EMI

wogma rating: Watch if you have nothing better to do ^(?)

quick review:

Principal of a message on simple living + Interest of a goon trying to turn good should have equaled to some real fun moments with a subtle message running through but = not-so easy installments of lectures against taking loans

Director: Saurabh Kabra

Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Urmila Matondkar, Arjun Rampal, Ashish Chowdhry

Running time: 135 minutes

Genres: Comedy, Social

More Movie Info

EMI certainly touches upon a very relevant issue in the society today. And though it showcases the concerns in the cities, it is pertinent in the interiors of the country too. It is also hilarious at regular intervals. Especially Mohan Joshi's drunken scene. And what with Sanjay Dutt doing what we know him to do best - deliver dialogues in Mumbai-underworld fashion and time his lines perfectly. The other actors are barely bearable - with Malaika Arora's existence taking first place.

So, the general idea and some of the details are right. But the individual stories chosen, which started off interestingly, became too sappy for my taste. And the other actors are barely bearable. The set-up of the stories, the reasons why the various characters take their loans and how they are unable to repay them is quite interesting. A different aspect is touched upon in each story. The plan for the recovery process is cute too, but the actual act is childish. And the final resolutions are so tacky and hurried that all the set-up seems like a complete waste.

Also, it came across as if the writers were confused on what the purpose of the story was – was it to narrate how these four people went through the process of taking, defaulting and repaying their loans, or was it to showcase the transition of a person from the mafia? In trying to do both they had to deal with 5 plots which not only was too much taken on the plate but also lengthened the movie a bit much.

Cinema as a source of education is taken way too seriously and yet the subject has been presented over-simplistically. And these put together actually undo what is actually entertaining in bits and pieces.

- meeta, a part of the audience

21 reviewers^(?) - 1 yays 8 so-so 12 nays

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

Thumbs up, by Janhvi Patel, StarBoxOffice : ...Arjun is effortlessly suave and cool and as delectable as dark chocolate. He looks gorgeous, sexy makes you laugh and is perfectly cast as the DJ... full review

So-So, by roshni mulchandani, Bolly Spice : ...For those of you who are looking for a light-hearted comedy with Sanjay Dutt still in Munnabhai mode, then you're in the right place.... full review

So-So, by Hetal Adesara, Business of Cinema : ...The songs are forgettable and add nothing. Notwithstanding that, the romantic number between Dutt and Matondkar is watchable as it's short and sweet.... full review

So-So, eTalkIndia : ...EMI could have been a classic piece of work, but is totally ruined. In any case, it does have its share of laughs and well executed scenes.... full review

So-So, Indicine : ...Urmila Matonkar looks better than we last saw her in Karzzz, but her laugh should be dubbed, its terrible. Arjun Rampal does well. Malaika Arora Khan sizzles her way through. Rest are okay.... full review

So-So, by Ashok Nayak, Now Running.com : ...To sum up, watch EMI only IF you're a diehard Sanjay Dutt fan. Else, just wait for the DVD.... full review

So-So, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...The premise is fun and unique but bogged down by extraneous scenes.... full review

So-So, SmasHits.com : ...While the director Saurabh Kabra is completely justified in taking up this theme, the story lacks proper scripting.... full review

Thumbs down, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...EMI is one of those films that feels compelled to end with a message flashed on screen: Take loans responsibly.... full review

Thumbs down, by Abhishek Mande, Buzz18 : ...Unless the makers offer you tickets on instalments and don't send recovery agents after you, give this one a pass.... full review

Thumbs down, fullhyd.com : ...The second half has some good comic lines and parts, with Pathak valiantly filling in for what Arshad Warsi would have fit best, and a song - the climax tune - is fairly decent.... full review

Thumbs down, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...this movie could have raked in the moolah if the script had not gone haywire in the second half... full review

Thumbs down, by Taran Adarsh, IndiaFM : ...It starts on an interesting note, but transforms into atypical masala film, where the 'Bhai' plays the good Samaritan... full review

Thumbs down, by Gaurav Malani, indiatimes : ...The next time any call-center employee pesters you with free credit-card offers, recommend EMI to pay them back.... full review

Thumbs down, by Amit R Agarwal, merinews : ...the film is cast in an escapist fare and is given a feel-good feel.... full review

Thumbs down, by Subhash K Jha, Now Running.com : ...Tragically the narration doesn't follow the golden rule of survival.... full review

Thumbs down, by Goher Iqbal Punn, Radio Sargam : ...The film looks absurd when the recovery man fastens the belts to solve the defaulters’ problems and also falls in love with one of the gorgeous defaulters, Prerna (Urmila Mantondkar)... full review

Thumbs down, by Syed Firdaus Ashraf, Rediff : ...Posters and promos don't make a film... full review

Thumbs down, by Nikhat Kazmi, Times of India : ...There's nothing that works in this film, not even Urmila Matondkar as the woman who wants her husband's life insurance... full review

Thumbs down, Upper Stall : ...As you endure this godawful film, you actually wonder what in heaven's name were they thinking?... full review

Twitter reviews for this movie are not available.

No readers have rated this movie yet.

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

Plot Summary

4 loan defaulters who are leaving beyond their means using loans are called to task by a recovery agency.

What Worked

The titles,
The slight hint of dilemma the older generation faces. But it wasn't taken further.
The food chain from loan receiver to loan recoverer.

Nitty-Gritty

This section lists things that I think are not important to the overall impact of the movie. In most cases, it could be explained away by something like, "we noticed the glitch after the scene was shot and there were schedule/budget issues and thus we could not re-shoot it". I like giving the makers the benefit of doubt, but I am amused nevertheless. Hopefully, they will tickle you too.

Sanjay Dutt suddenly starts playing a guitar!

Parental Guidance:

Violence: None
Nudity & Sexual content: A couple of sleazy songs in pubs.
Concept: A warning against the overuse of loans, a lecture on "live within your means".
General Look and Feel: It's bright and peppy but a little long for the little ones' patience, I'd guess.