The Shaukeens

When you are remaking a classic like Basu Bhattcharya's Shaukeen, plenty of comparisons will definitely arise. The question is whether it is on par with the original one ? – Well, It was just about there but neither it did full justice to the original screenplay nor was the acting was even comparable to classic.

Frustrated in life, three lecherous oldies decides to have fun in their vacation with a girl who is a die-hard fan of superstar Akshay Kumar. In order to woo the girl, they must convince Akshay Kumar to help them.

There are two aspects to watch this movie. If you have already seen the classic, you might not be happy with the end product but if you are watching the film for the first time, you might enjoy it. Abhishek Sharma who previously directed the fun-loving Tere Bin Laden misses the bus this time. The movie does have some hilarious moments but only few to keep you alive. The 1st half goes fine. Even the 2nd half shows some promise but the climax plays the spoil sports and messes up completely. The songs are fine. Cinematoraphy is amazing. Art direction is captivating. Background score is just about OK. Coming to performances - Annu Kapoor , Anupam Kher and Piyush Sharma does a fine job and they will tickle your funny bone. Lisa Haydon is just about okay. Akshay Kumar does well in the supporting role.

The Shaukeens does show promises but the climax makes it decent entertainer. Above average 2.75 /5

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There is nothing new in the name of story or idea. Screenplay is pushy and routine. Dialogues are fairly good. Story, screenplay and dialogues are by Tigmanshu Dhuliya. Plot is clearly lifted from old SHAUKEEN but still how they can solo claim about story, I am unable to understand. First half is very slow. Second half saves a bit. One side you try to strict yourself for exploring the possibility of naughty side of subject but then expose the lead lady in bikini!!! This is contradiction in makers vision. Satire on industry is very subtle, as that Bengali Director track, which is lengthy but hardly funny. Persons belonging to industry can get that Nav Ras, Methodical Acting satire but difficult for a common audience to get it. Only one thing that saves this film from being unbearably bore is performance. Anuu Kapoor, Anupam Kher and Piyush Mishra are superb. Lisa Haydon is just OK. Akshay Kumar is fine. Music is OK but choreography is over board.

the movie is really one of those where they have an interesting concept, but really no concrete storyline. i guess even the concept is not novel and is stolen from the old shaukeen. so, anyway, the movie starts with a concept, plays with it till the interval, and then you can see it is running out of steam; so then they complete change it and go in a totally different direction. i liked the first half, it had some good laughs, and some witty dialogues. you can't call it a well made movie, but if you go with friends and are willing to let your hair down, i guess you can unwind a bit. my wife liked the second half much more. annu kapoor gives a good performance; anupam kher is really too overexposed and overacts. the third shaukeen i have seen for the first time, but he does a good job too. akshay kumar's willingness to make fun of himself is refreshing. lisa hayden looks good but her character is not a convincing one.

The movie was among the few I was waiting to watch mainly because of the three brilliant oldies. After a brief spell in the first half where it I was intrigued at what's gonna happen it all fell apart in the second half. The pace of the movie somehow fell drastically. Nothing unexpected happened and you will feel it was like that could have been the worst possible ending.

Akshay was brilliant to begin with but as the movie progressed he showed signs of Chandni Chowk to China once again. The actress around which the whole movie revolves did not show any signs of acting and at times it was irritating to see her say everything in the same manner. Oh boy, how much she could do with some acting lessons.

It is a one time watch hardly and that's only because of the sheer respect towards the senior citizens of Bollywood.

A remake of the delightful 1982 film Shaukeen directed by Basu Chatterjee, 'The Shaukeens' is a disappointing remake. This one lacks humor & most importantly charm, which its much-loved original proudly boasted. If there is anything that works in 'The Shaukeens', its Akshay Kumar, who entertains throughly in a cameo.

'The Shaukeens' Synopsis: In order to sleep with a sexy young girl, 3 old lecherous men hatch a plan to get her to meet her film idol, in order for naughty returns.

The original also was about 3 old men trying to woo a young girl, but the humor & storytelling there was neat, clean & cute. But, this remake is crass & crude. There's nothing wrong by giving a story an all new interpretation, but it will only work if the Writing Material is strong. In 'The Shaukeens' case, the Writing also doesn't support much.

The Screenplay Written by Tigmanshu Dhulia & Sai Kabir offers some genuinely funny moments & the addition Akshay's track, which didn't exist in the original, is indeed super. But otherwise, the tale of the 3 old men & the young lady, is a tad under-whelming.

Abhishek Sharma's Direction is limited to a few frames. Cinematography captures the locales of Mauritius well. Editing is fairly done. Music by Various Artists, is melodious.

Performance-Wise: Akshay Kumar steals the show, hands down! As an alcoholic superstar who's in desperate need to win an Indian Oscar, Akshay nails the part & is also the film's best joke. Annu Kapoor, Piyush Mishra & Anupam Kher enact the lecherous oldies with sincerity. Annu, especially, leaves a mark. Lisa Haydon looks hot, but is strictly okay acting wise. Kavin Dave & Vineet are mention-worthy in minor roles.

On the whole, Watch 'The Shaukeens' for Akshay, who spoofs himself hilariously! Otherwise, this one's a yawn!