Mard Ko Dard Nahi 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.

MKDNH is a mad mad journey packed with some hilarious moments and kickass action sequences. Probably the best hand combat scenes seen in a Bollywood movie.

While Abhimanyu and Radhika were great but for me Gulshan Deviah stole the show. Deviah is a Rockstar, nonchalantly pulling off two contrasting characters. Radhikas entry to Nakhrewali song is such a delight to watch and her car action scene is prolly something which Bollywood has never seen a lead actress do. As for Abhimanyu, it doesn't seem that MKDNH is his first movie. He narrates and takes you on his journey without pain which although odd, rare and superhuman, feels pretty genuine as depicted.

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.)

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 .

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

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