PHATA POSTER NIKHLA HERO : Exclusive Movie Review
Written & Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi
Produced by Ramesh Taurani/ Jay Shewakramani
Music by Pritam
Stars: Shahid Kapoor, Ileana D'Cruz, Padmini Kolhapure, Darshan Jariwala, & Sanjay Mishra
Movie Review by Sree Prasad Nair
Theater – Grand Al Mariah Cinemas, Abu Dhabi, UAE 19/09/2013 – 10.00pm Occupancy – 100% Housefull
Director Rajkumar Santoshi is known for directing films like Ghayal, Damini, Pukar, The Legend of Bhagat Singh & Khakee. Most of his films were successful due to critics appreciation and superb positive mouth publicity. Mr.Santhoshi also directed Andaz Apna Apna with SalmanKhan & Aamir Khan which emerged as a cult in Hindi film history. His last film, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani with Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif emerged as one of the biggest hits of 2009. And this time he is teaming up with Shahid Kapoor in Phata Poster Nikhla Hero.
Phata Poster Nikhla Hero is an acid test for Shahid Kapoor. The actor is going through a bad phase with 7 back to back flops in his last 3 years. All eyes are on Shahid Kapoor this time. Will he bounce back with Phata Poster Nikhla Hero? Phata Poster Nikhla Hero also stars Ileana D'Cruz, Padmini Kolhapure, Darshan Jariwala, Darshan Jariwala, Sanjay Mishra & Salman Khan in a cameo. Phata Poster Nikhla Hero is a Tips film. The makers had already tasted success in 2013 with Race 2 & Ramaiya Vastavaiya.
Story
Phata Poster Nikhla Hero is the story of Vishwas Rao played by Shahid Kapoor, actually wants to be an actor, but circumstances compel him to become a fake cop. Kaajal played by Ileana D’Cruz is a social worker. She is the one that unwittingly drags Rao into pretending to be a real cop. His mother played by Savitri wants him to become a cop. And because of his promise to his mother forces him to go on pretending that he is a real cop.
Let me start with the positives of the film...
Positives
Finally Shahid Kapoor is back with a bang! A fantastic performance. Action, Comedy, Dance, It's a Shahid Kapoor show all the way. He is effortlessly charming and carries the comic scenes very very well. He is exceptional in emotional scenes and in comedy scenes he tickles your funny bone without making faces. The role was very challenging for him and it was amazing to see how he reinvents himself as a 'complete actor' in this film. Undoubtedly Shahid Kapoor's career best performance. Yes It's just the beginning of his second innings!
Illeana D'Cruz enacts her part efficiently. Pretty looking and photogenic & manages to make her presence felt. Good to see Padmini Kolhapure on screen after a long time and her acting is very good. She scores in both emotional & funny scenes. Darshan Jariwala, Zakir Hussain, Sanjay Mishra & Saurabh Shukla, all are brilliant & succeeded in providing maximum entertainment. Infact they add tremendous weight to the film. Watch out for Sanjay Mishra's oneliners.
Another plus point of the film is the 'outstanding 1 min cameo by superstar Salman Khan'. There is one scene when Salman's driver " Bhai Police hamara peecha kar rahe hain ". And Salman " Kyaaaa... Arre Mein So Raha Tha... Car Kab Chalayi Maine? Ab Kyun Peecha Kar Rahe Hain"! Nice to know that Salman can laugh at himself. His cameo brings the house down.
Music by Pritam is rocking. Tu Mere Agal Bagal Hai & Main Rang Sharbaton Ka are already chartbusters and the placement of these songs in the film are perfect. Cinematography by Ravi Yadav is excellent, so is Steven Bernard's editing.
Raj Kumar Santoshi's proves the naysayers wrong with his first rate direction. Also special mention must be given to him for his witty dialogues & entertaining script. Many notable funny scenes are there within the first half and all scenes were superbly directed by Mr.Santoshi
Negatives
Not much negatives about the film. Nargis Fakhri spoiled the fun with her irritating item song in the second half. Poor dance & horrible expressions! Totally Miscasted! Not at all convincing as item girl. Also back to back songs within the first 10 mins of second half were not needed. Mukesh Tiwari acting is just average. Shahid Kapoor overacts a bit (his first meeting with Darshan Jariwala) Climax of the film is almost a 'copy-paste' from Mr.Santoshi's last film Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani.
Overall Phata Poster Nikhla Hero is a sure shot winner from Raj Kumar Santoshi with career best performance from Shahid Kapoor, great music and good acting from the support cast as pluspoints. At the box office the film is all set to open big thanks to great music & excellent promotion by the makers. One thing is sure, Phata Poster Nikhla Hero will be the biggest Shahid Kapoor opener at the box office. An opening day numbers of 10-13cr with a weekend number of 40cr+ is on the cards and will be steady on the weekdays too. A two open weeks till Besharam (on Oct 2nd) will be bountiful for the makers. It's raining hits in Bollywood. Shuddh Desi Romance, Grand Masti & now a hat-trick with Phata Poster Nikhla Hero!
P:S:It's Just The Beginning Of Shahid Kapoor's Second Innings.., Rambo Rajkumar to follow!
Verdict - PHATA POSTER NIKHLA BOX OFFICE HERO. Career Best Performance of Shahid Kapoor!
Rating - 3.5/5!
Sure Shot Super Hit !!!
Contact the reviewer @ Twitter.com/i_spn
