Oye Lucky Lucky Oye
wogma rating: Watch if you have nothing better to do (?)
Subtle comment on family's contribution to a personality, another subtle comment on the media hullaboo. With a smart sense of humor. But, a very dull plot with no ups and downs to keep you interested.
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Oye Lucky Lucky Oye - Preview
NOT A REVIEW - Just wondering how marketing can actually be detrimental to the enjoyment of a movie.
One strong memory I have from watching director Dibakar Bannerjee's first movie Khosla Ka Ghosla is me feeling completely lost because the whole theater was laughing and I just couldn't see it. I also remember thinking, "ok their intent was to make me laugh because the promos had slapstick at their heart". But watching the movie didn't make me laugh one bit. Suddenly, it made sense when I read this on his blog
My most unsettling experience after the release of Khosla ka Ghosla was seeing the audience laugh. They were laughing at places where Jaideep and I had never intended them to laugh. ... I hear a festival returned my film because they were not big on comedy. What do I do now? Is my fate as a funny guy sealed forever? Irrespective of how much anger, satire and pain I have put into Oye Lucky, I guess the innate humour of the characters being themselves, behaving in character, doing strange things – it’s a bizarre bunch of people in the film – will make people really laugh. But I do hope they see through the laughter. I really hope so.
Now we are talking. So, it was just the packaging and a judgment call by the producers as to what will sell.
Of course, my other issue with Khosla Ka Ghosla was Boman Irani's character. A smart-alec who suddenly loses all reasoning. Anyway, the character worked big time for others though.
Maybe it’s the one character derived from observing many people that makes it seem inconsistent -
Delhi will be the setting for the film. We will study various characters on the streets of Delhi as the reality I depict in my films is very important to me.
Adding to the confusion, the producer's note on the official site reads -
This is a caper film inspired by true events and is a combination of a comedy, a buddy movie as well as a satire and a parody of the middle class growing culture of acquisition, reality and crime TV and paparazzi and the obsession with material wealth.
Uh...huh?
Anyway the making of Oye Lucky Lucky Oye in these videos is a lot less slapsticky. I especially enjoyed the tidbits on Paresh Rawal's triple role. The character set-up seems to be very situational which has its own charm. The other part I found very interesting was how the music was assembled. The folk music of Haryana and Punjab is put together by Sneha Khanwalkar by actually going into the interiors of the country.
And it suddenly hit me - there are barely any women music composers. I don't remember a single one in the last couple years. Do you? Even in history, how many women composers are there? None very popular in any case.
I digress. Let's come to the other woman in the crew, actor, Neetu Chandra on the movie's blog says -
I hope the audiences have as much fun watching Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye, as we had making it.
Amen!
Despite my experience with Khosla Ka Ghosla, I'm looking forward to this one because Abhay Deol always chooses interesting scripts. And Dibakar took negative feedback in the right spirit when he presented it to the Film Appreciation course in 2007.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Skip the italicized bits to read review. The italicized bits are my thoughts on the on-going war in Mumbai interspersed in between the review.
Over 40 hours since the country has been held hostage. Each one of us hostage to TV channels, internet reports, or twitter and some of us hostages inside the Taj, or The Oberoi or Nariman House. Each one either scared or worried or angry or frustrated or some combination thereof. But each one of us helpless.
What can we do? Abuse the government, opposition, media? Did that and got bored within 20 minutes. What else can I do? The only thing I can think of is to panic as little as possible and continue the routine. So here I am doing what I do every Friday. Trying, albeit unsuccessfully, to ignore what's happening 150kms away, trying to keep my angst on the world outside from making a judgment on the world inside the dark, secure(?) cinema hall.
So, there's this thief, Lucky and he does what he enjoys doing best - stealing. So, he starts off as an insolent youth stealing, he steals as he grows. Then steals some more. And repeat. There is no high point in the drama that makes me curious about the end.
feel like sending a text message out to see if the drama in the real world seems any closer to an end.
Of course, he steals cars and carpets and all things expensive. But he also steals teddy bears, greeting cards, and family photographs. Fine. He does it with finesse, charm, and presence of mind. In fact, the ease with which he steals is "almost" unbelievable.
Well, if a city can be set on fire so easily, then...
Now the promos claim that he steals your hearts too. Uh...no...Well, Abhay Deol, the actor's, dimples are cute. But there is only so much he can do within the confines of what Lucky, his character allows him to do. He's smug, doesn't take life too seriously and has an arrogant sense of humor that keeps a smile on your face through the two hours. this is weird, I'm smiling and yet my eyes go misty every time I think, Mumb...
Three cheers to the dialogue writer...
Though, of course, the point of the movie is not to make us laugh. It is to tell a story. Of this man who is so endearing that you supposedly don’t mind him stealing - Bunty and Babli style. But the story doesn't tug your heart. I see no reason why the police should get all pal-ly with Lucky.
or maybe I've just gone numb. After all, I'm in this theater watching a movie on this day of terror...there you go Mr. Terrorist, I won't get terrorized, I'm desensitized now! BOOHOO to you!!!
There is this subtle comment on how an otherwise insensitive guy is completely bowled over and gullible when he's treated as family. And this because he has had a troubled childhood because of his family. It also comments on the media-mania. In fact the official site has director, Dibakar Bannerjee saying -
It's also inspired by crime reportage in the new shining India. ... crime is fun, it's good TRP.
Ouch! What timing...
I'm sorry guys, I'm going to cop out of this one...the plot doesn't hold much water; it is a smart-ass comedy with decent actors who have wonderful accents. I need a story or a good narrative that engrosses, didn’t get either.
Stay safe...
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Amodini, Amodini's Movie Reviews : ...The screen-play is solid and dialogues apt. Banerjee makes sly digs at Delhi and it's class-consciousness as only one familiar with the city and it's culture can.... full review
Thumbs up, by Noyon Jyoti Parasara, AOL INDIA : ...Dibakar knows how to tell a story – rather make an ordinary story into something special. That's what he does with OLLO.... full review
Thumbs up, by N K Deoshi, Apun Ka Choice : ... Banerjee is trying to present a new form of entertainment, where humour rises not from slapstick dialogues, but from the real but unique characters... full review
Thumbs up, by Abhishek Mande, Buzz18 : ...Oye Lucky belongs solely to Abhay Deol. In what has perhaps been one of his best performances so far,... full review
Thumbs up, by Khalid Mohamed, Hindustan Times : ...It’s fun without ever being preachy or pretentious.... full review
Thumbs up, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...Abandoning the conventional formula of throwing in a comedian to provide the laughs, Banerjee packs the film with humor that arises out of everyday characters and seemingly normal situations.... full review
Thumbs up, by Gaurav Malani, indiatimes : ... It’s more than plain luck that makes Oye Lucky Lucky Oye engaging. This one is a wacky-n-witty entertainer.... full review
Thumbs up, Movie Talkies : ...The film's USP is definitely its screenplay and dialogue and Abhay Deol.... full review
Thumbs up, by Anupama Chopra, NDTV : ...The rough, Delhi dialogue is pitch perfect and the situations are terrifically funny.... full review
Thumbs up, by Jahan Bakshi, Now Running.com : ...Neetu Chandra stuns with her attractive, graceful presence- she is definitely a talent to look out for.... full review
Thumbs up, by Subhash K Jha, Now Running.com : ...Look closely into "Oye Lucky..." and you can see where our society took the wrong turn.... full review
Thumbs up, Passion for Cinema : ...This is a winner of a film in several respects. The performances, to put it mildly... full review
Thumbs up, by sampurn, real bollywoood : ...Kartik’s camerawork is good and captures Delhi well not focusing on the typical overused visuals of India gate... full review
Thumbs up, by Syed Firdaus Ashraf, Rediff : ...he film only fails in the music department, by Sneha Khanwalkar. The dhols and drums get too loud from time to time, and get very annoying.... full review
Thumbs up, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...Oye Lucky! is more a peek into Delhi’s belly, into the characters’ lives, and into complex bitter-sweet relationships.... full review
Thumbs up, SmasHits.com : ...Abhay Deol proves once again he's the Deol with a "Difference".... full review
Thumbs up, by Harshita Kohli, StarBoxOffice : ...Neetu Chandra shows that she can act – she only needs to choose the right films.... full review
Thumbs up, by Nikhat Kazmi, Times of India : ... The highlight of the film are its performances, its elegant humour and its authentic backdrop.... full review
Thumbs up, by Filmbear, Upper Stall : ...A small but memorable film.... full review
So-So, by Deepa Garimella, fullhyd.com : ...It doesn't hurt to watch this one, provided you watch it as though it were a funny crime show on some news channel.... full review
So-So, by Taran Adarsh, IndiaFM : ...Paresh Rawal is magnificent yet again. He gets to portray three diverse roles and he lives up to the demands of the script... full review
So-So, Passion for Cinema : ...infuses the character and frames with warmth and delivers the funnies with effortless timing and emotion.... full review
Thumbs down, by S Viswanath, Deccan Herald : ...Sorry Bhai log this OLLO is not the fun flick worth the weekend though funnybone films seem to be the flavour at cineplexes.... full review
Thumbs down, musicNmovies.info : ...The movie amuses in parts but due to poor editing and lack of strong narrative the movie falls completely flat.... full review
Twitter reviews for this movie are not available.
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Plot Summary
Lucky (Abhay Deol) enjoys stealing. And so he steals.
What Worked
- The titles - with floating images from what we usually see behind a truck.
- The titles - the producer being wiped out by the director. Tongue-in-cheek humor?
- The camerawork - especially the lighting in the night shots. And wide angle lens was used with restraint unlike Khosla Ka Ghosla where it was distracting.
- The perfume scene - loved the way the son approaches his dad in a good mood and gets some perfume as a gift.
- Abhay Deol's acting when he's drunk.
What did not
- The background music changed randomly and was very distracting as many a time it was not in the same tone as the visuals. This created confusion about the mood.
- Lucky's first love - her dialogue delivery was bad and was too nasal.
- Why is Lucky's friend shocked with Licky's recklessness. Haven't they been friends for 15 years?!
- The swimming pool shot - why was it there? Seemed very out of place.
- The whole Dr. Hooda track - extremely predictable and thus boring.
Parental Guidance:
- Violence: None
- Nudity & Sexual content: A couple of sleazy nightbar scenes.
- Concept: A guy who enjoys stealing, just for fun.
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Comments (13)
Wow...so we do have very few women music directors.
Yeah, I liked Navdeep Singh's movie and if he liked the movie, it sure is a good sign.
the essence of this film is in the story and with paresh rawal I like the movie. It was a sweet comedy. I will again re watch this movie. it a hit.
oh, thats a contrarian review... the lure of chitrangada singh's return was too much to resist, watching that today :) so maybe I shall wait for the dvd of OLLO :)
yeah sudhir, just nothing happens with the characters...only the wit keeps it interesting.
Mumbai - first, lets just hope this one dies down...Taj emptied, oh no wait...Nariman House emptied, oh no wait...
i certainly liked sorry bhai! better, manucsrypts. Review will be up shortly. Not that you needed me to say this, but Chitrangadha Singh is worth every penny! ;)
Seems you have some prejudice against Dibakar Banerjee.
How else can you explain rating Khosla ka Ghosla & Oye Lucky Lucky Oye below crap movies like Dhamaal, Jannat, Salaam-e-ishq and so many others
http://chavannichap.blogspot.com/2008/11/blog-post_7774.html
No Aseem, seriously no. I met the man, and he is adorable. His movies, unfortunately, don't seem to work for me.
hanish and janhavi, i think that's the problem. That i'm not aware of the 'essence of Delhi'. But then, I am not a part of Romania and wasn't even aware of what went on there in the 80s and yet a Romanian movie about one particular situation there is one of my favorites.
Noopur, I found the individual scenes too repetitive. And, repetition is not something I'm fond of.
varun, though I didn't understand all of your comment, but in general seems like you were not too happy while walking out. and that's important, the feeling you have while walking out.
rajat, you got me wrong. I am acknowledging the fact that the movie was not intended to be funny. I didn't want a 'filmy' story, all i wanted is a 'story'. A non-story with a gripping narrative style would do too.
Sincere apologies Jahan, the mistake has been rectified.
The movie was simply outstanding. I think more than anything, the direction was superb. The background music was sparingly used. His portrayal of the real Delhi people and their mentality was a revelation coz being in Mumbai, I have never seen this side of Delhi
Possible, Harshad. Which is why I wanted to make it clear that the situation in Mumbai was on my mind continuously. Usually, when I'm watching a movie whatever my state of mind before it, I'm tuned in once the movie starts. And can claim its the movie's fault if my mind starts to wander. But this time, it was different.
I'm glad you enjoyed the movie.
@DoesNotMatter I view my reviews as a reference point. I try to give details on why I liked the film and why I did not, so you can make a decision for yourself. Somewhat like this - http://wogma.com/article/why-read-a-review/
I don't think I am biased. I'm opinionated. Bias would mean I rate all my favorite actors' films highly and vice versa. I'm very careful not to do that.
Oye Lucky Lucky Oye is a fun movie, just watched it and really liked.
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