Well Done Abba!

One of India's finest filmmakers is back once again with a comedy. Shyam Benegal's previous film, 'Welcome to Sajjanpur' was a delightful little comedy set in a little rural village inhabited by colourful characters. 'Well Done Abba' follows a similar path. It feels like a splendid little folktale on screen. Benegal's screenplay is a lot tighter than it was in 'Welcome To Sajjanpur' which had it's share of drawbacks, like songs appearing out of nowhere (and were completely irrelevant to the story). Here too the characters are quirky, colourful, likable and recognizable. The narrative flows smoothly and the humour works wonderfully. The songs are nice and most of them play in the background. Benegal also captures the Hyderabadi culture very well. The art direction, sets, costumes and even the mannerisms of the actors appear authentic. Boman Irani is excellent as Rehmaan Ali. He delivers a balanced and suitably performance unlike the loud and irritating acting that is evident in his other movies. However, as Armaan Ali, he is less impressive. Ila Arun, Rajit Kapur and Ravi Kishan are fantastic. Sonali Kulkarni is hilarious in a tiny role. Minisha Lamba displays one of her finest piece of acting in her career. Sammir Dattani is passable.

Overall, 'Well Done Abba' is a treat to watch. The title works on multiple levels. Well Done, Mr. Benegal.

Wow, I am totally impressed by this film. And the title fits with this film perfectly, genius! I have seen quite a few Indian films, most of them are about girls getting married to good guys which can get quite boring after a while. This is the first serious Indian film that I have ever seen.

And it is not about the rich or powerful, it is not about girls getting married, there was no fancy dresses, big mansions, happy rich people, etc. It is actually talking about the common village people who have to face bureaucracy and fight against bureaucracy. Unlike some other political films, this one actually makes me laugh. It is dark and serious, it is a comedy. And unlike some other typical Indian films which beautiful people dress nicely, dance at nice beautiful places, this film featured common Indian people.

The film is really that good. I doubt that it can be made by any other countries. Hollywood certainly can't make a film like this, because this sort of thing is unlikely in the USA. Chinese people have to face the same bureaucracy, but the Chinese government certainly won't approve a film project like this one. Hopefully after the communist government is overthrown by the Chinese people soon, some Chinese director will be able to make a similar movie just like this one for the Chinese people.

I also liked that song about democracy. Most Indian film songs are about love, how boring. This is the first time I have actually heard an Indian version song about democracy! Excellent.

Everyone should watch this, especially Chinese directors. I really hope that one of them will make one for the Chinese people.

In a recent interview given to a reporter after movie "Ferrari ki Sawari", a question was asked from Boman that which movie is closest to his heart. Boman modestly answered that all the movies are special but "Well done Abba" has a special place in his heart.

Though it's quite old movie, I only watched it in fractions until today when I watched it completely and throughly enjoyed every single moment of it.

It's another brilliant performance by the versatile Boman Irani and the other characters in the movie are crafted nicely as well. And the movie does leave a mark on your heart.

The well known situation of corruption at every level is portrayed in a light hearted manner and how Abba fights with it is a treat to watch. This reminds me of the movies like "Khosla ka Ghosla" which is a story of another common man and how he faces and overcomes the challenges with the support of family and friends.

If you still haven't watched it for some reason, put it towards the top in your Watchlist! ;)

I didn't think much about the movie for the initial part as it was a bit slow for my liking but then the twist in the story made it very interesting to watch. It is worth every penny. A true reflection of Hindi Cinema and the movie takes a dig at day to day life of a man grappling with corruption at every level of the system. Boman Irani played the role to perfection and his other role distinguished properly in its attire,and behaviour by the director. Ila Arun was at her amazing best. Most of the star cast is from his previous movie Welcome to Sajjanpur. The sort of movie you would expect from a master like Shyam Benegal. A MUST WATCH...

Well Done Abba, saw this movie last night and it was good, the story which revolves around a well that was never dug is just awesome, it was handled very sincerely, The corruption that goes on in Indian Administration is very well depicted, from a Peon to the Collector how they exploit people is shown with sincerity and truth and this was a tongue in cheek comedy...

The issues taken up in the movie were true to life, like the marriage of a girl to a sheik and the corruption....

Boman Irani was just awesome, Minisha Lamba and her boyfriend was well suited and wonderful in their respective roles, Ila Arun in a small role was good... Ram Kishen as a Boob Frenzy Husband was good... The Confused Police Officer was wonderful...

But the Hyderabadi lingo wasn't so accurate as it should have been...

Story - 7/10...Actors- 10/10....Overall - 9/10