Review: ‘Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal’ is a big time bore

`Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal` is a far cry from the cults which Priyadarshan has delivered in the past.

Bikas Bhagat

There are few directors who have made their mark in the industry owing to their sheer talent and an impressive line of work; Priyardarshan is undoubtedly one of those. The master craftsman who has under his belt some of the best comedies and extraordinary hits like ‘Hera Pheri’, ‘Hungama’ and ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ offered to his audience ‘Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal’ this Friday. And coming straight to the verdict - this film, in simple terms, is a far cry from the cults which Priyan has delivered in the past. ‘Kamaal Dhamaal Malaamal’ boasts the presence of Bollywood veterans. Barring a few names like Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, Asrani and Shakti Kapoor, who are almost constant in Priyan’s film, the fans of the talented director were more excited to see Nana Patekar featuring for the first time in his film. Actor Shreyas Talpade joins this pro cast to play the character of the town’s biggest coward in the movie. But the fun and the rollercoaster ride which the rushes of the film promised, appears hogwash as one comes out of the theatre watching ‘KDM’. The story doesn’t have much to offer. Om Puri (David) and Paresh Rawal (Peter) once thick friends become sworn enemies after their common love interest (Sona Nair) marries David. Their good for nothing son Shreyas (Johnny) is in love with Peter’s daughter Madhurima (Maria). But, Peter doesn’t approve of their love and want to teach a lesson to Puri by making his daughter ditch Puri’s son Johnny by playing not not-so-outstanding tricks (very unlike Priyan). Even as things go from bad to worse for Puri’s family, Nana Patekar (Sam) enters to make life better for Johnny and his father. The maker has tried to develop a mysterious character of Nana, which eventually proves to be a tad boring as the fun goes bust. Nana is completely wasted in the film. He is there just to eat and beat. It was sad to see a power-packed performer like Nana in such an under-developed role. Despite some of the best actors in the film, ‘KDM’ fails to live up to the expectations. A weak plot coupled with lackluster comedy mars the essence of the film. Touted as the sequel of Priyan’s ‘Malamaal Weekly’, people who were expecting a rip roaring part two of the film will be hugely disappointed. Comedy has been Priyan’s forte and the director has this rare quality to weave interesting stories around subjects and themes which are earthy, natural and unpretentious for audiences to relate and get entertained. But in case of ‘KDM’, the director seems to have lost his midas touch. It gets all the more annoying when the film tries to pick the tempo, but fails miserably primarily on account of a weak storyline. In terms of showing good acting skills, everyone faired just well since most of the actors are veterans and have a theatre background. Dialogues of Neeraj Vora were good at times but overall they lacked the punch. To be really frank, there is nothing kamaal about ‘Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal’. Rating: One cheer for this! Follow @bhagat_bikas