Welcome to Karachi

For friends who might be considering the film to be based on a novel idea revolving around two friends unknowingly getting into Pakistan territory facing the terrorists groups, the subject was recently seen in the award winning movie FILMISTAN (2014) too, that unfortunately couldn't reach a wider audience missing any 'star- value'. And exploiting the same plot in a much wackier manner defying every kind of logic right from its first sequence itself, WELCOME 2 KARACHI turns out to be a pretty ordinary project in comparison that ironically had a more entertaining 3 minute trailer than the entire 2 hour film to be straight.

Directed by Ashish R Mohan (post KHILADI 786), it begins with a lazy instrumental track used in the titles and then goes on offering all over the top, crazy or annoying insertions that desperately try to entertain the viewers without any major success. For instance, you get everything thrown in from a 3 IDIOTS inspired child birth, dumb looking terrorists groups and a good looking Intelligence agent to a weird change of identities of two Indians as Pakistani officers, introducing their extended families by news channels and then sending them back to India again with their fresh Indian Passports and disguised looks adding to the senseless confusion (Now who actually wrote that?).

But above all there is one particular sequence staged around the Indian Consulate in Pakistan showcasing a sudden, mindless cross firing from every country's consulate on that road (including China, USA, Israel and many more) which simply makes you wonder that what exactly the makers wished to portray here in the name of political satire or comedy?

The film's basic storyline moves with no specific direction and just keeps wandering into various sub-plots offering only a few interesting moments in its climax as the saving grace. The cinematography doesn't give you anything extraordinary to mention but the VFX are pretty amateurish right from the first sequence of a ship drowning in a sea-storm. Background score tries hard to generate some forced laughter whereas the soundtrack doesn't come up with even a single impressive track despite the presence of a terrific dancer Lauren (in an item number).

As a performer with superb comic timing, Arshad Warsi mostly (tries to) steals the show but Jackie comes up with a few witty one liners too at regular intervals making his presence felt. Yet their act together cannot be termed as something highly entertaining due to the lackluster script and its meaningless progression written vaguely. Lauren Gottlieb is simply there because of her eye-catching looks and dancing ability. Plus the supporting cast fails to make any significant impact on the viewer, particularly the actors portraying the roles of American officers dragging the film to the levels of a poor B-grade venture.

In all, apart from few entertaining dialogues and a somewhat engaging culmination, the film has nothing much to offer in terms of either comedy or satire. But then it also depends upon 'what exactly you consider to be too stupid or funny' as per your personal choice. Besides, friends who have already seen FILMISTAN are going to find some exactly similar sequences too as the one focusing on Cricket match between India and Pakistan.

Moreover I really doubt how sportingly the film would be taken by our Pakistani friends watching such silly depiction of their people, the city and the authorities in its various scenes.

Loved this movie, because it was very different from the run of the mill comedies that have slapstick humor and below the belt jokes. It was very 'decent' and hilarious. The second half was funnier than the first. Very creative story. Great acting by Arshad Warsi and Jacky Bhagnani. If you love to laugh and would like to watch a 'non-formula' movie - this is for you. The scenes during a cricket-match, in the courtroom, in an American prison etc. were very funny. Also, this movie was all about fun and showed no disrespect to anyone. Should have more movies like this one, with no run of the mill love stories, songs, violence and slapstick. It was original and fresh.

In The Movie Welcome 2 Karachi, The Actors Arshad and Jacky has done a good job but the story of the movie is really NONSENSE. The Movie is exaggerated so much that it should be given 0/10 Marks but due to the hard work of the actors and some good humor, I had to give it 4/10 marks. The Duo goes to the Indian consulate and even a very common guy is carrying a very heavy gun (Even Intelligence officer is not having that type of gun). The movie indirectly wants to say that almost every Pakistani is a criminal and everyone in Karachi is a terrorist. After that a war begins between the consulates of the rival countries. Jacky and Arshad are kidnapped in the movie while walking on the road. A Group of Pathans attack on Arshad for speaking Against Shahid KHAN Afridi (A Pakistani Cricket Superstar). Arshad Tries to steal a pizza but even in the Pizza Box, there are weapons. All These Things try to prove that There is no other thing in Pakistan but Weapons and Pakistanis don't have anything to do but terrorism. Apart from these things, the humor (as already said) was very good and the acting skills of Arshad and Jacky made me to give them a satisfactory marks of 4/10.If the film had a better story and if it had shown some reality about Pakistan and Karachi, the rating would be different. But Good Work by Arshad and Jacky.

I voted it 1 because there is no less rating than ONE available on IMDb. The story line is ineffective and very boring in its own origin. Making no sense at all, this film just suggests how persistent India is on trying to prove Pakistan as a Terrorist Country and a NO GO area for the citizens of the World. What is shameful is the fact that despite knowing the entire track of the movies, Many Pakistani artists decided to take part in this conspiracy. In short this is not worth watching, It is neither funny nor close to anything like Reality. Pakistan is making much more sensible movies these days, Rush to wath'em in cinemas near your house. This Movie is only a shameful act of trying to get World audience against Pakistan. If you want to know real Karachi, Visit it. P.S with your full legal documents :D Off-course .

'Welcome 2 Karachi' is a so-so comedy, that, despite a promising premise, isn't entirely convincing nor funny. Its a mixed-bag!

'Welcome 2 Karachi' Synopsis: Two good for nothing guys accidentally land up in Karachi, Pakistan & what follows is a series of unfortunate events.

'Welcome 2 Karachi' has some funny moments & they deserve credit for that. The first-hour is pretty fine, with the journey of its bumbling protagonists offering some good sequences. But, the film nosedives in its second-hour, which doesn't work. The narrative just falls flat. The jokes stop working & the culmination, is far from effective. In short, a lively first-hour manages some laughs, but the second-hour is entirely disappointing.

The Screenplay rides on a good premise, but it never makes much use of it. Ashish R Mohan's Direction is passable. Cinematography is eye-filling. Editing is ordinary. Music by Various Artists is energetic.

Performance-Wise: Arshad Warsi is in full goofy mode & he's mastered his comic-timing. Jackky Bhagnani puts in a sincere effort to leave an impression, but he succeeds only in parts. Lauren Gottlieb is strictly okay.

On the whole, 'Welcome 2 Karachi' is an okay watch.