Bol Bachchan

It is a known fact that Rohit Shetty is synonymous with nonsense. With a fight composer's blood running in his veins, he spares no penny in over-the-top action sequences that would put Tollywood to shame. His comedy is bi-polar as well, ranging from inane and retarded to occasionally, genuinely funny. Music has never been tasteful in any of his films nor has the importance of characterization and plot. After his career highlight, 'Singham', Shetty partners with Ajay Devgan (also co-producer) in this outlandish remake of 'Golmaal' (Shetty can't get over it) which would be as forgettable as his previous films were it not for some funny dialogues, situations and Ajay Devgan.

Abbas Ali (Abhishek Bachchan) is running out of luck in Delhi as he loses the case around his ancestral property. Along with his sister, Sania (Asin), he pays heed to Shastri's (Asrani) advice and moves to Ranakpur to work under Prithviraj (Ajay Devgan). Unfortunately, in a brave attempt to save a child from drowning, Abbas opens the gates to a controversial temple and after the tension around Prithvi's family feud cools, his friend had no choice but to introduce Abbas to Prithviraj as a hindu, named Abhishek Bachchan. From hereon begins a series of goof-ups, cover-ups and unabashed lies that conceal Abbas' true identity. However genuine his intentions may be, he would always have to confront Prithvi's stringent policy of honesty with fear.

Ajay Devgan is the major reason you would bear this film. His comic timing, expressions and dialogues are the saving grace. With equal ease he transforms into the angry Singham version when enraged. Abhishek Bachchan is passable. Comedy isn't his expertise and he does try hard but in an unconvincing manner. Others could've played his role better but then they're not a Bachchan. Asin looks beautiful but has little to offer in her acting, Asrani was splendid and Krishna Abhishek is hilarious especially when he weeps in nervousness. Archana Puran Singh was hilarious switching between two characters and Neeraj Vora, although loud, portrayed some natural comedy.

The film works in many of its dialogues, confusing situations and being a spoof of several films. Where it falls flat into Rohit Shetty (nonsense) territory is its overdone mockery of the English language, the ridiculous action sequences, the wasteful song and dance and the immature climax that drags the film to unnerving lengths. With smaller expectations, the film delivers the goods. Popcorn entertainment is what we can categorize it as and after a few laughs, you won't regret spending the time and money.

• 6.81 on a scale of 1-10.

If you believe me, I have this film in my hard-drive. This film is full of usual Rohit Shetty non-sense which isn't that painful to watch. Ajay Devgan, Asrani and Krushna Abhishek make this film worth watching (obviously after preserving our brains in the freezer). I would say "don't watch" if you are looking for a lot of meaningful comedy, but "do watch" if you aren't dead serious and are looking for having some light-hearted laughs.

To the old, sweet, amazingly funny, classic comedy, Golmaal (Hrishikesh Mukherjee, 1979), apply the Higgs Boson particle to it ie attempt to make it a 'mass' film, an 'entertainer'. So add liberal doses of silliness, unnecessary plot complications, shrillness, crassness, slow motion fight sequences and many, many blown up vehicles. Also add a few sequences & a few jokes that really make you laugh. Just pray that the cringe-worthy moments don't outnumber the LOL moments & that depends entirely on your sensibilities.

The broad outline of the original story is retained. Ajay Devgn, local tough & rich landlord, employs Abhishek as a supervisor. Unfortunately, Abhishek, a Muslim in the film, has to pretend to be a Hindu in front of Ajay. One lie leads to another and soon he has to invent a gay, Muslim identical step brother, a mother, the mother's identical twin sister etc. Prachi, Ajay's sister, is Abhishek's love interest. Asin, Abhishek's sister, is Ajay's love interest. And Jeetu Verma is there as Ajay's evil cousin only so that muscles can be rippled and bones broken. Neeraj Vora as Ajay's sidekick and Asrani and Krishna as Abhishek's uncle and son, respectively are there to attempt to wring a few more laughs from you.

Ajay's character likes to speak English and mangle it beyond belief, and this ability provides many of the comic, funny moments of the film. You watch in awe, wondering what he will come up with next, a bit like when you watch Sidhu comment on cricket. It works in short doses and appears a bit stretched in the second half. 'When elders get cozy, youngsters don't put nosy' or 'Thank you for the Complan Boy' (compliment) don't seem rib tickling but given Ajay's fulsome delivery and the situation, it does generate quite a few laughs.

Abhishek plays his two roles quite straight, pun intended. The sequence where the gay character has to dance to a medley of songs in unison with two of Ajay's henchmen is crass but makes you laugh in parts. Asin is strangely muted in the film, while Prachi also has a small role, without much meat.

The movie is too long, the songs aren't great, the fight sequences too similar to what we've already seen from Rohit Shetty's earlier films. There is a vision here to make it a comedy for the masses and judging by the loud laughs from the audience, he's got it right.

I feel, with the same cast, just keeping it along the lines of the original could've worked just as well, but I fear I would be in the minority in the industry. Would love it if there was a face-off between an intelligent, well made comedy (like a Vicky Donor, Khosla ka Ghosla) & a 'mass' one like this, with similar level of star power in both. I wonder which film would then have a bigger box office ? More at www.apurvbollywood.blogspot.in

Bol Bachchan made me laugh … period.

The "English" speaking Ajay Devgn (whose interpretation of famous Hindi proverbs, though forced, did extract quite a bit of laughter from the audience), the awkward Abhishek Bachchan playing 2 personalities (one of a hard-working man & the other a effeminate dancer) is hilarious and the surprise package Krishna Abhishek (better known from the comedy circus on TV) who has a meaty role and keeps you in tears (by making you laugh, of course), all have delivered a rollicking & high spirited comedy with signature Rohit Shetty action. Veteran Asrani and a regular character actor Neeraj Vora do a commendable job of supporting the main protagonists. The loud Archana Puran Singh is as usual loud, Asin could have been pivotal but is forgettable & Prachi Desai looks very fair (though the director was unfair to have given her a blink and miss role). Amit jee (Bachchan) graces us with his presence in the opening sequence song and very aptly clarifies, "I am not in the main movie … only my name is there".

I read somewhere that the movie is the official remake of yesteryear's hit comedy Golmaal (No, I am not talking about the Rohit Shetty series with the same name) and though neither Abhishek Bachchan can ever match the subtlety of Amol Palekar or Ajay Devgn remotely take on Utpal Dutt's style … this one still had me in splits from the start.

The team of Ajay Devgan & Rohit Shetty are back again doing what they do best … over the top action sequences (you do see a Singham hangover) & slapstick, in your face comedy which in this one was surprisingly funny. I hated myself for laughing at the Comedy Central styled jokes and loved every bit of it. Even though I went with a preconceived notion of watching a mindless, slapstick comedy, this one was completely worth it.

Bol Bachchan is a typical Rohit Shetty movie with a little more substance. It has cheap jokes - this time on lousy understanding of English by Prithviraj - character played by Ajay. It has those characteristic action sequences - people and vehicles flying in the air. It has few songs, which are light and melodious.

But this film should be remembered for an actor who has worked out of his skin to entertain audience - Abhishek Bachchan. I have never seen Abhishek show so many emotions in a single film. He is good at comic roles - if we see Dostana and now Bol Bachchan. Action sequences and sharing chemistry with females is where I find him a little uncomfortable. He should not be compared to his dad now. He has carved an audience for himself.