Phas Gaye Re Obama poster

Phas Gaye Re Obama

wogma rating: Add to that never-watched 'To Watch' list (?)

quick review:

Phas Gaye Re Obama is witty, crass slapstick, satirical and repetitive in turns. Every goon in town and the politician too is chasing an American dream -that of kidnapping an American based desi for some quick ransom money. Let your imagination go berserk around this situation, Phans Gaye Re Obama offers that and more - in terms of laughs, "eeeews", and plain and simple "blehs".

Read more
Director: Subhash Kapoor
Running time: 120 minutes
Genres: Comedy, Crime
More Movie Info

Phas Gaye Re Obama absolutely delivers on the sarcastic wit that the title implies. Satire runs in every dialogue and situation of the film. Unfortunately though, alongside the smart quips is also the oh-so-unnecessary slapstick. What could have been a classy comedy becomes yet another toilet-humor fest.

It is brilliant, however, that despite going the crude route every once in a while, the story doesn't shift focus from its basic plot. A slapstic comedy with focus - now isn't that a relief. In fact, there is a point in the latter half where I'm wondering how is Shastri (Rajat Kapoor) going to get out of this? I love it when the writer or director makes me think on his behalf. He has me hooked, irrespective of whether or not I'm enjoying his film.

Of course, a film like this wouldn't achieve half of what it aims to if the actors aren't capable of getting their timing right. Here, Sanjay Mishra, and the actor who plays Anni (Manu Rishi?) are just brilliant. Who would've thought that a movie would stand tall on their shoulders? That too, with Rajat Kapoor and Neha Dhupia around, in terms of "star-value". Both of them have forced dialogue delivery and Neha Dhupia's character is too stylized. Also, the feminism her character portrays is tasteless.

Yet, a person who enjoys slapstick is certainly going to enjoy Phas Gaye Re Obama much more than I did. So, a light, Sunday afternoon watch it is.

- meeta, a part of the audience

34 reviewers(?) - 27 yays 6 so-so 1 nays

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

Thumbs up, by Nikhil Kumar, Apun Ka Choice : ...boasts of goofball characters that leave you chuckling throughout.... full review

Thumbs up, bigoye.com : ...small film with high dose of entertainment ... full review

Thumbs up, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...it’s a film which smartly touches many important issues prevalent in our country dealing with crime and politicians... full review

Thumbs up, by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama : ...Handled deftly by Subhash Kapoor, an extremely talented director, the film has several sequences that stay in your memory much after the film has concluded.... full review

Thumbs up, by Gautam Chintamani, Buzz in Town : ...With some great jokes involving President Obama he beautifully establishes the suffering Bhaisahab and his gang.... full review

Thumbs up, by Vikramjit, Desi Martini : ...The Funny,Great American Dream ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rhea, Desi Martini : ...No recession when it comes to laughs... ... full review

Thumbs up, by Payal, Desi Martini : ...even Barrack Obama mustn't have thought that Indians can be so innovative in their approach... full review

Thumbs up, by Deepa Gahlot, Film Impressions : ...it makes no greed-is-bad dire predictions, but turns it into a comedy. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Pankaj Sabnani, Glamsham.com : ...It's hard not to laugh your guts out when a local teacher of an English speaking coaching class converses with his students in appalling English... full review

Thumbs up, by Divya Solgama, Gomolo.in : ...Neha Dhupia was bad and unwanted in the film; her track should have been totally chopped off. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Mayank Shekhar, Hindustan Times : ...The parallel is supremely placed, the black comedy, superbly written (Subhash Kapoor)... full review

Thumbs up, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...star of the film is Manu Rishi, who brings just the perfect degree of naïvete to his role of a gangster’s moderately-educated sidekick yearning for a better life. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Kaveree Bamzai, india today : ...The characters are outrageous. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...Subhash Kapoor’s film is a deft compilation of the sort of characters we wish there were more of in Hindi cinema: good guys and bad guys with the kind of smarts that keep us engaged.... full review

Thumbs up, by Komal Nahta, koimoi : ...is for a select audience only; its poor marketing will tell on its business.... full review

Thumbs up, Movie Talkies : ...Original writing, a unique plot, deft direction and excellent acting, ... full review

Thumbs up, by Anupama Chopra, NDTV : ...But despite these hiccups, Phas Gaye Re Obama has genuine laughs and surprising insight. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Noyon Jyoti Parasara, Now Running.com : ...smart entertainer... full review

Thumbs up, by Namrata Joshi, Outlook India : ...The filmmakers have obviously worked under budgetary constraints, visible in the tawdry frames... full review

Thumbs up, by Padmaja Thakore, Passion for Cinema : ...As it often happens in films one admires, you get picky on minor glitches... full review

Thumbs up, by magik, Passion for Cinema : ...This was Dibakar Banerjee kinda funny. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Sukanya Verma, Rediff : ...And so while the cunning lines and satirical wit is a constant, the presence of potty-themed humour is impossible to overlook... full review

Thumbs up, by K N Gupta, SmasHits.com : ...The dialogues are repetitive and not catchy! ... full review

Thumbs up, by Janhvi Patel, StarBoxOffice : ...The characters are endearing.... full review

Thumbs up, by Nikhat Kazmi, Times of India : ...From the Big Apple to the backwaters of small town India, this comedy of errors lives and breathes fire through its colourful characters and its witty screenplay. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Spicezee Bureau, Zee News : ...Unlike the common B-town films that are low on script, ‘Phas Gaye...’ makes you laugh because of its madcap situations.... full review

So-So, by Nishtha Bhatnagar, Alpha : ...Phas Gaye Re Obama proves some very old perceptions wrong. Firstly, that star power is imperative to keep a movie going and secondly, that gags have to be hard hitting to make us laugh.... full review

So-So, by Deepa Deosthalee, Film Impressions : ...The characters are sketched with precision although the production suffers from ABCS (acute budgetary constraints syndrome). ... full review

So-So, by Tushar Joshi, MiD DAY : ...Amole Gupte's mantri act could have had more shades than him just having to chant some mantras to cure his bowel issues. ... full review

So-So, by Ruchi Mehta, Roochster : ...The story is good and interesting but the dialogues and direction lack big time!... full review

So-So, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...The representation of small-towners here is far from flattering – they are either highly corrupt or bumbling buffoons. ... full review

So-So, by Mr Care, Upper Stall : ...In spite of the comparisons and it's premise, this is not an out and out farce like Tere Bin Laden, and is in fact a more mature treatment of the material at hand. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Manu, Desi Martini : ...Dekhne gaye to pakka phas jaoge ... full review

136 tweeters(?) - 131 yays 3 so-so 2 nays

wickednik: just cn Phas Gaye Re Obama. iLike iLike :]

whiteecloud: 'Phas Gaye Re Obama' - hilarious, no nonsense film. Honest performances, brilliant direction, great editing. Go watch.

Vjuneesh: for phans gaye re obama MessEnd gives a rating of 3.5 . Instead of analyzing he told whole story.

vivekv80: Saw it, nice movie :) @Neha_Dhupia is awesome as female Gabbar Singh!!! RT @ranvirshorey: Watch 'Phas Gaye Re Obama' ...

vipulsonline: Phas Gaye re obama: must watch

vikranthum: phas gaye re obama-total entertainment!!!loved it!!

vidurchaturvedi: Saw Phans Gaye Re Obama yesterday. Its a small, unique and immensely likable film. Such films need audience support. So please create buzz.

venkyrocks: Thoroughly enjoyed 'phas gaye re Obama'! Inelligent, Hillarious and superbly talented cast of actors at their best.

uberkuki: Btw guys, phas Gaye re Obama is one funny movie.. Dont miss it :)

treebookie: phas gaye re obama is short logical crisply edited;&wonder of wonders,has a story,unraveling linearly with a traditionalbeginning,middle&end

tikender: Watched movie phas gaye re obama. Nice one.

thtsarjun: Phas Gaye Re Obama is unpredictable and surprisingly relevant, even if the film’s title is a bit of a stretch.4/5!!

thesaurabh: Phas Gaye Re Obama: Laugh Riot. That's how the cinema should be. Highly recommended!

sushmitsarkar: Phas gaya Obama! Fantastic film. What a beautiful, funny, tight, witty script. And I'm in love with manu rishi

sumitxyz: Phas Gaye Re Obama is a smart movie, apart from being a laugh riot. Do watch it!

sumitbmyfriend: phas gaye re obama dekho jo log pareshan hai udas hai, dukhi hai ek baar zaroor dekhna friends sab dukh pareshani 2 ghante ke liye gayab

sujan_mv: 'Phas Gaye Re Obama' was Fantastic..!! Comedy was Super..!! Loving U..! @Neha_Dhupia

srinivasanravi: Phas Gaye re Obama will become another word of mouth winner like Tere Bin Laden. What a funny film! To think I wasted same amt on Golmaal3!

smitaindelhi: Phas gaye Obama is a lughter riot.Well scripted movie wth impressive performances.Low budget movies hv much better plots than magnum opuses

singh9993: 'Phas gaye re obama' the most intelligent comedy after bheja fry.

ShreyanshS: Phas Gaye re Obama - proves that all u need to make a "GOOD" film ( not a HIT film, mind u) is a good story

shivithukral: Phans gaye re obama highly recommended! Good spoof on financial mkts if u can figure it out, makes fun of hw futures work..well almost!!

Sharatkatariya: Phas Gaye Re Obama. Super duper hit!!

shakirjamali: Phas gaye re obama is good watch. Story line is more or less same but presented very well. I enjoyed 1:50 Hr

shaileshkapoor: Phas Gaye Re Obama - delightful. Good to see new directors make a mark even as the 'stalwarts' continue to (cont) http://tl.gd/7avbbh

Sethumadhavan: Phas Gaye Re Obama- clean fun and the entire star cast ( especially Manu Rishi & Sanjay Mishra ) contributes to the melee.Go for it!!!

sayalisancheti: Phas gaye re Obama a good plot and overall a good movie

sara2002: Phas Gaye Re Obama movie Review-A Great comedy Film –Rating 3.5/5 http://goo.gl/fb/5XHD3

SanjeevMonga: Phas Gaye Re OBAMA - A must watch delightful light movie...

sanjaykhanduri: Phas Gaye Obama.. Gud fun.

SamirKochhar: Go watch phas gaye re obama its a total laugh riot.. :) saw it last night.. Super performances.. Simple raw and total dhamaal:)

sagnikarmakar: One word to describe phas gaye re obama - awesome!!!

ronitroy: Phas gaye re Obama : good fun

ref_kartik: Quite Liked Phas gaye re obama #fb

razabpn: From julie to phas gaye obama. from desperation to wiseness. Neha dhupia is standing out. Must see movie.

rawat_he: Just watched "Phas Gaye Re Obama", See and 'Yes We Can"!! ☆☆☆☆☆ #hindi #movies

ranjanchhabra: 4 stars to phas gaye re obama

randomrobin: Phas Gaye Re Obama, is an excellent comedy, a must see!

rakeshandania: saw 'Phas gaye re Obama' -great idea wrapped perfectly in situational comedy ....no mindless gags like other films. Congrats Subhash.

rajeevbisht: saw phas gaye re obama. Worth it man. Good show. Just loved it.

Raj_S: Among the smartest Hindi comedies that I've watched. "Phas Gaye Re Obama" http://youtu.be/LoUayAxNzh0

rahulswami: Phas Gaye Re Obama!!!!!... OMG !!!! What a movie........ FANTASTIC :)

rahulghadia: Phas gaye re obama... *****

pranshujoshi: Loved "Phas gaye re Obama" yet another low budget super entertainer. Sanjay Mishra, Rajat Kapoor and Manu Rishi were fantastic.

PMakhijani: Enjoyed movie "Phas Gaye re Obama"

PirateOfPersia: Phas Gaya Obama...an intelligent comedy about the effects of recession..A lot better than many mainstream Hindi movies...Must Watch...

pikdflik: Review of Phas Gaye Re Obama (Just finished seeing the movie): Delightful ticklish humour not to be missed. A Sweet movie. My ratings 4 on 5

phanikiran: Phas Gaye Re Obama is a nice comedy... Must Watch.

Pavan_Soni: PHAS GAYE RE OBAMA- Truly a smart comedy. Must watch

pankajbatra: Just watched Phas Gaye Re Obama. Brilliant stuff and superb performance by Manu Rishi and Sanjay Mishra Must watch!

optimist_pooz: "Phas gaye re Obama" was EXCELLENT, a MUST WATCH!!!

oopsalion: Movie Review: Phas Gaye re Obama - It is hilarious, much better than the few latest flicks, a whole heartidly handsome entertainer !

oodii: Whatte #Sunday! Watched "Phas gaye Obama" & "Allah Ke Bande". Two very different yet brilliant #movies #ILoveNewAgeBollywood

onansaha: "Phas Gaye Re Obama" Loved the movie

NishantSKumar: Yes We Can :) Phas Gaye Re Obama is awesome :)

nb74: http://twitsnaps.com/1042602 Just watched the movie Phas gaye re obama, awesome #bollywood

nash_moviefreak: Phas Gaye Obama: Great weekend movie, much better than big budget,silly joke movies..like Bin Laden..some good performances,shud watch..7/10

mehranzaidi: -Phas gaye re obama! Superb film! #win

Meenajain83: Saw phas gaye re obama yesterday... a must watch.. I think sarcastic humour sells.

mayurporwal: Phas Gaye Re Obama ***1/2[3.5/5] Amreeka se Gire aur UP mein Atke. Dont miss this refreshing film 4 some funny, hearty & crackling dialogues

MayankBhardwaj9: Phas Gaye Re Obama is awesome. Perhaps the best slapstick comedy of 2010.

manavtomar: "The laughs never stop in “Phas Gaye Re Obama”. Watch it to feel it! :)" http://tumblr.com/x90yf47t2

manan_vora: Phas Gaya Obama Re! Must Watch! Awesome ek dum

manan_vora: Mad funny movie this Phas Gaya Obama. Super stuff. Interval now

malani1990: Phas Gaye Re Obama: A small budget film with ribtickling comedy

Mahol: "Phas gaye re obama" Completely Original and Engaging Movie. This Rajat Kapoor has never ever disappointed me. Had a nice time :) #fb

Mahiram: MOVIE REVIEW: Phas Gaye Re Obama http://bit.ly/dJxidk @Neha_Dhupia Sure is a Hit. Must Watch!!!

Madhav_Gupta: Phas Gaye Re Obama is brilliant! May the sun forever shine on Independent filmmakers! Bheja Fry, Peepli Live, Tere Bin Laaden and now this!

ladasingh: And now a shoutout to a film that's good cinema. Support Phas Gaye Re Obama. Highly recommended.

kshitijb: Saw "Phas Gaye re Obama"....Hilarious :D :D ! Wish such movies were more frequent than the regular "Break ke baad" type of movies..

krazykrackpot: Phans gaye re Obama is a better watch than most of the "super hyped" movies - full paisa wasool

kotharipankaj: Phas gaye re Obama is good watch .. small budget movie with big laughs .. 3.5 out of 5 is my rating and don't miss it ..

kaveerr: 'Phas Gaye Re Obama' ....coool ....... worth a watch

kartikeyarathi: Someone wants a hearty laugh b4 no prob then check out Phas gaya obama but pl don't contemplate for the role of Chulbul panday ;) total tp

karan__jain: Just watched "Phas Gaye Re Obama" Bloody Hilarious !!!...Tweeps..this is one film NOT to miss !!!

indianclown: Watched the "Phas Gaye Re Obama" last night... It was Hilarious... ★★★★

iamskdas: phas gaya obama is a superb film with promising starcast.

iamptk: Phans Gaye re obama...a must watch movie..killer movie..full entertaininig...each character in film done great job...@Neha_Dhupia rocks...!!

I_Sharat: Phas Gaye Obama is a lovely movie.. Dont miss it!!

I_Sharat: Indeed!! RT @meerasapra Phas Gaye Re Obama is excellent satire. Must watch.

guptabn: Watch Phans Gaye Re Obama, witty and sarcastic.

gulpanag: Phas Gaye re Obama was a laugh riot. Entertaining and fun. A good comedy. Is a definite must watch IMO.

Gossippress: #Movie #Review : #Phas #Gaye Re #Obama: Tweet Movie Review : Phas Gaye Re Obama… http://goo.gl/fb/EOHk9 Celebrity

girishmallya: So Phas Gaye re Obama is by far the best movie of the week, do try n catch it next week if you can. Great casting n acting, incl Neha dhupia

gemrose13: Phans gaye re Obama is FUN ;-)

ForceDarthVader: Phas Gaye re Obama is a hit!!! #Bwood

Fattiemama: Watch Phas Gaye re Obama like NOW! And let it wash away the memories of the existence of a certain Khele Hum...

DVipz: Phas Gaye Re Obama... hahaha FUN movie... "re badii kutti chiz haii yeh F.B.I... BOOS... BUSH... BOOS... " :P :P :P hahahhaa rofl...

drmunir82: Phas Gaye Re Obama -Its hard to predict if it will make it up on charts but the Movies is fun to watch, I enjoyed the Comedy.Luved Munni Mam

dkh9: Phas Gaye Re Obama is 1 of those small films tht have zeroface value bt provide crackling entertainment if you're brave enough to venturein

dislecsic: Must watch Phas gaye re Obama. With subtitles, ofcourse.

Disha2510: Phas gaye re Obama...nice movie..too good..

dhruvis: So, finally, watched Phas Gaye Re Obama. Quite entertaining. The cast and crew have done a good job.

d10mishra: phas gaye re obama must watch guys:):) complete laughter ride:):)

CineManan: Phas gaye re Obama-excellent execution of an entertaining storyline.@mrrajatkapoor and team take a bow.you have entertained yet again.8.5/10

CineMagik: phas gaye re obama is kick ass!

chintu317: Phas Gaye re Obama is a awesome movie, must watch

BreadRaiser: Phas gaye Obama is a fucking amazing movie. Unbelievably awesome.

braj123: just watched phas gaye re obama...fun smart and interestin.!!!

BitterWords: loved the satire and the wittiness in phas gaye re obama!

bijupavithran: saw phas gaye re obama. Really funny. Unlike slap stick comedy.

bhawikab: Phas Gaye Re Obama is a fun movie. Do watch it.

Bhavuk7: Phas gaye re obama had what is most required in a movie,brilliant writing.Manu rishi rocked,@mrrajatkapoor,always a treat to watch.

bhaskarchat: Phas Gaye Re Obama !! These Bollywood folks are incredible :)-

bharat_k: Watched Phas gaye re Obama.Good sattire.

BeingAsif_Nazar: PHAS GAYE RE OBAMA-i loved this movie...truely hillarious...

baxishweta: Watched Phas Gaye Re Obama last night. Awesome slapstick comedy. Must watch. Mast watch.

azhikodan: ' Phas Gaye Re Obama ' ....coool ....... worth a watch !! Hilarious... ★★★ Don’t miss it

Ayush_A: loved loved loved phans gaye re obama

ays7: Phas Gaye Re Obama is hilarious....really liked it

atulsingh001: Watched "Phas Gaye Re Obama " , mast time pass.. :)

arvindsaraswat: Phas Gaye Re Obama: nice movie.

arbaazSkhan: Kudos to writer-director Subhash Kapoor for making a smart , funny and highly watchable film. " Phas gaye obama" is a paisa vasool film !!!

arbaazSkhan: Just saw a very interesting film called " PHAS GAYE OBAMA " Its a humorous take on a very serious topic of abduction. Fun watch. Enjoyed

aquarius_vishal: "Phas Gaye Re Obama" - nice watch!

anwarshadab: phans gaye re obama... a nice comic flick... small movies (low $) have always surpassed audience's expectations... watch it...

anuphshah: "Phas gaye re Obama" Smart Comedy. Nice act, direction. Watch it once. 3.5/5

anujalankar: phas gaye re obama is hillarious in terms of d plot, dialogues nd arched characters...mst watch!!

anu91178: Just saw "Phas Gaya Obama". Highly recommended.One of the best films of this year

anu_20890: Phas Gaye Re Obama is brilliant! May the sun forever shine on Independent filmmakers! Bheja Fry, Peepli Live, Tere Bin Laaden and now this!

ankyae50: i jus watched phas gaye re obama..... awesome muvi.... YES WE CAN!!!!

ankurudesai: Sanjay Mishra in Phas Gaye Re Obama and @jaidesai made it an awesome ngt... Still can't stop laughing.

ankurtewari: Phans Gaye Re Obama. Must Watch. Munni is smoking Hot.

ankit_fadia: Phas Gaye Re Obama is quite funny. #LOL

aniltyagi11: "phas gaye obama" is a must watch film!

Akshay_kumar2z3: Watched the "Phas Gaye Re Obama" last night... It was Hilarious... ★★★★

ADTSinghSharma: Phas Gaye Re Obama .. Super film !!

adel: Watched two beautifully crafted movies - 'Udaan' & 'Phas Gaye Re Obama' - this weekend. Wish there were more of this kind

abi89mishra: PHAS GAYE RE OBAMA what a movie yar super comedy

ABHIandNOW: Phans gaye re Obama, awesome movie !!!!

aanteladda: Phas gaye obama: Not a waste of time. Laughs. Language (NSFK). Short. See with friends.

Outlookindia: Phas Gaye Re Obama: A dry, wry wit runs through the film, making you smile rather than laugh out loud http://bit.ly/dKWlTL Outlook Magazine

numbsku11: ah, watched Phas Gaye Re Obama. story is ok, acting by all superb. but first half dialogues are AWESOME.

mastidea: came from Phas gaya obama .. a well made movie, 3/5 from me .. But best movie of year is @khjjs , a must watch ..

rameshrabi: Phas Gaye Re Obama is a great case study of how there are so many things that can go wrong in a film. In this case, tone and pace.

kulpushkar: Phas gaye re Obama- Best eg. of how u can mess up a film with quite interesting plot. totally boring.

2 readers - 1 yays 1 so-so 0 nays

Yay! Thumbs Up, by rahul : fantastic black comedy ,superb metaphor for housing loan scandal in usa

So-So, by kay

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

Plot Summary

Every goon in town and the politician too is chasing an American dream -that of kidnapping an American based desi for some quick ransom money.

What Worked

  • The background music.
  • The camerawork, especially the long shots.

What did not

Note: This section simply lists the things that I did not like in this movie. This is not the overall impression about this movie. Please read the full review here

  • Rajat Kapoor's monologue when he explains his situation to Bhai saahab.
  • The repetition of the "yes, we can" joke.
  • The acting of the guy who plays Ali bhai
  • People who can barely speak English, pronouncing the word "career" the right way. They invariably pronounce it "carier"

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: Slaps and kidnapping (soft on the kidnapped though)
  • Language: Crass at several occasions
  • Nudity & Sexual content: Characters are watching a porn film and there's talk about condoms
  • Concept: The recession and the farce that the American dream is for most people
  • General Look and Feel: rugged texture with light humor

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction:
Story:
Lead Actors:
Character Artists:
Dialogues:
Screenplay:
Music Director:
Lyrics:

Phas Gaye Re Obama - Cast, crew, links

Producer:
Screenplay:
Dialogues:
Cinematography:
Background Score:
Choreography:
Music Director:
Costume Designer:
Art Direction:
Running time:
120 minutes
Reviewer:
Language:
Country:
Genres:

Comments (3)

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Hey! A friend, a trustworthy source, saw it yesterday and strongly recommended it. Thought of watching it tomorrow and now after reading this, I am confused :|

@Kalyan as i've mentioned, i'm not a slapstick person. As you can see from the twitter verdict it's a near hit with almost everyone who saw it :D

@rahul well, i don't know about that. toilet humor and innuendoes is slapstick unless you call jokes about someone's upset tummy dark. And if it is going down a level deeper to say that a politician is suffering from indigestion because of his corrupt ways...that's a bit much, given the tone the film had set.

Liked the movie although others in the family were not very enthusiastic. My reason for not being disappointed was mostly because I think I knew what to expect already in a Rajat Kapoor movie.

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