Freaky Ali

wogma rating: Switch channels if it's on cable (?)

quick review:

As plain and dry a sports underdog film as can be. Having you root for the actor, not the character, doesn't bode well for a film.

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Director: Sohail Khan
Running time: 120 minutes
Genres: Sports
More Movie Info

There is a certain amount of drama necessary in a film that is about a sports underdog. You need something to root for the protagonist. You don't really need an antagonist. The circumstances usually play enough of a villain. Freaky Ali, unfortunately has you rooting for Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the actor who plays Freaky Ali and not Ali himself.

Ali is as uninteresting a character as it can get. Sure, he is given plenty of analogies as one line quips. But, they barely bring a smile. In fact, a lot of them are outright cheesy. Nawazuddin Siddiqui's dialogue delivery and body language lends them some dignity and hence make them tolerable. It actually, physically hurts to not like a film with an actor of Nawazuddin Siddiqui's calibre. The other performances are like those you would find in any other loud, slapstick film.

In fact, that is what a lot of Freaky Ali ultimately is, an attempt at slapstick comedy with a coherent story. There it achieves its purpose. But in entertaining us, it does not. The story by itself is like any other sports drama except that the drama is just not enough. Yes, it is tough for me to accept that I am asking for more drama. This is despite our hero Ali being in a situation that is closing in on him from both sides.

The problem is that all the elements exist - romantic angle, the betrayal, the hardship, the setbacks – but they all seem rather perfunctory. None of them get your attention, let alone make it pique. Of course, it is all predictable – that is a given for any underdog story anyway, isn't it?

There is only so much an ordinary story can stand on its actor's shoulders. Even if they are as broad as that of Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

- meeta, a part of the audience

26 reviewers(?) - 2 yays 11 so-so 13 nays

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

Thumbs up, by Devesh Sharma, Filmfare : ...Rounding off, Freaky Ali is a sweet little comedy that's sure to put a smile on your lips. Nawazuddin's performance alone is worth the price of the ticket. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Meena Iyer, Times of India : ....Director Sohail Khan, who shares writing credits too, takes a lot of cinematic liberties. Even in a Utopian state, it is hard to digest street children running amuck golf greens. Or having goondas, double up as caddies. Like they say, this happens only in our desi cinema. ... full review

So-So, Bollywood Life : ...However, a more polished direction would have made the comedy work better. The romance between Ali and Amy Jackson’s character is very forced. There are a few inconsistencies in the film. Like the scene where an old woman twists Ali’s right arm, and the next scene he is seen holding his left arm in pain. Also the jokes on old men and speech defects may not appeal to everyone. ... full review

So-So, by Rohit Bhatnagar, Deccan Chronicle : ...Even though Nawaz performs well in 'Freaky Ali', the film is surely not worth the ticket price. Since Baar Baar Dekho also released this Friday, pick this only if you are an ardent Nawazuddin Siddiqui fan. The film holds no promise of entertaining you throughout. ... full review

So-So, by Dev Raj Gulati , Desi Martini : ...Like any professional sport,golf also is inflicted with the scourage of 'fixing'.The socio-ecomomic divide between characters is vividly presented.No where does one get bored. ... full review

So-So, by Sarita A Tanwar, DNA : ...Freaky Ali has flashes of fun but could’ve been far funnier. Watch it for Nawaz’s endearing performance. ... full review

So-So, by Jaiwantika Dutta Dhupkar, fullhyd.com : ...Freaky Ali literally bubbles with excitement when it comes to portraying the slum and the underworld don scenes. There are quite a few of them, which tells you what a sports film and a half this one is. In any case, the real fun for the makers appears to have been showing the slum kids playing golf with used styrofoam cups, showing the vibrant and synced arty-qawwali organised for Ali, showing the street kids dancing to the kettle-drum in the by-lanes as well as on the golf course with equal finesse, and showing Ali tearing off his cast and making angry faces at Manager Amy a day before the tournie - these are the real things you ought to watch Freaky Ali for. Everything else - the golf, the Siddiqui - is secondary. ... full review

So-So, by Sweta Kaushal, Hindustan Times : ...Despite the cliches and melodrama, we found Freaky Ali worth the time and money. From the ‘talented actor’ for the intelligentsia to the common man’s entertainer, Siddiqui is one star we love.... full review

So-So, Indicine : ...Conclusion: Freaky Ali is a great example of a story concept which could have worked wonders had the execution of the product been in able hands. Sohail Khan makes a movie which could have been rip-roaringly funny but settles with being moderately funny. It is not unwatchable by any means. In fact, Freaky Ali can even be enjoyed to an extent if you are willing to overlook the flaws and the inferior detailing. Eventually, Freaky Ali isn’t a hole in one, it turns out to be par for the course. ... full review

So-So, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...If you are looking for a 'masala' timepass this weekend, Freaky Ali will surely not disappoint you despite being predictable and clichéd. ... full review

So-So, by troy Ribeiro, NDTV : ...Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the titular role, as the unconventional golf player is convincingly sincere, that is because he does not deviate from being Ali. ... full review

So-So, by Manisha Lakhe, Now Running.com : ...In this film, the challenge is diluted by intervening by the gods, the maa ka aashirvaad (and the sweater), and a reformed bad guy who plays caddy for the day and the drums! No one but Bollywood could get away by having drums in a golf movie. Also what starts out to be a fun movie of an underdog, just gives lots and lots of room to Nawazuddin to ham it up to the gills. His cutting of the plaster scene can go down in his own book as the hammiest of them all. ... full review

So-So, Sify Movies : ...Overall, Freaky Ali inspired by the English film, Happy Gilmore, entertains with its simplicity and raw Indian appeal. ... full review

Thumbs down, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole, FREAKY ALI kick starts with rib-tickling moments but fails to retain the humorous momentum throughout as it falls prey to predictable plotline and a disappointing second half. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Shailandera Randev, Desi Martini : ...Nothing freaky. Nawaz potential was unexplored.Arbaaz khan seemed forcing comedy. Too predictable.Lacked sense, comedy.Wrong movie and team selection by Nawaz.Avoid the torture. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Shruti Chaudhary , Desi Martini : ...Starts with promise, humorous one liners, sleazy sometimes but bearable. Ends as a Sohail Khan trademark nonsense. If not for the last Half hour would have been an enjoyable fare. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Smita Vyas Kumar, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - Tiresome low brow comedy.Avoid ... full review

Thumbs down, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...Nawazuddin looks out of place and out of sorts, Arbaz continues to play wooden, while Amy Jackson’s pretty much makes a cake walk. The songs are forgettable, dialogues are atrocious and production values are patchy at best. This one is as silly and unexciting as they come! ... full review

Thumbs down, by Vishal Verma, Glamsham.com : ...Ending it with this example that reveals the level of writing and this flick. Picture this - Arbaaz Khan to a girl : Kya Rapchik maal hai. The girl responds: what chik. Arbaaz says : rapchick. Girl reacts : you should get a rap on your face and she runs.... full review

Thumbs down, by Ananya Bhattacharya, india today : ...As for the rest, Freaky Ali has a strong supporting cast (Sohail Khan, Seema Biswas, Asif Basra), who do good enough to collect their paycheck. Amy Jackson perpetually looks like an air hostess and considering that her next film is Shankar's 2.0 opposite Rajinikanth, it is mindblowing to think how far she has come by doing absolutely NOTHING in mediocre films for six straight years. Jas Arora (that cute guy from Bally Sagoo's Gur Nal Ishq Mitha who turned into the unintendedly-funny villain in Sunny Leone's Ek Paheli Leela) is brilliant as the snobby, princely golf champion. He should appear in more films in good roles.... full review

Thumbs down, by Surabhi Redkar, koimoi : ...Freaky Ali misses to be an ace (golf lingo). In the garb of comedy, this is a boring dramedy. A 2/5 for this one! ... full review

Thumbs down, by Mayank Shekhar, MiD DAY : ...What does? In this film, the lead actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui does, for sure. I suspect the filmmakers would have chosen the actor before the script itself. There is a latent cheekiness in his persona that only few films have explored so far (The Lunchbox might be one of them). He himself calls it “bhonde wali acting”. ... full review

Thumbs down, News18.com : ...The film is like a sixer on a golf field, irrelevant and unnecessary. Even Siddiqui’s brave act can’t save this one. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Sukanya Verma, Rediff : ...It’s entirely on the writers and actors to make the proceedings seem crucial or comic. What shows up on screen is plain lazy on their part and it's painfully dull to watch. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Namrata Joshi, The Hindu : ...It is Siddiqui, the underdog hero, who holds the film together, with his sharp tongue and ready retorts. The simmering anger and a hunger to succeed that are so embedded in his edgy personality work well for his character. ... full review

Thumbs down, by IANS, Zee News : ...Jas Arora as Nawaz's villainous adversary on the golf field tries every trick in the book to look evil. But he is more a cartoonish figure. Amy Jackson seems content playing the plaything. She's first Jas Arora's right-hand woman, then Ali's. All the while she is a mere prop. ... full review

49 tweeters(?) - 30 yays 2 so-so 17 nays

virru007: Awesome movie to watch on a kar bandh freaky Ali his dialog are like Sehwag tweet https://t.co/Zo7JwcNqqG

Tabishofficial_: Well Done @Nawazuddin_S Freaky Ali is Awsome movie

ShahrukhSays: Freaky Ali achi movie hai

ShahaniChandni: FREAKY ALI...a must watch film...Nawazuddin an absolute delight...

reena_dash: Freaky Ali... Nawaz 's been winning hearts. N Arbaaz as usual the cutest actor.. A must see movie. ..

ravi2007: Freaky Ali, An awesome movie too much comedy n hilarious, a must watch for Nawaz uddin fans..He rocks..

rajivvijayakar: My #IndiaWest #FreakyAli review:Worth a watch for its heart and soul.https://t.co/BZJHK2htft @SohailKhan @Nawazuddin_S @luvsalimkhan

rahul9907804813: Sir Salman khan your brother movie freaky Ali very nice and amazing comedy movie thanks

mw569256: Movie Review: Freaky Ali Nawazuddin's class act makes Freaky Ali likeable Story: Ali (N… https://t.co/VcXntwDFj4 https://t.co/oCHxrANcmh

manoj100001: Movie Review: Freaky Ali Movie to watch , Nawazudeen Rocks the screen again with acting skill , go for it 3.5/5

Luftmensch03: Freaky Ali :D #toooooooGooooood

lokeshgrover: Freaky Ali is paisa vasool... https://t.co/DCvxojtM9Y https://t.co/cuRq62y3mB

lalitkamble89: Freaky Ali mast movie

kirankota001: अक्छी फिल्म है. https://t.co/t69XO9QfN6

khushaboosahu: We are in need of inspirational movies like pink freaky ali

Ismaile84: Freaky Ali- what an amazing movie well written & directed. Nawazuddin & Arbaaz at their best. #freaky Ali

imtiazskannur1: watched Freaky Ali awsome movie will make 100 plus Business

Hardi9638860147: Freaky Ali awesome movie..!!!

galat_fehmi: Awesomely fresh jokes in Freaky Ali.

FarhadR10: Freaky Ali good #movie Dialogues are #hilarious

faisalkhiladi: freaky ali superb film must watch

e6d4c2027fd7488: go and watch freaky ali.i think nawaz is one of finest actor around.powerpacked performance.

drcharudayal: What a wonderful performance by @Nawazuddin_S in freaky Ali. What a talent !

devi_2: ’Freaky Ali’ Is A Must Watch Thanks To An Exceptional Nawazuddin Siddiqui https://t.co/SjP5kM19V1

ChinmayNakhwa: #FreakyAli Nawazuddin makes this one worthy. good fun filled film.. https://t.co/Q7GT66Z9N1

CenturyCinemax1: Nawazuddin's class act makes Freaky Ali likeable! Rating- 3.5 stars https://t.co/GJDfXIYx95

basitdandiya: freaky ali was 7/10 but nawaz was 10/10.

ashishtulsyan29: Freaky Ali amazing @Nawazuddin_S .. Great work sir !!

aamairkhan1: Freaky Ali Is one of The best movie...

12345ankitgoyal: a good movie to watch...!! https://t.co/Hr9ZQiNbSx

sridharskubasad: Freaky Ali - first half awesome second half - has been disappointing @SohailKhan @BeingSalmanKhan

rahulsindhwani: Freaky ali.. Nawaz is great as always.. Story and screenplay a let down..

SRKsCombatant: BBD vs Freaky Ali Summary : BBD Avg Freaky Ali Worst .. Sohail Roxx

Spotboye: Baar Baar Dekho starts off just about decently but Freaky Ali has nothing to shout about https://t.co/DKiuPB3feB

snottingcom: Freaky Ali movie review: Nawazuddin Siddiqui is a delight in this silly film https://t.co/s1MbkT0gXM

Shwetzk: #FreakyAli falls flat despite the presence of a powerhouse performer like #NawazuddinSiddiqui. MyReview: https://t.co/VO18owyoo9 @BFFCmag

shivamrealking: #FreakyAli : Not every movie of Nawazuddin is unique and ultimate, Freaky Ali is one of the best example of it.... https://t.co/VrrkrhSoBx

Shabbirsaifee7: Freaky ali ne achca dhoka diya bhai..the trailor was superb

seoanushka: #Review: फ्रीकी अली, 10 मिनट में बाहर नहीं आए तो आपको 'खान - बीमारी' है! https://t.co/dG54BhQpAK https://t.co/W6mKjcQbmv

sandeep_negi: Freaky Ali what a crap movie..

SaluHeer: I want my 3 hours back baar baar maat dekho katrina kaif still cant act. Sohail khan is finished as bollywood director freaky ali garbage

pranav_bodani: I reviewed Freaky Ali 1/5. Earn Rs.40 per review #WriteShareWin https://t.co/lrCDVl5j2C via @MouthShut

Noir_Memoir: Baar Baar Dekho should have been called Freaky Ali and Freaky Ali should have been called Ek Baar Bhi Mat Dekho

neerajnavare: Plz plz watch Freaky Ali if you've nothing to do in life! I did although I had. Horrible script, and horrible acting.

Jugadu_banda: Freaky Ali should rename as *Shitty Ali*

cineblues: my #FreakyAliMovie review Forgettable duff Rating 1.5/5 https://t.co/feX7IneiMj

anuragkumarlko: dont watch freaky ali absolutely crappy movie abandoned it before it ended

AficionadoYash: Freaky Ali - Sore and Stupid

aap_103: freaky ali is crap but @Nawazuddin_S did justice to his role !! can't say same thing for @iamAmyJackson

No readers have rated this movie yet.

This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: A comic fight sequence or two.
  • Language: Clean
  • Nudity & Sexual content: A short sequence in a red light area. Lechering and eve-teasing.
  • Concept: A talented golfer rises from the slums.
  • General Look and Feel: Ordinary.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

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Freaky Ali - Cast, crew, links

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Running time:
120 minutes
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Comments (1)

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Ali

Wow I loved it

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