After the beautiful 'Dasvidaniya', Shashant Shah is back with Vinay Pathak in 'Chalo Dilli'. It's a road movie about two strangers who almost have nothing in common are brought by 'circumstances' to travel together as they head towards Delhi. The plot may sound very familiar as movies like 'Leap Year', 'Jab We Bet', 'Forces of Nature', 'Mr. & Mrs. Iyer' etc pop up in mind.
However, I found it to be quite refreshing. The interactions between Lara's Mihika and Vinay's Manu very amusing. The humour works effectively. The clash in their personalities and the funny situations that make their journey more of a disaster, are hilariously depicted. I'm glad the writer didn't choose a clichéd path by allowing the characters to have romantic feelings for one another. I also enjoyed the references it makes to movies like 'Dilwale Dulhania LeJayenge', 'Mr. & Mrs. Iyer' among many others. The Indian locations look authentic and appealing. All the songs, with the exception of the item number, have been utilized efficiently.
I have always thought of Lara Dutta who's an average actress at best until now. She really excels in 'Chalo Dilli' and shows how much she's grown as an actress. She nails the part completely. I also admire that she produced the film. I hope she continues doing this kind of work and does not go back to being a showpiece or a bimbo like in most of her previous movies. As for Vinay Pathak, this kind of role isn't anything new. He's had plenty of practice and of course the result is more than sufficient. Akshay Kumar is good in an extended cameo.
On the flip side, I felt that the item number wasn't necessary at all. I found the ending a little melodramatic. At certain points the film almost loses track.
Shashant Shah's 'Dasvidaniya' remains one of my favourites but I found 'Chalo Dilli' very enjoyable too. With Vinay and Lara's comic banter, there's enough to keep one amused.
