The Shaukeens

Talking about the so called remake status of THE SHAUKEENS first, its actually not a remake of any original Hindi project, since even Basu Chatterjee made his 1982 classic SHAUKEEN taking all clear inspirations from an English film titled BOYS NIGHT OUTreleased in 1962. In addition it also cannot be called as a true remake as the latest version follows a much bold path both in visual and verbal terms. Plus it also adds another fresh plot interfering into the script hampering its original enjoyable spirit to a large extent.

Honestly I was pretty excited to watch THE SHAUKEENS due to its three veterans and the exclusive feature that its story-screenplay-dialogues were written by one of my favourite writer-actor-director Tigmanshu Dhulia. But unfortunately post a fine first hour and a few surprising insertions like a (wasted) cameo of Rati Agnihotri and a song from Anu Malik, the film turned out to be way below expectations, mainly because of the deliberate twists added in its second half. So till intermission it remains a good time pass with a few enjoyable sequences and performances covering up the shortcoming of an overstretched screenplay.

However as the second half begins, the film starts walking on an entirely different (and downward) path, completely hijacked by Akshay Kumar himself, who was actually supposed to be there in a cameo, but probably changed his mind being the co-producer of the film too unexpectedly. Akshay begins well taking potshots on the Industry and its 'crore clubs'. But then starts taking too much space on the screen ignoring the three main heroes of the film quite strangely. Perhaps the makers forgot that the USP of this particular film happened to be the three middle aged men searching for a girl and not anything else to say it all.

Anyhow due to this big miscalculated move, the film fails to pick up in its later reels, ending on another flat note all of sudden and surprisingly has many vulgar dialogues too which frankly were not expected from both Tigmanshu Dhulia and the director Abishek Sharma who superbly directed an all clean, entertaining comedy movie called TERE BIN LADEN in the past. Also I would like to mention here a particular sequence in the film, wherein before going to Malaysia, Piyush Mishra is shown coming out of Delhi's OSHO WORLD shop situated at ANSAL PLAZA holding a five CD set of "Sambhog Se Samadhi Ki Ore" in his hands. Now its quite evident that many in the country as well as abroad still associate OSHO with the word SEX showing their uneducated and underdeveloped state of mind quite clearly. But why Tigmanshu and Abishek added this specific scene into the film is really doubtful and it strongly makes me think that, "Did the two talented film-makers intend to make fun of those unaware section of people who still ignorantly associate the mystic master OSHO with SEX or they both themselves are a part of those silly mindsets still playing with the same ridiculous ideas about OSHO even in 2014?" I will definitely try to find the answer to this question if I happen to meet them ever in the future but anyway returning back to the film, its soundtrack offers a mixed bag with two catchy and two awfully rotten numbers like "Ishq Kutta" and "Alcoholic"…………what kind of songs were these really, I failed to understand. Placed in New Delhi and Mauritius, its cinematography doesn't offer anything great and the same can be said about its background score and editing too which actually makes the film a bit lazy and stretched unnecessarily at regular intervals.

So what's there in the film that it can be watched once? - It's the cute acts of three fantastic actors Anupam Kher, Annu Kapoor and Piyush Mishra playing the three sex-starved men looking for girls. Anupam plays it subtly but brilliantly (once again) along with Piyush expressing it wildly (he is a delight to watch). But the lead here is taken by Anu Kapoor enacting the bachelor Casanova with a bindaas touch, being their 'all knowing' leader of the expedition And the three put up a great show for the viewers in their scenes together. Lisa Haydon is just fine lacking that sensuality even in her almost none clothes and Cyrus Broacha is good but doesn't get much to do in his limited scenes post interval.

Concluding the write up, yes you can watch THE SHAUKEENS once for the three veterans, but I personally wished to see them much more in the film than presented. In other words, I was there to watch these three exceptionally talented actors in the film from the first frame to the last and not any big actor-producer coming in to take all the limelight, ruining it all. And I really wish THE SHAUKEENS was made focusing on the three Shaukeens only and not anything else just for the sake of it.

Hence give it a try if you wish but in case you haven't seen the earlier Basu Chatterjee's highly inspired but classic version of 1982 then go for it as a must and have a great time with Ashok Kumar, A. K. Hangal and Utpal Dutt playing the dirty trio.

There is nothing new in the name of story or idea. Screenplay is pushy and routine. Dialogues are fairly good. Story, screenplay and dialogues are by Tigmanshu Dhuliya. Plot is clearly lifted from old SHAUKEEN but still how they can solo claim about story, I am unable to understand. First half is very slow. Second half saves a bit. One side you try to strict yourself for exploring the possibility of naughty side of subject but then expose the lead lady in bikini!!! This is contradiction in makers vision. Satire on industry is very subtle, as that Bengali Director track, which is lengthy but hardly funny. Persons belonging to industry can get that Nav Ras, Methodical Acting satire but difficult for a common audience to get it. Only one thing that saves this film from being unbearably bore is performance. Anuu Kapoor, Anupam Kher and Piyush Mishra are superb. Lisa Haydon is just OK. Akshay Kumar is fine. Music is OK but choreography is over board.

When you are remaking a classic like Basu Bhattcharya's Shaukeen, plenty of comparisons will definitely arise. The question is whether it is on par with the original one ? – Well, It was just about there but neither it did full justice to the original screenplay nor was the acting was even comparable to classic.

Frustrated in life, three lecherous oldies decides to have fun in their vacation with a girl who is a die-hard fan of superstar Akshay Kumar. In order to woo the girl, they must convince Akshay Kumar to help them.

There are two aspects to watch this movie. If you have already seen the classic, you might not be happy with the end product but if you are watching the film for the first time, you might enjoy it. Abhishek Sharma who previously directed the fun-loving Tere Bin Laden misses the bus this time. The movie does have some hilarious moments but only few to keep you alive. The 1st half goes fine. Even the 2nd half shows some promise but the climax plays the spoil sports and messes up completely. The songs are fine. Cinematoraphy is amazing. Art direction is captivating. Background score is just about OK. Coming to performances - Annu Kapoor , Anupam Kher and Piyush Sharma does a fine job and they will tickle your funny bone. Lisa Haydon is just about okay. Akshay Kumar does well in the supporting role.

The Shaukeens does show promises but the climax makes it decent entertainer. Above average 2.75 /5

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A remake of the delightful 1982 film Shaukeen directed by Basu Chatterjee, 'The Shaukeens' is a disappointing remake. This one lacks humor & most importantly charm, which its much-loved original proudly boasted. If there is anything that works in 'The Shaukeens', its Akshay Kumar, who entertains throughly in a cameo.

'The Shaukeens' Synopsis: In order to sleep with a sexy young girl, 3 old lecherous men hatch a plan to get her to meet her film idol, in order for naughty returns.

The original also was about 3 old men trying to woo a young girl, but the humor & storytelling there was neat, clean & cute. But, this remake is crass & crude. There's nothing wrong by giving a story an all new interpretation, but it will only work if the Writing Material is strong. In 'The Shaukeens' case, the Writing also doesn't support much.

The Screenplay Written by Tigmanshu Dhulia & Sai Kabir offers some genuinely funny moments & the addition Akshay's track, which didn't exist in the original, is indeed super. But otherwise, the tale of the 3 old men & the young lady, is a tad under-whelming.

Abhishek Sharma's Direction is limited to a few frames. Cinematography captures the locales of Mauritius well. Editing is fairly done. Music by Various Artists, is melodious.

Performance-Wise: Akshay Kumar steals the show, hands down! As an alcoholic superstar who's in desperate need to win an Indian Oscar, Akshay nails the part & is also the film's best joke. Annu Kapoor, Piyush Mishra & Anupam Kher enact the lecherous oldies with sincerity. Annu, especially, leaves a mark. Lisa Haydon looks hot, but is strictly okay acting wise. Kavin Dave & Vineet are mention-worthy in minor roles.

On the whole, Watch 'The Shaukeens' for Akshay, who spoofs himself hilariously! Otherwise, this one's a yawn!

The movie was among the few I was waiting to watch mainly because of the three brilliant oldies. After a brief spell in the first half where it I was intrigued at what's gonna happen it all fell apart in the second half. The pace of the movie somehow fell drastically. Nothing unexpected happened and you will feel it was like that could have been the worst possible ending.

Akshay was brilliant to begin with but as the movie progressed he showed signs of Chandni Chowk to China once again. The actress around which the whole movie revolves did not show any signs of acting and at times it was irritating to see her say everything in the same manner. Oh boy, how much she could do with some acting lessons.

It is a one time watch hardly and that's only because of the sheer respect towards the senior citizens of Bollywood.