Freaky Ali

The well made trailer of the movie aroused some expectations among the viewers lift their butt and go to cinema hall but all efforts went in vain. Although a copy of Hollywood movie Happy Gilmore( which was success neither) this movie also failed to produce any magic. Fulfilled with star cast like Nawaz and Amy, the weak story line made the movie's sail to submerge down. Coming to direction, Sohail made the good start to movie, but in between it loses the track and seems like it is intentionally stretched like chewing-gum.

Golf was a new plot, which could have been made interesting but weak plot and weaker direction led it to nowhere. In acting Nawaz's talent could have been better utilized. Amy Jackson was just a show-piece, nothing much for her in this. Arbaaz Khan seemed worthless too as a second lead. Rest all just played their part. Coming to songs, nothing special nor catchy.

Verdict : Movie can be watched if you are Nawaz's fan else its a time waste.

Freaky Ali : Fails to Exploit Nawaz Calibre!

Reviewer's Thumb Mark

Nawazuddin Siddiqui a dependable and a terrific actor struggles hard to keep the film Freaky Ali from sinking by his acts and dialogue delivery. But we know, little can be done by an actor like Nawaz when the plot is weakened with predictable situations, 'rich and poor divide' clichés, rags to riches situations, 8o's kind of a sidekick and goons who are less dreadful and more of buffoons. While watching Freaky Ali one would definitely wonder what would have made Nawaz to sign this film.

Freaky Ali could have been a good sports film if it had been handled with the required amount of panache and cinematic sense of excellence. But unfortunately after watching the movie one can easily gauge that the filmmakers didn't have that kind of vision to offer a class film to the world of entertainment. It seems they just wanted to cash in the rising popularity of Nawazuddin Siddiqui by offering him the titular role of Freaky Ali and Nawaz may not have had any other option but to oblige the 'Khandan' out of love and regard.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays the role of Ali a Muslim orphan, found on the steps of a Dargah by a Hindu lady (Seema Biswas) who he calls 'Aaayi' fondly. The film open up to a busy market where Ali is found selling undergarments of all hues. The scene is funny and arouses chuckles in the theatre but soon fades out due to below the belt jokes. Ali thrown out of his job by his shop owner due to some flimsy reasons ends up teaming up with his childhood friend Maqsood (Arbaaz Khan) in his extortion business. Both works for 'Danger Bhai' (Nikitin Dheer) who is accident prone and is more of a buffoon who is always in company of his clumsy and dumb headed cohorts. In one of Ali and Maqsood's extortion bids they happen to meet a golfer Vikram Singh Rathod (Jas Arora) and this chance meeting on the golf ground changes the destiny of Ali. Later, armed and trained by a caddy Kishen Lal (Asif Basra), Ali challenges the champion in many tournaments. What follows is breach of trust, fixing and disappointment on the field. The film fails miserably even after having some best talents in the industry like Seema Biswas, Nawazuddin, and Asif Basra because of its weak story line, very poor execution, disjointed narration and sequences. Amy Jackson as Megha, the manager and love interest of Ali has nothing to do. She doesn't even add the glamour quotient by her presence. Jackie Shroff in his guest appearance as the big baddie is disappointing and unbearable.

This plot of Freaky Ali had the potential to become yet another inspirational sports story if made by any other deft filmmaker and storyteller. In short, there is nothing much to write and appreciate about Freaky Ali except to pray that may good sense prevail in the future projects, if any, by Sohail Khan and his likes in the industry.

Movie Rating: 3/10

Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui (Ali), Arbaaz Khan (Maqsood), Amy Jackson (Megha), Seema Biswas (Sulbha), Jas arora (Vikram Singh Rathod), Nikitin Dheer (Danger Bhai), Asif Basra (Kishen Lal), Genre: Comedy Director: Sohail Khan Producer: Sohail Khan Written by: Sohail Khan, Raaj Shaandilyaa Based on: Happy Gilmore by Tim Herlihy Music by: Sajid-Wajid Cinematography: Mahesh Limaye Edited by: Prashant Singh Rathore Production: Sohail Khan Productions Release Date: 9th September, 2016 Duration: 120 Minutes Language: Hindi

You can't expect much from Sohail Khan, or the whole Khan brigade, at least when it comes to directing or writing films. His latest feature is more like a skit played by a bunch of primary school students for their school's poorly-organized annual gathering.

Ali (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) is an orphan who used to work as an undergarment seller and a contract hooligan before realizing that he can play golf like Tiger Woods. Along with his friend and associate Maqsood (Arbaaz Khan), he signs up for a National golf tournament and aims to dethrone Peter (Jas Arora), a vanity-filled top golfer, and make some good money out of it. The story is basically a riches-to- rags one where Ali has to fight odds to come out as an achiever.

One is honestly tired of this setup, which has been sampled millions of times in mostly all kinds of art in the world. But, then, you would think that the makers must have added some good old humor into this concoction so as to make it appealing. Sorry to break it out to you, but neither is there any quality comedy in the narrative nor is the existing any edible. One-line jokes that can be best described as PJs (in Mumbai parlance) are all there is in the story, which is otherwise as banal as its box office competitor's (Baar Baar Dekho).

Siddiqui tries to single-handedly salvage the film, but a ceiling with only one pillar supporting it cannot save itself from a storm. It is upsetting to watch Khan in a role that he himself won't be proud of. Seems Biswas is the only person playing a sensible character in the film, and let me not even start about Nikitin Dheer and foul-mouthed Jackie Shroff. I went to the restroom for few minutes and missed somehow Amy Jackson.

All in all, the show is about a lucky person who just happens to manage some flukes in few games of golf, which is as baffling and enigmatic as the possibility and nature of the romance between Ali and his girlfriend, Megha.

BOTTOM LINE: Sohail Khan's "Freaky Ali" is a film made of zero imagination and creativity. Wait for TV premiere, but do see what's on in Star Gold or &Pictures.

Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES

The first half of this movie does have a couple of cheap laughs - no deep humor, but if you are in the mood for some humor, it wont hurt. You can leave just about an hour into the movie as the story line crumbles and it becomes your usual stereotyped Hindi movie.

If you thought you should have walked out of Vicky Donor in the interval, then you should definitely do the same here.

Recommended: For those who have nothing to do.

Not recommended: For those who have anything else to do - listen to music, read crappy movie blogs, chat with an ex on Facebook; just anything really!

Nawazuddin Siddiqui is likable and talented and his character is conquering your soul. It is a simple story about a poor habitual man, followed by bad luck, which, due to his skills, becomes a great golfer. Music is really cool. Amy Jackson is a very nice presence. A good Bollywood among so many very bad.