Chalo Dilli

I am very surprised with the number of negative comments out there for this film..OK it might be a copy of an English film but why can't anybody ignore that and appreciate the amazing performances.

Vinay Pathak as usual is in superlative form.It amazes me how he picks up the minutest of details for his character.I won't say that it was like a never before seen kind of movie but it definitely was a heart warming one.A simple movie which had special moments of its own..

One special mention for Lara Dutta.She acted beautifully and was at par with Vinay Pathak in each and every scene.An unusual pairing but that was the plus point of this movie.

Recommending everyone to watch this film.

This was more of a gamble and I had left it last to watch but I'm glad that I did because Chalo Dilli provided me with plenty of laughter and surprise.

Vinay Pathak wasn't the surprise- he's a really underrated actor who's more than capable of taking the lead role of a movie and turning it into a success and joy to watch and this is but a shining example. I felt that he was never irritating, loud or obnoxious. The best description of his character that comes to my mind is "happy go lucky." Whatever situation or jam that he gets himself in he never gives up and it was amazing to watch him make friends everywhere. The dialogue is very good and the jokes are very funny, even the visual gags.

For me Lara Dutta turned out to be the surprise package with a very good performance. I've never really thought much of her acting abilities but here she does a very good job as a stuck up high profile modern business woman who comes unglued as the movie progresses. Yes, she looks very glamorous and high profile but it suited the character. What she brought to the role was pep and edge. She wasn't rude or obnoxious and she certainly wasn't above remorse and making apologies.

The movie itself had several things going for it. For one they didn't make the two lead characters fall in love with each other. There was no sexual tension, no longing looks and hence there was no need for pointless love songs to appear and the wrong moments. Even the songs that were in the movie were well placed.

Lara Dutta's character wasn't a one dimensional person who does an about turn at the end and becomes opposite to what she started out as, unlike most of the Indian movies where a character starts out as stuck up, rude and arrogant but withing a few scenes turns into a demure, polite, law abiding and super nice person. Her change is gradual and only reflects what's within her and that's more of an insight as opposed to a behavioural change.

This is a really fun movie to watch at any time of day and is definitely not a waste of time. Sometimes strangers can turn out to be saints in disguise, opening facets that lie hidden deep within, unknown to ourselves, and when opened can turn our lives upside down, bringing new adventures and insights for a better life. In Chalo Dilli Vinay provides that stranger while Lara represents the rest of us.

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.

A banking executive trying to get home in Delhi faces numerous obstacles when her flight gets diverted to Jaipur, including an insufferable companion. All the mishaps in the journey , though a bit overdone at instances, nevertheless entertain; but it brings the simple truths of life in disguise with two contrasting characters, played by Lara Dutta and Vinay Pathak.

It compares the materialistic life with the simple pleasures of life, which feels simply awesome and provides surprises by the end. The arduous journey taken by the executive in a day and half changes her attitude towards life; so does that of its viewers which in itself a victory of this pleasant non star cast road movie.

Rating: 2 stars out of 4.

"The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination."

Chalo Dilli is a road trip movie, and like all such movies, is centered around two totally unlike strangers who are forced to make a trip together to reach their common destination.A bizarre journey full of adventure, madness and crazy comic moments with the oddest traveling couple ever!! (Lara Dutta travels in airplanes, while Vinay Pathak prefers General Class Rail journey...She smokes Virginia Slims, he chews Gopal Zarda !!)

Through the process in Chalo Dilli, one comes across some real people who teach you some truths of life. Director Shashant Shah has successfully directed a clean comedy (Chalo Dilli), which is not mindless and slapstick.Actors have played their part to perfection with special reference to Vinay Pathak and Lara Dutta.

Though the film is real and hits the right note, there are a few loop holes that comes out clearly. There were a few flat moments in Chalo Dilli, that could have been avoided. Probably, a more crisp and tight writing would have resulted in a more impactive climax.

Over all, Chalo Dilli is an exciting and amusing watch, with terrific moments. If you are looking for a decent light watch, with Indian touch, then Chalo Dilli is something that you can't afford to miss.