Fukrey
wogma rating: Add to that never-watched 'To Watch' list (?)
Four losers bond over some foolish plans to make it rich quick. Quirky and fun in the second half, it is a pain to go through in the first half though.
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You can tell the writers of Fukrey are in love with their characters and it is a joy to see the writers so invested in their characters. Except they get carried away. The introduction is so slow that even when fun quirkiness sets in, you have to literally been jerked out of drowsiness.
The character exposition is so tardy and lacklustre that you wonder how you are going to spend the next two hours. And while it is good to see writers who care so deeply about the audience's understanding of the characters, they don't go beyond the initial set-up. As the movie develops, you don't really discover anything new, let alone interesting about most of the characters.
However, as the movie progresses a couple of characters get into their element and bring life into the film, Chucha (Varun Sharma) and Bholi Punjabi (Richa Chaddha). Their characters' quirks and the language they use add zing to the film. That Chucha uses his dreams to win lotteries combined with his outlandish sense of humor, gradually wake you up and you begin to expect a peak in the film's comedy. Bholi's brash lady-goon reminds you of Neha Dhupia's Munni gangster from Phas Gaya Re Obama and you are happy that you are enjoying her role better. She seems more at home with the language and the mannerisms.
Yet, only two characters and the actors who perform them can take a movie only so far. Also ultimately, the movie wants to become greater than what it has been so far and forces a message in. In addition, there is this fact that all the main characters are pretty much losers who you don't feel much for or identify with.
Sure, the two characters take away a lot of the credit, but the other actors do a great job too. Especially the women, Vishakha Singh and Priya Anand. I especially enjoyed scenes between Priya Anand and Pulkit Samrat where they communicate with their eyes. Hilarious and romantic moments at the same time. Also,though Pankaj Tripathi's role seems too small to warrant an actor of his calibre, he of course, does well with what he has.
Yet, with all that's going well for Fukrey, at 2.5+ hours, there is a lot that isn't. There isn't enough for you to warrant a trip to the theaters. Finally, I'll always remember Fukrey as the film that started with a guy peeing and cracking some toilet joke. Even so, a film in which the director and writer tried. A DVD watch where you can skip the first half sounds more like it.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Nikhil Kumar, Apun Ka Choice : ... freaking good!... full review
Thumbs up, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...Musically, Ram Sampat composes some good tracks which have been used very intelligently in the film and you don’t mind watching them played in their shorter versions like “Ambarsariya” ... full review
Thumbs up, by Anjum Shabbir, Bolly Spice : ...Farhan and Ritesh have produced a fresh and entertaining film. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama : ...The best thing about FUKREY is its casting and by zeroing on relative newcomers for the principal leads, the makers steer clear of the baggage of image that reputable actors, generally, cart on their shoulders.... full review
Thumbs up, by Namrata Thakker, Bollywood Life : ...The movie is too long since all the naach-gaana is only towards the end. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...Emotionally adept and equally funny... full review
Thumbs up, by Piyasree Dasgupta, FirstPost : ...it’ll definitely figure in the deeply satisfying list called movies that kick ass.... full review
Thumbs up, by Swati Deogire, In.com : ...We applaud Mrighdeep Singh Lamba for making a story that could have crumbled like a house of cards, stand tall.... full review
Thumbs up, by Gaurav Malani, indiatimes : ...In times when non-farcical comedies seem to be a myth, Fukrey is a 'dream come true'. Highly entertaining!... full review
Thumbs up, Indicine : ...Ram Sampath’s music adds another layer to an already impressive film. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...surely be a hit amongst the youth…... full review
Thumbs up, by Karan Anshuman, Mumbai Mirror : ...Fukrey captures a similar spirit, albeit in a very different flavor and the small film experiment about life's trivialities manages to entertain for most part.... full review
Thumbs up, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...The film is replete with the lingo of Delhi’s streets and college campuses and the four young actors do a fair job of ensuring consistent authenticity of diction. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Mansha Rastogi, Now Running.com : ...Fukrey may not be a Rock On!! or Dil Chahta Hai but the new-age relatable bromance and humour that has you in splits all the time makes it for a great watch. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Shilpa Jamkhandikar, Reuters : ...Lamba loosens his grip on the proceedings at several places and the script does waver sometimes, wasting time in love stories and other sub plots the film could have done without. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Sudhish Kamath, The Hindu : ...Once you accept this premise, you will love every bit of Fukrey.... full review
Thumbs up, by Madhureeta Mukherjee, Times of India : ...Mrighdeep infuses comedy throughout, subtle and fresh.... full review
So-So, by Anna Vetticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...The nicest touches in this film come from its very naturally portrayed boy-girl relationships.... full review
So-So, by Rony D'Costa, Desi Martini : ...Fukrey has likeable actors but an inconsistent script.... full review
So-So, by Smita, Desi Martini : ...There are a few clever devices and some funny characters that make the movie watchable... full review
So-So, by Tushar Joshi, DNA : ...struggles to make its own identity... full review
So-So, by Anupama Chopra, Hindustan Times : ...The characters and actors are a perfect match.... full review
So-So, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...A tighter script and more screen time for the excellent Pankaj Tripathi, as enterprising campus security guard Pandeyji, might have helped turn this moderately entertaining film into a rollicking good caper. ... full review
So-So, by Harsh, India Entertainment : ...The screenplay is tight and in sync with the plot while the dialogues are amazing and can make you laugh! ... full review
So-So, by Vinayak Chakravorty, india today : ...The four greenhorn leads make a spirited whole that primarily drives this film. The scene stealer though is Richaâs Bholi Punbjaban.... full review
So-So, by Divya Solgama, MoviezADDA : ...some good time pass fun and entertainment.... full review
So-So, by Rummana Ahmed, yahoo! India : ...Despite it’s moments, ‘Fukrey’ disappoints... full review
Thumbs down, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...What’s missing is the sense that something is at stake. Rather, we see what’s at stake, we know it, but we don’t feel it as the film progresses.... full review
Thumbs down, by Deepa Gahlot, cinemaah : ...What is a little worrisome is the takeaway from the film-- that it's okay to be dishonest layabouts and then find underhand ways like drug peddling to making money.... full review
Thumbs down, by Khalid Mohamed, Deccan Chronicle : ...Technically Baylon Fonseca’s sound design is A-grade but the set décor and cinematography are ordinary. ... full review
Thumbs down, Free Press Journal : ...Writers Vipul Vig and Mrighdeep throw the foursome into several sticky situations which could have been side-splittingly funny but that’s not the case here. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...Chadda is as faux as her part.... full review
Thumbs down, by Mohar Basu, koimoi : ...Richa Chadha is at the zenith of her impressionable work. As the bubbly and boisterous Bholi Punjaban, she is near perfect!... full review
Thumbs down, by Sanjukta Sharma, Live Mint : ...There is enough humour in ‘Fukrey’ but that’s not enough to lift the loose, outstretched writing... full review
oyeyarrchill: #fukrey laughter unlimited,pure stressbuster. Yaar ye HUNNY toh too much cute only. Newly found crush @PulkitSamrat <3 #kthnxbye :p
Onlii_yash: It changed meaning of fukrey word n took d level much higher from a cheaper 1 #iwantfukrey2
names_bond: Fukrey is a cool movie. Relaxed comedy. Liked it.
moviegeek_in: Nonetheless, this fresh upcoming lot of stars make it worth the money spent. Our recommendation: A one time watch. #Fukrey
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Parental Guidance:
- Violence: None
- Language: Lot of abuses. Rave parties and drugs are mentioned but nothing explicit is shown. Some talk about French kissing.
- Nudity & Sexual content: None.
- Concept: 4 losers need money for some reason or the other. They try hook, crook and get into trouble.
- General Look and Feel: Dull and slow.
![[Facebook page of Fukrey]](/static/images/icons/facebook_small.png){kind=icon}
![[YouTube channel of Fukrey]](/static/images/icons/youtube_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Wikipedia page of Fukrey]](/static/images/icons/wiki_small.png){kind=icon}
![[IMDB Page of Fukrey]](/static/images/icons/imdb_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Farhan Akhtar twitter account]](/static/images/icons/twitter_small.png){kind=icon}
Comments (14)
Thanks a lot for the review. I have not seen the movie yet but since its from the production house of Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani , i have high hopes from this movie. But like you said there are some errors , which is unfortunate. Actually in India there are very less movies with target audience as youngsters, movie industry in India makes family movies mainly. So going by that thumbs up for the makers of this movies for the effort. However like you mentioned movie is just average which is disappointing.
@Meetu : Is it ever possible for u to actually "like" a movie...you're one fussy girl i must say :P 1 +ve for about 10 -ve's...that's how most of your reviews go :D
@majaal yep! But I'm a little confused, did you see the movie?
@Anuj Yeah, maybe that is why I wanted my voice heard and started the blog. ;) I must add though, that there are few people who think I go easy. They'd have loved to trash a film completely, but I have at least something positive to say about the film. :D
I was told my many over the past week that this is the "movie of the year", so I naturally went in with very high expectations, almost expecting another big surprise a la Vicky Donor. Suffice to say, I was thoroughly disappointed. I agree with most of Meetu's review, except the praise for Bholi Panjaban, which I thought was a character that was over exaggerated and overly "in your face". The only saving grace for me was Varun Sharma as Chucha, which managed to get a few laughs out of me. Other than that, I wish I hadn't spent my hard earned money on this movie !
@Kunal "movie of the year"? Wow...oh well to each his own. Bholi Punjaban is one of those characters who could get on your nerves, if you are already annoyed with the film when she is introduced. She has the power to get to you.
@Meetu : Congrats...you're the minority once again!! :P This one's getting immense appreciation and praise among the multiplex audiences in particular. Although Jolly LLB continues to be the movie of the year for me as of now.
@Anuj naah, there are enough nay-sayers for this one.
There will always be a "few" nay sayers,be it Munnabhai,RDB or even Sholay for that matter.Its the "majority" that matters when it comes to box office verdicts :P
P.S : I myself am a nay sayer and a huge critic of DDLJ and HAHK :D
@Anuj well, if the only thing we are talking about here is box office, I don't really concern myself with that. The box office will sing its own tune, doesn't mean I have to agree with it. :D
Thank to share movie information i din't watch movie but some guys told me movie is good not bad so watch this weekend
Meetu,I wish I had read your review before getting the DVD. Nothing seems to work in this try-hard insipid film. I had to fast forward repeatedly to reach the end, just because a friend had praised it highly.
The only silver lining was Richha Chaddha.
@Moviemagik did you end up watching it then?
@Samir Oh well...next time ;)
I have been skipping my 12 free showcase movies offered free with a Megapack subscription from last 2 years. This year my better half made me sit and utilise that over this one and boy I wasn't disappointed.
As meetu said in her review the movie starts slowly in the first half but as soon as the Bholi Punjabi (Richa Chaddha) character is introduced the movie just picks up and turns into a laughing riot. The movie is best enjoyed in the comfort of your room with friends/spouse sitting beside you. Definitely a worth watch.
@Nishant some times, some films are best watched in at your pace, in the comfort of your home.
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