Bhool Chuk Maaf

Recently watched the movie Bhool Chuk Maaf, and I must say that it was a big disappointment. The title gave me some hope that the film would be interesting and emotional. But sadly, the story, acting, and direction did not live up to my expectations at all. I want to share why I did not like this movie.

First of all, the story was very weak. It felt like the writers didn't know what they wanted to show. There was no strong plot. The beginning was slow and confusing. The middle part of the movie was even more boring. And the ending didn't make any sense. It looked like the writers just wanted to finish the movie quickly without giving a proper conclusion. The story had many chances to be emotional or powerful, but it failed every time.

I didn't know I need more of Ishtiyak Khan in my life. The guy is such an effortless comedian that he's part of the reason Bhool Chuk Maaf (Sorry for My Errors) works. Of course, Rajjkumar Rao leads the film with his unique ability to play rural boy characters. But what really works in the film is the loop plot. Whatever you may have seen in the trailer is just that: a trailer. I'm glad the makers have left a lot of substance in the film without giving it all away in the trailer, which elevates the experience. I had a fun time watching this with my wife and parents and it's been a while all four of us had the same opinion on a film. Bhool Chuk Maaf needs more love.

Karan Sharma-directed Bhool Chuk Maaf follows the familiar template of a typical small-town comedy-drama that Bollywood has popularized over the past decade, only with a time-loop twist. The film is shot in Varanasi, and the cinematography speaks for itself. It features a fair share of gags that work in its favor, offering moments of laughter but some falls flat. However, the humor may not work for everyone. The biggest drawbacks of the film are its unnecessarily high number of songs and a stretched screenplay, which makes even a two-hour runtime feel long.

While the time-loop element isn't explored as deeply as it could have been, it still manages to keep the audience engaged with the drama. The third-act drama, though predictable, is actually well executed.

Rajkummar Rao once again shines as a small-town boy. His dialogue delivery and body language are perfectly in sync with the character. Wamiqa does a good job as the "irritating papa ki pari." Their chemistry is reminiscent of your TikTok feed, accurately reflecting their personalities. The supporting cast also performs well, with Sanjay Mishra and Ishtiyak Khan standing out. The songs are mostly forgettable. Overall, the film is an above-average, time-pass comedy-drama with occasional comic relief and well-executed emotional moments.!

OVERALL 6/10.

The trailer was an absolute masterclass in misdirection, essentially serving as a "best of" compilation that front-loaded all the genuinely funny scenes. This created an expectation for a vibrant, laugh-out-loud comedy, which the actual film tragically failed to deliver. Instead, the movie felt drawn out, like a joke with a punchline that never arrived because it was already revealed in the preview.

While the storyline and acting itself had potentia, the presentation was a significant letdown. It was as if the director struggled to weave those strong elements into a cohesive, engaging narrative. The pacing was sluggish, and the lack of fresh comedic moments made the entire experience feel like a deflated balloon after the initial excitement of the trailer. It's a prime example of how clever marketing can inadvertently spoil the product it's meant to promote.

After watching the trailer I was really excited for the film. Trailer promised a mix of humor, romance, and a touch of magic realism, but after watching the film it left me with mixed feelings. The film was neither bad nor excellent. Rajkummar Rao, as always, is a delight. His comic timing and frustrated-everyman energy carry the film, making you root for Ranjan even when the script falters. Wamiqa Gabbi brings a lively spark to Titli, though her character sometimes feels overly childish, which can grate. The supporting cast-Seema Pahwa, Raghubir Yadav, and Sanjay Mishra-delivers solid laughs. The film's first half is entertaining, with sharp dialogues and a few chuckle-worthy moments, like Ranjan's frantic attempts to navigate the time loop.

However, the movie stumbles in the second half. The time-loop concept, inspired by Groundhog Day, feels underutilized and repetitive without enough clever twists. It takes too long to get to the heart of the story, and the social commentary-touching on merit, morality, and societal apathy-feels forced, especially in a preachy climax that clashes with the film's comedic tone. The romance between Ranjan and Titli lacks depth; their chemistry is decent but never truly sparks. Some jokes, like recurring pregnancy quips, feel outdated and cringe-worthy.

The visuals capture Banaras beautifully, but the music is forgettable, with songs that disrupt the flow rather than enhance it. The resolution, while heartwarming, feels predictable and doesn't fully earn its emotional payoff.

Overall, Bhool Chuk Maaf is a decent movie for fans who love such a small-town comedies. It has moments of charm and humor but gets stuck in its own loop of clichés and uneven execution. If you're looking for a light, no-brainer entertainer, it's worth a shot, but don't expect a masterpiece comedy film.