Taran Adarsh
An interesting news-piece highlighted the fact that an increasing number of pet owners are providing provisions for their pets in their wills. The write-up focused on some of the world’s richest animal heirs, which included a Pooch, Labrador, Bull Terrier, Chihuahua, Ragdoll Cat… even a Chimpanzee.
The West has attempted films on pets inheriting the wealth of their deceased master. Recall films like THE RICHEST CAT IN THE WORLD [1986] or THE DUKE [1999]. A number of dream merchants in Bollywood have explored the man-animal relationship in films — HAATHI MERE SAATHI, TERI MEHERBANIYAN or the more recent YEH HAI BAKRAPUR. ENTERTAINMENT is, perhaps, the first Hindi film that depicts the dog as the heir to his deceased master’s riches.
What makes ENTERTAINMENT attention-grabbing — besides its distinctive storyline — is the fact that it is helmed by Sajid-Farhad, who have penned several laughathons in the past. Naturally, one expects their directorial debut to be a rib-tickling entertainer. There’s one more reason — Akshay Kumar. The actor, synonymous with comedies, has a terrific comic timing and with a title like ENTERTAINMENT, the film ought to live up to those lofty expectations, right? Does ENTERTAINMENT hit the right notes? Let’s find out!
First, the premise! Akhil [Akshay Kumar] struggles to make ends meet by doing petty jobs. He does all this to support his ailing father [Darshan Jariwala], who has been hospitalized. Akhil gets a jolt when he overhears his father telling the nurse that Akhil is not his son. That’s not all, for he also gets to know that the wealthy diamond merchant, Pannalal Johri [Dalip Tahil], is his father, who had cheated his mother.
When an over-excited Akhil breaks this news to his pal [Krushna Abhishek], the duo also get to know, through a news channel, about Pannalal Johri’s sudden demise in Bangkok. Akhil rushes to Bangkok to stake claim on his fathe’s fortune. However, Akhil gets a shock when the lawyer [Johny Lever] informs him that his father has bequeathed his fortune to his dog — Entertainment. What happens next?
Sajid-Farhad have been an integral part of Rohit Shetty’s movies and unsurprisingly, Rohit’s influence shows in their very first outing as well. Much like Rohit or for that matter, David Dhawan and Anees Bazmee, who have focused on providing ample laughs and amusement in those 3 hours, Sajid-Farhad too throw logic out of the window, focus only on tickling your funny bone and offer unabashed, over the top humor.
Sajid-Farhad also integrate the man-animal relationship smartly in the narrative and create episodes that are ludicrous, but comical. One doesn’t mind absurdities or irrational situations as long as you have a good laugh and Sajid-Farhad make sure the humor is never in short supply. Much like their predecessors, Sajid-Farhad’s first attempt is akin to your fav fast food that may be low on nutrition [sensible, path-breaking stuff], but your taste buds relish it and you savor it till it lasts.
The writing is stuffed with uproarious episodes and a couple of them are indeed side-splitting. The sequences between Akshay and Krushna Abhishek [at the commencement of the film] or the antics between Akshay and the pet do bring a smile on your face and at times, makes you break into guffaws. Really, if you need to de-stress yourself, ENTERTAINMENT — with all its bizarre, outrageous and wacky jokes and superb one-liners — serves the purpose.
However, you cannot disregard the loose ends. The humor quotient goes downhill as the comic villains [Prakash Raj and Sonu Sood] surface slightly before the intermission. The gags and funny episodes, all of a sudden, take a back seat towards the second hour and though Sajid-Farhad do make an attempt to pack hilarious occurrences, you aren’t amused really. Furthermore, a number of sequences in the post-interval portions are stretched for no reason, with a couple of jokes appearing forced in the scheme of things. Nonetheless, the pace gains momentum yet again towards the penultimate stages.
The soundtrack boasts of two popular tracks — ‘Johnny Johnny’ and ‘Veerey Di Wedding Hain’ — which are already a rage with listeners. ‘Teri Mahima Aprampaar’ is another tuneful composition that has been filmed skillfully. The DoP imparts a rich texture to the visuals and the eye-catching locales of Thailand aid him in his endeavor.
Akshay returns to the comfort zone [comedies] and expectedly, is charismatic, charming and vibrant. His faultless comic timing coupled with the enthusiasm with which he goes through his part is worthy of immense praise. Tamannaah is endearing and though she’s paired with Akshay for the first time, they compliment each other wonderfully well.
The supporting cast also adds to the madness. Mithun Chakraborty is in fine form yet again. It’s a sheer joy to watch Prakash Raj and Sonu Sood step out of villainous roles and have fun with comic characters. Johny Lever is top notch, evoking ample laughter on varied occasions. Krushna Abhishek is simply outstanding. His comic timing is impeccable and his one-liners are howlarious.
Dalip Tahil, Darshan Jariwala and Vrajesh Hirjee are okay. Riteish Deshmukh, Shreyas Talpade and Remo D’Souza appear in cameos. The pet, a Golden Retriever named Junior, is simply adorable.
On the whole, ENTERTAINMENT is a joy ride that lives up to its title. Go, laugh out loud and get entertained!
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