Mard Ko Dard Nahin Hota

The love for actions films from 80s Bollywood, South Indian films, Chinese and Japanese action films and even the present Hindi and American films can be seen not just from the references and homages but it can be felt from each shot and dialogues. As the protagonist sets out to stand against everything evil as he has learnt from the numerous action films from his childhood which is his only real interaction with the outside world we also see how much heart was behind making this film in a way that the story can be viewed as a metaphor for the making of this film itself. Hearing lines like "You are a Kamal fan and not Rajini fan which is why you have grown this beard and started drinking" in between all the madness going on in this film was a golden moment for me. Only a South Indian film buff would be able to find all the references and homages in this film. The action choreography is so well done in this film. Unlike usual Indian action films in which most of the Villain's goons are just there too run and roar here each of them made it felt like they know what they are doing. We also got a legitimate action heroine in Radhika Madan who did all her stunts herself and was an actual powerful and believable character. Making fun of cliches never felt this respectful before. I already want to see this film again and I want that sequel they promised at the end.

You must talk about #mardkodardnahihota Such amazing monotony breaker fresh cinema need more promotion. I loved it. More people should watch it. The way the narrative progresses without skipping a beat keeps your eyes glued to the screen. Stellar power packed performances by whole ensemble cast specially lead @abhimanyudasani and cliche villain @gulshandevaih are the show stoppers in this one. Must watch in theatre.. Don't miss it .

If Gulshan Devaiah came to me and told me that he wants my house I would willingly give it to him. Such is his magical charisma in the film (and in almost all) that I can't resist but start this review of Vasan Bala's second feature, Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (The Man Who Feels No Pain) by singing his praises despite it being a masterful work of superb cast performances (including the lead Abhimannyu Dassani and Radhika Madan). He comes second in the silly yet full-of-life plot that narrates the story of Surya (Dassani), a young man born with a life-threatning rare disease which prevents him from feeling any pain, who yearns to push evil off the face of at least his small world. Helping him in his venture are the characters that I am in love with. In addition to Devaiah, Mahesh Manjrekar is the man who helps in making the film more memorable as you end the film humming that one number from the indie, upbeat soundtrack that has stayed with you and reminded you of a time when fun was simply watching a video of your favourite kung-fu hero in a VHS tape at your wealthy friend's house. Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota is brilliantly crafted by Bala with some of the best action choreography and music mixing I have seen all year this year. The humour is local, original, and bang-on ROFL material. If you are okay with shedding all threads of realism and watching a film for what it is (ultimate silliness) you will love this action comedy film more than I did. It is made for the generation of cinema consumers who would get it more if I use a certain term, so I will: it's on fleek. TN.

(Watched and reviewed at the 20th MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.)

Woah!!! this one is surely one heck of a ride. Too much fun. Bring every element of 90 including a song from Balasubramanium. Humour is top notch and so is the action. The mani brothers especially evil mani needs recognition he is too damn good. Best entertainer of 2019

Dont miss this.

Vasan Bala's incredibly funny and action packed 'Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota' is his love letter to all the action movies we watched growing up. In this superhero origin story from Matunga, he has managed to insert tiny references to all these movies in unlimited amounts. Be it the costume of Hammer Girl from 'The Raid 2', the tournament from 'Enter the Dragon', a water backpack used as a McGuffin and even the cliché twin brothers plot device used in countless Bollywood commercial potboilers.

Surya is a boy suffering from congenital insensitivity to pain, meaning he can't feel pain and has to keep drinking water to keep himself alive. Raised in captivity for 12 years by his idiotic but controlling father and a cool liberal grandfather, he has spent most of his time watching Kung-Fu movies and looks up to Karate Mani, a true legend in his city. He also has a childhood friend Supri who fights with everyone to protect Surya but can't stand up against her abusive father. These are very relatable characters and you start caring for them instantly. The innocent and childlike performance by Abhimanyu Dassani makes him even easier to care for. He is an actor with superb physicality along with acting skills, unlike say, Tiger Shroff who can't act to save his life. Radhika Madan deserves accolades for carrying such a layered and difficult role effortlessly. Surya and Supri deserve to be a part of the MCU. Special Mention to the scene stealer Gulshan Devaiyah in a double role, whose backstory is told in by far the most hilarious flashback scene since Bejoy Nambiar's 'Shaitaan'. Writer and Director Vasan Bala has finally proven himself to be an adept storyteller. His script is brilliantly detailed and filled with jokes and movie references that are left for the audience to grasp.

'Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota' is a film-grain VHS fueled package of insanity coupled with masterful action and Edgar Wright styled editing. There's a scene towards the end that hints clearly at the jingoistic clichés of movies like 'Kesari'. "You have to go to the next screen" Surya says. I strongly suggest you to go to a screen where this absurdist action comedy is playing.