Movie review: Fukrey

Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's Excel Entertainment has produced two films on friendship and camaraderie -- DIL CHAHTA HAI and ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA -- both leaving footprints in the sand of time. Additionally, films like 3 IDIOTS and KAI PO CHE! explored bromance and bonding amongst friends with utmost sensitivity. FUKREY, directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, also falls in the same space, yet is different from the aforementioned movies. This one's a light-hearted, wacky fare that throws four youngsters in hazardous conditions, but, at heart, remains a fun and joyous ride.

FUKREY mirrors the mindset of the youth of today who look for shortcuts to raise funds and attain their targets/dreams. However, unlike the aforesaid movies, this one makes no political statement, nor does it tackle larger than life issues. Although the premise/subject material may give an impression that it's a serious fare, the director and writers Vipul Vig and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba strike a fine balance between solemn and humorous. Frankly, the objective is to keep the spectator amused and FUKREY succeeds in this endeavor largely! 

FUKREY is about four youngsters and their tryst to make it big in life. Choocha [Varun Sharma] gets dreams, which Hunny [Pulkit Samrat] construes and decodes into a lottery ticket number. With the motive of acquiring the examination papers in advance, the duo decides to invest more money and reap benefits. Meanwhile, Lali [Manjot Singh] and Zafar [Ali Fazal] too need to fulfill their individual desires and aspirations and join hands with Hunny and Choocha. 

However, things go topsy-turvy when they pick up a loan from Bholi Punjaban [Richa Chadda], a female gangster...

Post KHOSLA KA GHOSLA!, OYE LUCKY! LUCKY OYE!, DO DOONI CHAAR, DELHI BELLY, BAND BAAJA BAARAAT and VICKY DONOR, there is a barrage of films set in North India. But the similarity ends there. Like I pointed out at the outset, FUKREY is more about the Gen X who are keen to make it big via shortcuts and how they get entangled in a tight spot. The writers borrow from slice of life situations and throw the four characters in circumstances that may seem serious, but the spectator remains thoroughly amused by the goings-on. Additionally, the film stays true to Delhi's colloquialism, but the lines and speech are such that the film caters to a universal audience. Also, the humor is subtle and understated and not in your face tomfoolery and clowning. 

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. Besides, FUKREY comes across as a renaissance for Mrighdeep, who faltered in his directorial debut TEEN THAY BHAI. This time, the screenplay moves fast and furiously, the escapades are wild and wacky and the pacing is just right. In fact, the writing is the biggest strength of the enterprise. Dialogue are witty and mirthful. 

The sole problem with FUKREY is that the narrative appears lengthened towards the concluding stages. A crisper culmination would've only facilitated in creating a stronger impact. As a matter of fact, the entire episode of raising the finance, right up to the guys settling the score with the female gangster, could've been swifter and even more compelling. 

Ram Sampat's soundtrack is in sync with the mood of the film. 'Fuk Fuk Fukrey', 'Jugaad Karle' and 'Ambarsariya' are notable compositions. The DoP captures the environs of old Delhi charmingly. Dialogue are amusing and augment the fun quotient. 

It would be unfair to state that FUKREY belongs to any one actor. Pulkit, Manjot, Ali and Varun, each of them gets ample scope to shine in their respective parts. Pulk
it is confidence personified. He has the potential to make it big. Manjot is getting better with every film. He's top notch. Ali, last seen in ALWAYS KABHI KABHI, is earnest to the core. First-rate. Varun springs the biggest surprise. He contributes enormously to the laugh-out-loud moments. Richa Chadda is in terrific form and from her introduction itself, the graph of the film steers Northwards. Vishakha Singh is in super form. Priya Anand is wonderful and the scenes with Pulkit win you over. Pankaj Tripathi is, as always, fantastic.

On the whole, FUKREY is a twisted and delectably uproarious take on the shortcuts the youth of today indulge in. Watch it for the sheer novelty and uniqueness it lays on display. Recommended!

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