Welcome

"Welcome" is a enjoyable, masala comedy with an amusing cast. It has plenty of ridiculously unbelievable, cheesy moments and the film requires viewers who don't take themselves or the movie too seriously, and who know how to suspend their disbelief. Unfortunately, there are plenty of people who are unable to take the movie in the spirit it was made. Is it full of buffoons and a silly plot? Of course! But what makes this movie so charming is that - like plenty of other Bollywood films - it tells its story with such sincere, earnest conviction that you can't help but get sucked in.

The story is centered on a mafia family headed by two dons, played by the unfailingly charismatic Feroz Khan and the gifted Nana Patekar. Nana Patekar is trying to find a boy from a nice, decent family to marry his sister, played by Katrina Kaif (surprisingly, she is tolerable in this film). Aiding the don in his quest to find a suitable boy is one of Nana Patekar's lesser dons, played by Anil Kapoor. When they find a suitable boy (Akshay Kumar), things are complicated by the suitable boy's uncle (Paresh Rawal), who is not terribly excited about his nephew marrying into the mafia. And from this tangled web of conflicting goals ensues chaos and mayhem. Mallika Sherawat is also entertaining (if extremely confusing) as a random girl who is...confusing people.

It's a silly movie full of childish, mischievous comedy and feel-good moments, but I think that, in the end, that's what we value about Bollywood films: their family-friendly messages, the dazzling spectacle in scene after scene, fun filled madness and a talented cast. Nana Patekar and Paresh Rawal were especially impressive and quite adorable. It was amusing to see Akshay Kumar play a clueless good guy after being so used to seeing him as an action hero.

The only way to enjoy this movie is to throw brains and common sense out the window and enjoy it for what it is - a family-friendly comedy with lots of laughs and entertainment. It's a question of expectations. If you get this movie expecting to see something similar to a Hollywood film, then you will disappointed. Bollywood isn't anything like Hollywood, and there is nothing wrong with that. I didn't get this DVD expecting to see an Indian version of The Godfather. There are plenty of funny references to The Godfather in this movie, but the director clearly intends to parody the world and lifestyle of a mafia don, and I think he did a good job. It's a happy story that laughs at itself at every turn, and that's great.

What a time 2007 was!

& right we are lacking for a good comedy movie...

& yes Majnu bhai's painting is still famous in market.

A user pointed out that the role of the 'pandit' is played by Mahesh Mishra. As per the user, earlier this had been wrongly credited as Mahesh Manjhrekar. The latter is indeed the famous producer, director and actor, who had directed the Sanjay Dutt starrer Vaastav. Now, coming back to the artist playing the 'pandit' role in Welcome, he is not Mahesh Mishra as pointed out by the user and as added in the cast list. He is in fact Sanjay Mishra, the comedian who played in films like Bunty Aur Babli, One Two Three (Pintos), Golmaal Returns (Subodh SMS), Apna Sapna Money Money (Pandit Sarju Maharaj), Aloo Chaat (Chhadaami Mama) etc.. So moderators please verify and rectify the error.

Most of the people would have definitely watched this movie, some who haven't, and have come here to check the reviews must be the youngest generation teens and if not, the Englishmen interested in watching the Bollywood movies. My one statement to them - WATCH IT! Yayayaya, it's a little messy, but really well made by the director. My hats off to him, Anees Bazmee for really being able to create such an epic comedy movie. All the characters, oh my god, they are so strong, perfect and so solid and humorous. I've never seen so loving Villains ever before, yes they are villains but you would love them. Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Akshay Kumar, Paresh Sir, and allllll others of them, ten ti twelve more have done a tremendous job , nothing better could have ever been expected. I love love love this movie more than any. This is my favorite comedy movie in the history of Bollywood.

• Pawan Punjabi

After more than a decade since its release, I am writing this review after seeing it for like the 3rd time. The movie has been the source of several memes in the last couple of years including the iconic "Alu lelo0O, kande lelo0O", "mirakal, mirakal" among few others. There is hardly any 10 min stretch in the movie that won't make you laugh or admire the creativity and sarcasm of the writer/director. The characters of Udai, Majnu and Ghungroo will always stay in our funny memories. Akshay does a decent role, and Katrina, with her beauty, pulls off another one with the Khiladi. It is one perfect movie to watch with college friends, or family members. All the songs are still pleasant to hear, make your feet move, all while keeping the humor level decently high. If you haven't watched it, you're missing some original comedy.