Movie Review | Aiyyaa: Good music, good cast, story - wish it was 'wakda'!

The latest flick on the block is Rani Mukerji and south star Prithvirajs’ Aiyyaa. The film is an extension of one of writer – director Sachin Kundalkar’s short films, Gandh, which means aroma / smell. Kundalkar’s world consists of the Deshpande family. A father who smokes four cigarettes at the same time using an old-fashioned gadget, a son whose only love is street dogs, a loud-mouthed grand old lady on a wheelchair with dark goggles and gold teeth, a daughter, Meenaxi (Rani Mukerji) who, in her dream world, impersonates Sridevi, Madhuri and Juhi—more real to her than her state of wakefulness. This is unlike any Deshpande family of Pune!

 

Although the plot might appear innovative, it is undernourished and sluggish. What keeps the film going is the writer’s ability to stumble upon humour in the most ordinary situations. Kundalkar catches the pulse of the Maharashtrian backdrop and does immense justice to the written material. The characters, their home, the verbal communication - everything seems close to original. The cinematography is simple and sleek as the DoP captures the essence of the Maharashtrian surroundings beautifully.

 

 

On the flipside, it takes time to get the hang of things. Also, the first half seems stretched, with a few unnecessary sequences adding to the run time. But the second hour more than compensates for the deficiencies. 

 

A special mention of the casting is essential who chooses actors who fit wonderfully well in their respective parts. Rani Mukherjee does justice in her wakda role of a Marathi girl. She does a decently fair job with her loud gags and oodles of pretence. Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran is convincing as a Tamil hunk. The best part is that he doesn't hesitate even a bit with his Hindi dialogues. He looks dashing and confident throughout the movie. He has striking screen presence, has worked hard to get in shape, but most importantly, he has very well managed to come across and convince audiences as a confident actor. Subodh Bhave (Rani’s fiancé) is excellent and matches up to Rani on several occasions. Nirmiti Sawant [Rani's mother] and Jyoti Subhash [the grand-mom], incites laughter in abundance. A special note here is for Anita Date [as Maina, Rani's colleague] who is superb as ‘Gaga Bai’ and for Ameya Wagh [Rani's brother] are actors to watch. Satish Alekar [Rani's father], Kishori Ballal [Prithviraj's mother] and Pakada Pandi [canteen boy] are wonderful in their respective parts. Again, this is one of those rare movies where every actor, big or small, sparkles in their respective part.

 

Aiyyaa treats us with some bizarre yet entertaining tracks. One of those "Dreamum wakeupum" has a retro feel with mashed up lyrics to give it a southern touch. Then comes, "Aga bai", in which Rani flaunts her sensuous belly dancing skills. All thanks to music director Amit Trivedi, for some brilliantly loud and flamboyant music infused with typical Marathi folk music with South Indian touch. Amit Trivedi’s music is already a sure-fire hit. The tantalizing and enticing choreography of these two tracks by Vaibhavi Merchant deserves distinction marks. Some of the in-film marketing includes Ashok Leyland and Lakme Compact.

 

Team Adgully gives out of the ordinary combination of poha and idli-sambar an unsatisfactory 2.5 stars out of 5. Though Prithviraj and Rani Mukerji along with the music would suffice a good viewing, wish the story and the treatment carried more weight. | By Ankita Tanna [ankita(at)adgully.com]