A laugh riot, all the way!

Ananya Bhattacharya Two good-for-nothing school-goers. One ‘artist’ with a flair for music. One simpleton whose sole aim in life is to get himself a seat in a good college so that this jilted lover can ease his heart. When destiny intertwines the paths of four of these ‘fukras’, resulting in an inextricable mess, one must come to the other’s aid. The madcap ride that ensues is termed ‘Fukrey’. Released under the banner of Excel Entertainment – Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani being the faces that the public see – ‘Fukrey’ is one hell of a laughter ride. In this age of cheesy and cheap comedy which the Hindi film industry is now so (in)famous for churning out, this one – ‘Fukrey’ – despite shouting out ‘Going Cheap June 14’, is thankfully not so. The film is packed with neat amounts of laughter-inducing funny moments and one does not have his/her attention wander off for even a fraction of a second. Hunny (Pulkit Samrat) and Dileep aka Chucha (Varun Sharma) are two youngsters who have been to every corner of the city and done every wrong deed imaginable (and unimaginable). The duo of Chucha and Hunny are gifted with a unique potential – the former dreams and the latter forms a lottery combination with the dream – resulting in the two winning easy money. Lali (Manjot Singh), a Sardar to the hilt, comes in contact with these two to get himself a seat in a good college. Meanwhile, Zafar’s (Ali Fazal) music genius is never properly understood by the industry-wallahs. In the midst of it all, the frustrated youngster sees his father collapsing to paralysis but isn’t able to get together the money to get him treated in a private hospital. The need for money brings the four to Bholi Panjaban (Richa Chadha), a goondi who, according to what the film says, “... cheel hai; coffin ki aakhri keel hai” (she’s an eagle; the last nail in a coffin). A comedy of errors takes place when this myriad group comes together – dragging Neetu (Vishakha Singh), Zafar’s ex-girlfriend and Lali’s tuition teacher, and Priya (Priya Anand), Hunny’s love-interest, along. Director Mrighdeep Singh Lamba is bang on with this comedy. The cast, comprised mostly of first- or second-timers in movies, is a warm, congenial one. Vipul Vig and Lamba’s story is a fresh one but the bylanes of Delhi and the goons do remind one of ‘Delhi Belly’ at points. ‘Fukrey’ is a fun-ride, has many moments which will make one roll laughing in their seats. When it comes to acting, the entire cast makes for a refreshing breath of air. While Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma make for a thoroughly entertaining watch, Manjot Singh adds the spice to this recipe. Ali Fazal infuses life into his character and performs well as brooding musician, lost in love and depressed at the condition of his family. Priya Anand seems in her skin after ‘English Vinglish’, but will need brushing up of her acting. Vishakha Singh is deeply commendable. As far as Richa Chadha is concerned – if in ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ this woman had wowed as Sardar Khan’s strong, feisty widow, she’s unforgettable as Bholi Panjaban here. All said and done, there are a few points in the narrative when the story loses its pace, but regains the tautness very quickly, thankfully. The music is enjoyable with numbers ranging from peppy to soulful. The essence of Delhi – from the narrow bylanes where Hunny and Varun spend their evenings cycling and staring at women to Lali’s sweet shop have been captured beautifully. Watch ‘Fukrey’ if you crave for generous dollops of laughter to colour your weekend up… Go cheap! Three and a half stars for Mrighdeep Singh Lamba’s handiwork! Follow @nanya116