MOVIE REVIEW
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Mallika Sherawat, Feroz Khan, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Vijay Raaz
Director: Anees Bazmee
Producer: Firoz Nadiadwala
Music Director: Sajid-Wajid, Himesh Reshammiya, Anand Raj Anand
Lyricists: Shabbir Ahmed, Ibrahim Ashq, Anjaan Sagari, Sameer, Anand Raj Anand
Cinematography: Sanjay F Gupta
Editor: Ashfaque Makrani
Screenplay: Praful Parikh, Rajiv Kaul, Anees Bazmee
EXCLUSIVE REVIEW BY HANUMANT BHANSALI
Welcome the new year of 2008 by bidding goodbye to 2007 through it’s last comic release ‘Welcome’. With trusted names like Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor, Feroz Khan, Katrina Kaif and Mallika Sherawat, this mafia comedy freezes your brains and open your hearts out to a confused yet simple humouristic comedy.
‘No Entry’ fame director Anees Bazmee has directed the film, which has been produced by Firoz Nadiadwala.
The plot of Welcome begins with the introduction of three characters Uday Shetty (Nana Patekar), Majnu (Anil Kapoor) and Sikander (Feroz Khan). The threesome are members of a criminal syndicate based in Hong Kong.
They are in search of a respectable groom for their sister Sanjana (Katrina Kaif). In a scheme of events, Uday meets a young and educated bachelor Rajiv (Akshay Kumar). Uday approves Rajiv as a perfect match for his sister, Sanjana, who is unaware of her brother’s plans.
On the other hand, Dr. Ghungroo (Paresh Rawal) is against this relationship as Sanjana belongs to a family of doubtful people. Innocent of her brother’s ambitions, Sanjana meets Rajiv on a cruise and the couple instantly fall for each other.
Moreover, Dr Ghungroo also approves Sanjana, not knowing that she is Uday’s sister. When Dr Ghungroo gets to know the truth, he tries his own ways to stay away from the uncertain brothers of Sanjana.
The story takes an another twist when seductive Mallika Sherawat enters the plot, claiming herself to be the fiancée of Rajiv.
The film holds close resemblance to Mickey Blue Eyes from the Hollywood front and Shaadi Se Pehle from Bollywood. All in all, it carries it enough madness for a high voltage entertainer.
Right from the characterization to the mannerisms to the dialogues, everything falls in the right place in Welcome. And moreover, it does not go overboard as the story moves on with the humour.
Direction wise, Anees Bazmee has done a stupendous job with his set of actors and story in hand. He has canned the scenes so effectively that one can’t miss out on breaking into a laughter.
Musically, apart from a couple of tracks nothing seem to go in Welcome’s favour. Of course, the interesting choreography has made it for this loose end.
On the flip side, there isn’t much but the movie could have been a little more gripper. Dialogues are funky and sharp. Cinematography is excellent.
Now, the big question comes here. Who in terms of acting walks away with the piece of cake? Answer is Nana Patekar and Akshay Kumar. Nana just captures the scene with his presence. Akshay too is not far behind as the gutsy actor has won a lot of acclaim for his superhit performances in 2007.
Anil Kapoor, looks to give some of the younger actors a run for their money with his acting stint. Paresh Rawal is good, yet again. Katrina and Mallika are okay. Feroz Khan and Vijay Raaz also excel in their roles.
Overall, Welcome has enough to pull you till the theatres and with this excellent review in hand, you can’t say no to this comic caper for long. So, go for it.
Radiosargam Movie Rating: 8/10
Hanumant Bhansali
Part 1
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