Aiyyaa

OK, this is a goofy movie (the tag line is: Go Wakda (wacky)) so if you are expecting superb entertainment, you are out of luck. But, Rani Mukerji really shines as a nut job and really makes this movie laughable fun. I vote for her to star in the next Houseful 3 as her wackiness would work well in that series. You need to appreciate the wacky humor that comes with the Golmaal, Houseful, or Masti/Grand Masti series to enjoy his one. If that is not your style of humor, look elsewhere. Meenakshi's family is truly dysfunctional and adds to the humor. Meenaski's friend and co-worker Mynah comes across as an Indian Lady Gaga and is somewhat funny, but a little annoying at times. When Meenakshi dreams about being her favorite actresses is probably the funniest parts, so it helps to have a good background on some older Bollywood hits and veteran actresses to get a laugh at those scenes. The music is catchy, though some of the dance sequences are a bit risqué which is slightly unusual for Rani. Nothing terrible, but slightly not family safe for younger members. Prithviraj's character is played well especially in the end. Not a hit, but good goofy fun if you are looking for a good laugh.

Too long and uneven pacing weren't helped by a problematic script. That said we really enjoyed our first look at this really popular actress and the view of how Northern Indians view Tamils. The dance numbers are great and we never laughed harder than at the little fantasy where the romantic lead gassed up the motorcycle. Some things work in every culture.

It was Times of India that voted this one amongst the worst movies of 2012 and it didn't get a lot of love in the reviews either. I am surprised about that.

Rani Mukerji is one of my favourite actresses in general. Her comic talent is phenomenal. As a dreaming librarian who smells the world, sees through the eyes of a romantic movie and lives amongst a range of quirky but adorable characters she reminds me of an Indian Amelie poulain. Menakshi is a little awkward, carefree and full of good intentions with an indestructible faith in the power of love.

Of course the story is nothing new and for Non-Indians it might be a little over the top.There are a few characters the film could do with out for sure, one being the librarian and Menakhis colleague. She brings the rating down with at least 2 points on IMDb. How did they come up with the idea to pair the lovely Rani with this creepy caricature?) But when you take that lightly you want to follow Mukerji's Meenakshi in her pursuit for love and the adventures of her chaotic family are worth every minute of your time.

There are some completely cringe-worthy things about this film, notably certain supporting characters and the Benny Hill style speeded up action. After 15 minutes, I paused it to see what IMDB had to say. 4.4 stars. I've never watched a movie with less than 5 stars, and only a few under 6. Nevertheless, I decided to perserve. I'm glad I did. I truly enjoyed the musical numbers, done mostly in colorful Indian style clothing (as opposed to the "urban" look that is showing up in Bollywood), and Ms. Mukerji was a delight. She completely carried the movie, almost by herself. The ending was quite worth waiting for, and Im glad I did. 6.5 stars.

I was quite excited about this one as I'm curious about any film Rani Mukherjee does outside her comfort zone (cough cough minus Khans and Chopra). Moreover the film is produced by Anurag Kashyap which further peaked my interest. However, 'Aiyyaa' fails to deliver. The two major problems were the pacing and the script. Some serious editing was required because it seriously drags. Perhaps about an hour of the film could have easily been left out to make this at least more enjoyable.

The key part of the film, the relationship between Surya and Meenakshi is not explored at all. We see Meenakshi stalking him as she's seduced by his smell but why? What's so powerful about it that she finds herself stalking him? The Surya character is cardboard and Mynah is among the most annoying supporting characters. She really is intolerable. Moreover she even gets a song number which is the worst part of 'Aiyyaa'. Speaking of songs, most of them appear randomly and are shot like those horrible Tamil item numbers (except that here they look more expensive).

Rani has proved in the past that she has a knack for comedy which has been wasted in silly films. Sadly, 'Aiyyaa' isn't an exception but that doesn't change the fact that Rani is exceptional (whether it's her acting or dancing) despite the poor writing. She's full of energy. I thoroughly enjoyed her rendition of Sridevi, Juhi, Madhuri and Silk Smitha in those song sequences. Those are perhaps the funniest sequences, along with the possible suitors. Nirmiti Sawant too provides some laughs as Meenakshi's obsessed mother. Subodh Bhave delivers a sincere performance.

'Aiyyaa' does look quite expensive. Too bad director Sachin Kundalkar hasn't put the money to better use.