Yeh Saali Zindagi

When I watch gangster capers like Yeh Saali Zindagi, I am never quite sure how to go about reviewing the movie without giving away the essence of it. Because none of these movies have much of a story in the traditional sense. But they make up for the lack of a depth with their movie-making style – and packing the script with quirky characters Which Yeh Saali Zindagi has by bucketloads. Beginning with Irrfan Khan, a crooked account par excellence who helps arms dealers, politicians and other unsavoury characters stash away their moolah. He might be exceedingly clever in the ways of the world, but the wiles of women are completely beyond him, as he discovers, hanging from his 30th floor balcony in the opening scene of the movie. Holding the end of the rope is his boss, Saurabh Shukla – who doesn't think much of the womankind and their wily ways – and nor does he care about his promises to his employees.

The opening scene of the movie might be a bit of a shock to some – given the coarse and vulgar language in it. Sudhir Misra's writing and editing is crisp – so you have to follow the movie carefully to understand the twists and turns of the script. Those squeamish about vulgar Hindi words are better off not watching the movie – and those with weak Hindi should probably brush up their abuses. Because the dialogues in Yeh Saali Zindagi are really profane – and all the fun is lost if you don't understand the dirty jokes – of which there are plenty The humour is irreverent (and of course very rustic). Death and violence are casually treated, and the background narration by Irrfan adds dry deadpan humour to the proceedings. There are mandatory backstories for most characters – and jumps between them quite abrupt – hence requires full concentration.

Essentially there are two stories running in parallel in the movie – Irrfan & Chitrangada's love track and Arunoday & Aditi Rao's marriage track. Irrfan and Chitrangada need no introduction. Arunoday is ex-Cabinet minister Arjun Singh's grandson while Aditi Rao is the bua from Delhi 6. Both of them are quite the revelation – Arunoday showcasing his good physique and acting and Aditi Rao coming across as quite smouldering despite her cute Nauheed-Cyrusi-looks. In fact there is a constant sexual tension between her and Arunoday, resulting in about a dozen slaps and two dozen liplocks in the movie But Chitrangada Singh takes all the male attention as the sultry and smoking-hot singer Priti. She forms the linchpin of the movie – not very different from her debut movie Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi – where two men are vying for her charms. The difference is that Yeh Saali Zindagi has a busload of other weirdos – gangster brothers Bade & Chhote, corrupt cop Satbeer and the motley group of henchmen.

This is not Sudhir Misra's most serious movie by a mile – but the director seems to be having fun here. There script is manic, punctuated by languid frames of Chitrangada - yet there is an air of nonchalance through out the movie which stands it in good stead over other movies of its genre. In comparison, Kaminey feels almost formulaic. And because of its exaggerated eccentricity, this movie will not appeal to everyone. But if you keep up with it, Yeh Saali Zindagi will reward you will a tumultuous thrilling ride packed with a lot of fun.

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Since '1:40 Ki Last Local' (the last black comedy from Hindi cinema that made me laugh out loud numerous times), I haven't seen anything as funny, creative, clever and wicked of the same genre in Hindi films until 'Yeh Saali Zindagi' came along. The title itself is hilarious and so is the movie. It's a fresh and a very much needed change from the silly better-forgotten so-called comedies that Bollywood has overloaded the audience with.

'Yeh Saali Zindagi' is a thrill to watch. It works very well on multiple levels, mainly as a modern film noire with a doze of dark humour. I found the style of narration mixed with the slick editing to be quite innovative. The use of voiceovers, flashbacks and fantasy sequences is cleverly done. The writing is terrific and it produces some memorably hilarious dialogues.

Sudhir Mishra grabs the viewer's attention from the very beginning with an opening sequence where we see a bleeding and disoriented and delirious Irfan Khan being comforted by the ravishingly hot Chitrangda Singh.

The execution is first rate. It's very well-paced. The songs and background score contribute well to the mood and atmosphere and adds to the flow. The cinematography and light effects are super.

Irfan Khan delivers one of his funniest performances. It's great to see him back in a clever comedy after a long time and he does it very naturally. Superhot Chitrangda Singh is equally outstanding as the sexy, slightly naive, independent singer who always falls for the wrong guy. Arunoday Singh, Sushant Singh, Yashpal Sharma, Aditi Rao Hydari, Saurabh Shukla and especially Prashant Narayanan provide excellent support.

The only little flaw are the kiss/love scenes of Kuldeep and Shanti. They do look more passionate than the usual love scenes in Bollywood films but they lacked spontaneity and felt choreographed.

Ticklish and wickedly energetic, 'Yeh Saali Zindagi' is refreshing entertainment. I wish more directors will make such films. Hats off to Mishra, his cast and crew for two hours of non-stop fun.

Its coming to it!!!! Finally a crime comedy watch worthy... I am going to rate it right in the class of any Guy Ritchie movie... Sudhir Mishra has been making movies for some time now... but i never expected that he will pull a rabbit out of his hat!!! And this one is some fast rabbit!! it keeps on running turning whenever wherever it wants... And the Narration... too good...!! Its hard to concentrate as there are so many characters and so many protagonists...but with the help of some unbelievable editing he has masterfully connected all of them... Dialogues.. No one but Manu Rishi can do it...!! " O Bhaisaab!!! ye to udta hua teer gaand me le liya aapne!!!! crazy, funny, hilarious.. I was lucky that in my show most of the audience were young and males... and it was a rave in the movie hall!!! claps, whistles, cheers...everything!!! This movie is awessssome!!!

Another gr8 flick by Sudhir Mishra. The movie has every thing for which any audience can look for. Cast is amazing, Acting is superb and direction is awesome . This movie can be learning for the other directors that how to make comedy without being ridiculous.The plot is gripping throughout the movie except initial context/character building is bit lengthy.The use of flashback is very innovative it will make u to appreciate the artistry the director used.Uses of dialects are superb. YSZ is a testimony of Mishra's craftsmanship as a writer and director. With its many unpredictable twists and twirls and a climax that some might take with a pinch of salt, This movie is a delightfully different film that attempts to break all set formulas and leave you with a smile on the face in the end.Worth watching.

This is the new epoch of cinema and we want something invigorating. YEH SAALI ZINDAG is an illustration of modern society and has each elements of a cult film.

Sudhir Mishra is one of the finest directors, making effort to augment the magnitude of films. It is an exemplary movie with great performance and script. This is a genre of "stylish" film-making and dark humor, this has both in abundance. This is almost as stylish as it gets: fascinating visuals, odd camera angles and various tricks, sound effects, etc. Most of the characters in this bizarre crime film have colorful nicknames and profoundly profane.

There are very few movies made where the director obviously did not let one FRAME onto the screen without a reason, and YEH SAALI ZINDAGI is one of them. Nothing happens on screen without it having an effect on the plot.

I think Guy Ritchie's "Lock Stock and Two smoking barrels", "Snatch" & "Rock N Rolla" are the foundation of YEH SAALI ZINDAGI.

Irfan is simply outstanding – an actor of very high capability. Arunoday shows potential of a good actor; Chritrangda is ravishingly beautiful and delivers a good performance. Shushat Singh, Saurabh Shukla, Yashpal Sharma, Prashant Narayan and Vipin Sharma are delight to watch. Aditi Rao Hydari is beautiful and talented.

It is visually stunning, editing is brisk and music is fantastic.

This is a laugh out loud ride with a lot of expletives, so watch out who you are accompanying.