Masti (2004)
7/10
Looking for a simple laugh? This is the one for you..
13 November 2012
Let me start with what a number of reviewers have said already. Masti took Bollywood sexual comedy to a new level. It was a pioneer in foraying into subjects which Hindi movies were really afraid to venture into. There are lots and lots of double-meaning jokes. Another movie which released later and took a similar initiative was "Kya Kool Hain Hum".

Three friends, having gotten frustrated by their mundane marriage lives and badgering wives decide to go in the search of women for extra- marital affairs and meet after a month to compare notes. Their misjudgement hurls them onto the path of blackmail, murder and mental torment; where in the end they realize that "ghar ki daal" (home cooked curry) is better than "bahar ki biryani" (out-cooked chicken rice).

As for the movie itself, if judged overall, yes - it has a lot of plot holes; yes - the basic premise is far fetched; yes - it can be termed as LGBT-phobic by modern audience, especially if the audience in question is western; and not to mention the sometimes over-the-top and not-so- subtle acting. But it really really works for you if viewed in the context of India in 2004. I was smiling half the movie and a lot of scenes had me in splits.

The acting majorly rests on the shoulders of the three leads who have done their job admirably well. They appeared at real ease in most of the scenes and were energetic with the body language and facial expressions. Vivek Oberoi, as a reformed playboy married to a clingy wife, is the unofficial lead of the leads and is a bit constrained than his sidekicks which the usually the case. Ritiesh Deshmukh, as the clueless dentist is awesome in parts especially in the fight scene with his Mother-in-law. But the intermittent visions he has with a fluttering eyelid kind of annoyed me. But, the man who takes the cake and is treat to watch in every scene is undoubtedly Aftab Shivdasani. You can predict each and every expression he is going to have, but still laugh at his antics. The writers could have come up with something better than the "Lele" story line to use his abilities.

Ajay Devgan has a one dimensional role and does a one dimensional job. Among the wives, Amrita "the satellite" Rao is the only one who can really act. The other two girls have to improve on a lot of things. Lara Dutta is sensual, but perhaps a little bit tame, as a seductress. They nailed it with the music. "Dil de diya hain" is the song of 2004 for me.

All-in-all a fun fare for sure. If you want a 2.5 hour laugh ride to escape a bad day, go for it! In case you are not comfortable with Hindi, make sure you have good subtitles, because a lot of jokes are cultural and slang-based.
3 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed