Ek Chalis Ki Last Local

I very much enjoyed this dark comedy that is most set in a night between 1:40 and 4:10. On his way home a young man, Nilesh misses the last train. The next one's due at 4:10 so he goes wondering the streets in search of a taxi or any other alternative that will get him home. He only has 70 rupees but, by the end of the night, he ends up with 25 million. How? During Nilesh's adventure (or misadventure) we are introduced to various characters including a Nana Patekar wannabe wannabe, a corpulent 'cabaret' singer, an obese 'hijra', a glass-eyed hit-man, a wacky chatterbox of a tomboy, a ruthless CC (corrupt cop) and lots of unusual 'visitors' of the night.

Abhay Deol is one of the very few fine actors of the current generation who is a risk-taker. I'd seen him earlier in 'Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd' where he was hilarious and here the actor just merges very well into the character that is equally comedic. He's not afraid at all to look like a fool on screen (as required by the character), something that will scare most of his peers away. The actor bravely accepts the part and does a remarkable job. Neha Dhupia is mostly adequate but in a few scenes, she tends to go over the top. The supporting cast are great and really bring out the humour. I just thought the three hit men in the car sequences were bit loud and could have used some slight toning down.

The songs play in the background. There is one very pleasant song that often repeats in the background, a great song for a rainy or just-rained scene. The cabaret number 'Kukuruku' is quite catchy. The voice-over is quite charming and quirky and gives more insight into Nilesh's character.

Director Khanduri deserves a pat on the shoulder for coming up with something different that is so much fun to watch. He's clearly inspired by Tarantino and Richie and creatively puts his inspiration to good use in the film. For me, '1:40 Ki Last Local' is one of the ideal rainy day flicks.

What could be this movie about? The title is so mis-leading. It sounds surely like an art movie. Knowing the star cast of Abhey Doel and Neha Dhupia – I expected to be a slow love story. Let us know the story. It is interesting! The movie is about Nilesh (Abhey Doel) who misses the last local train from Kurla station in Bombay at 1:40 am in the morning; he meets another person – a girl (Neha Dhupia) who has also missed the last local train of 1:40 am. Both under the same crisis, give each other's company, and start walking in the dead night of Bombay. It leads them to a bar club, where they think of spending some time till 4:10 am, so that they can catch the first local train at 4:10 am. In the bar Nilesh meets his friend, who takes him to play a game of cards. From this point on the movie takes usual turn and sky rockets into something that was not expected.

I will not tell you anything what happens after that – but it is interesting and for people loving dark cinema like the one made by Quentin Tarantino, would appreciate the attempt by the first time director Sanjay Kanduri takes us on a roller coaster ride of unexpected twists and turns to his story, which he himself has written. Surely Sanjay has tried his best to remain one step ahead of his audience and given classic surprises – some would be difficult for Indian audiences to digest and accept, but kudos to his conviction.

Till the last frame of the movie, Sanjay Kanduri keeps the audience glued to the merry go round of characters and he could have taken the movie to any ending, but gives us a pleasing and happy one.

This is my second movie I have seen of Abhey Doel, and I think he is not a bad actor at all; and this movie he shows a very good sense of humor and timing for delivery apt dialogues funnily. Neha Dhupia looks great and has acted well to suit the type-cast character she has often played in past.

There are many Marathi stage artists Sanjay Kanduri has used; who have performed well.

This is my last word for people with weak stomach; if you do not like dark cinema of blood and gory, this is not the cup of tea for you. There are also some stupid moments in some episodes in the movie, but for the first time director I would be little more lenient to like the attempt and give…

(Stars 6.5 out of 10)

Evidently a cult in the making, the makers have set the bar high with a very apt cast & engaging story-line.

Talking about how Mumbai behaves with its inhabitants, it links with three different stories that culminate into something grave, but eventually breakthrough. Focusing on native topics about the nightlife, the plot constantly introduces new characters. And the characters are totally deep in their portrayal. Rolling finely & softly for 150 minutes, Ek Chalis Ki Last Local never bores off and indeed entertains with references in crime, drama, love & songs.

Fantastic screenplay & lucid dreaming-sequences makes it a perfect Bollywood crime comedy. Neha Dhupia is hot & perfect, while Abhay Deol steals the show with his glamor & introspection.

BOTTOM LINE: Recommended!

Can be watched with a typical Indian family? NO

Mouth-Kiss: Mild | Foreplay/Sex: No | Nudity: Mild | Smoking/Alcohol: Strong | Violence/Gore: Critical | Porn: No | Profanity: Very Strong

Ek Chalis Ki Last Local starring Abhay Deol and Neha Dhupia who miss their last train to Vikhroli and have two and a half hours to kill before their next train. They end up in a bar. One thing leads to another and in these few hours of their life they go through a number of experiences and events - some good, some bad. But by the end of it each character's life is altered completely.

The movie has some hilarious moments worth watching. The comedy is well tuned to present day taste, and is not melodramatic or over-acted. Overall, a movie worth watching once.

Abhay has a nice comedy timing, and does not seem all that stupid. Neha's acting is credible.

The movie is a must see for all ages except children (<10), who might not understand. I liked the role of Malvankar/Mala/Nilesh. Especially, Malvankar has a unique way of delivering dialog, which is very appealing. Most of the time humor is subtle but admirable. Movie's storyline never lets you down or get you bored, it elicits that creative thinking can produce great story. Background music and songs are awesome. Overall, KUDOS to awesome directing. I watched this movie 2-3 times and did not find any place where I could say this could not happen to me. I would say "Quartet Productions Pvt. Ltd." keep it up, there is striking contrast between last movie from the production "Let's Enjoy" and this. I am eagerly waiting for another movie like this.