Madgaon Express Movie Review: Kunal Khemu, Please Direct More Films!

A movie that I have been looking forward to being the Kunal Khemu directed film “Madgaon Express” starring a phenomenal cast in the form of Divyenndu, Pratik Gandhi, Avinash Tiwary, Nora Fatehi, Upendra Limaye and Chhaya Kadam. If you want to label a cast of underrated actors who rarely get the masses attention, well, this ensemble cast represents precisely that. The film focusses on three childhood best friends – Dodo (Divyenndu), Pinku (Pratik Gandhi) & Ayush (Avinash Tiwary). Years have passed and lives have changed but one thing hasn’t: their age-old dream of doing a Goa trip. They reunite years later and decide to take a trip to Goa, but what follows is a sequence of very bad decisions taken by three very luckless boys and unintentionally hilarious situations that you wouldn’t want to be a part of. The film takes us on a ride with these naive characters stuck in some of the most nonsensical circumstances which include police, gangsters and drugs. Getting right into various aspects of the film so that you guys can ultimately decide whether this comedic thriller is worth it or not?

Kunal Khemu’s story is routine, but it is his screenplay which makes it interesting and funny. The comedy quotient is so high that even the routine story gets a boost. Added to this is the colorful language used by the characters, which adds to the comedy. Kunal Khemu enthuses for his audiences’ oodles of laughter which keeps you rolling till the end. It is for the massively satiating entertainment they largely provide, are few hitches easily ignorable to naked eyesight. Strictly a multiplex oriented, youth inviting film, the older generation and the more orthodox audience might not enjoy the film. For the younger brigade, it is a true-to-its-word ‘comic caper’.

Divyenndu is a show stealer. With his character buying for itself all the juvenile, sleazy humor, it is he who gives you your money’s worth here!

Pratik Gandhi is splendid. His sense of timing is so brilliant that it’s a delight to watch him on the screen.

Avinash Tiwary does his role calculatedly, falling slightly short of Divyenndu and Pratik’s energy and vigor. Mostly adequate, he stays true to his stint and focuses his vision entirely on it alone.

Nora Fatehi was sidelined for the good in the film. Though extremely hot, her screen space was unduly cut short for the larger good of the story.

Upendra Limaye as usual, gets into the skin of the character and leaves an indelible mark in the mind of the viewer. 

Chhaya Kadam does a fine job and enacts the role of Kanchan Kombdi with aplomb.

Kunal Khemu’s direction is focused and crisp. His handling of the comic scenes does justice to the script. As a comedic thriller Kunal Khemu squeeze out an uproarious gag. His dialogues are trademark Bollywood slapstick fun, but does it so refreshingly and wittily, that it scores heavy points for the film.

Songs could have been incorporated better however their picturizations are good. Sameer Uddin’s background music score is pretty effective. Aejaz Gujab & Vikram Dahiya’s action scenes are in keeping with the comic mood of the film. Adil Afsar’s cinematography is superb. Prachi Deshpande’s art direction is lovely. Anand Subaya & Sanjay Ingle’s editing is super-sharp.

On the whole, “Madgaon Express” is a laugh riot and is a must one time watch. It is an unabashedly crazy film with Divyenndu and Pratik Gandhi delivering super performances. Relegated into the premise, the film is an exuberantly hilarious laughter riot that shouldn’t be missed. Honestly, I haven’t laughed this much in a film since Lootcase. Take a break from all the morose things in life and catch this one, believe me there can’t be any regrets! I am going with a 3.5/5.

Shaitaan Movie Review: One of The BEST To Come Out of This Genre

One genre of films that Indian Audiences are really looking forward to is horror. Where over the last couple of years the horror comedy genre has garnered a lot of success, gripping and haunting films have not been produced actively. Finally, today I witnessed “Shaitaan” starring Ajay Devgn, R. Madhavan, Jyothika and Janki Bodiwala. The movie is an official adaptation of the 2023 Gujarati film “Vash”.

The film focuses on Kabir (Ajay Devgn) and his family, whose happy lives are turned upside down by the black magic of an evil. Kabir’s daughter, Jahnvi (Janki Bodiwala), is hypnotized by Vanraj (R. Madhavan), who calls himself her “god” (Bhagwan). Kabir, his wife, Jyoti (Jyotika), and their 8-year-old son are helpless, as Jahnvi is totally in control of Vanraj. The motive of Vanraj is simple: he wants to take Jahnvi with him, with or without her parents’ consent. Will Kabir and Jyoti allow him? But how can they refuse, forms the premise of “Shaitaan”. Did we finally get a good horror movie? Can we get regular horror films like the early 2000s or is it another disappointing venture? Here’s me telling you the good and bad aspects of the film so that you guys can ultimately decide whether to go for it or not?

The best thing about Shaitaan’s writing and the screenplay is that it scares you with your own imagination. The writers play with your mind throughout the film and don’t show you what you are expecting for a long time. After you witness the condition of Jahnvi (Janki Bodiwala) after she is under the control of Vanraj (R. Madhavan), all you want is to see her unharmed, but you also know that something will happen. But how will she fight with the danger without any proper support?

The eerie feel has been well kept and makes you bite your nails until the end of the film. A heavy portion of the second half has loopholes where the logic goes for a toss but is still captivating.

The concepts of “supernatural elements” and “Black Magic” are quite new for the audience and do the work of binding your attention. However, some sequences play spoilsport.

Ajay Devgn is in his zone throughout & we know how he plays on his home ground. The role of Kabir is tailor made for Ajay and it’s impossible to imagine anyone else then him.

R. Madhavan’s performance as the villain is definitely a highlight of the film! His ability to shed his good-guy image and fully commit to a dark, unsettling character deserves all the praise. Madhavan brings a sense of casual menace to the role. He doesn’t rely on theatrics, but instead lets his actions and demeanor speak volumes about the character’s evil nature. Seeing Madhavan in such a different role is a treat for audiences who are used to him playing the charming hero.

Jyothika lends able support and is good in her performance.

Janki Bodiwala has aced her character, and you’ll end up adoring her for her skills. Her character is weak, vulnerable and she has pulled all the antics brilliantly. That’s worth all the praise. The versatile actress is no less than a gift for Bollywood and she has killed it.

Vikas Bahl’s direction is good, and he maintains the horror element throughout. The psychological thriller makes you uncomfortable and that’s where his direction wins. Amit Trivedi’s background score is edgy and keeps you engrossed. Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti’s cinematography and camera work add to the thrilling element.

“Shaitaan” is among one of the well-made Indian horror thrillers. Watch it for the performances and for the love of edge of the seat entertainment. The film is actually able to grip and scare you thanks to its edge of the seat and taut narrative.

Three Stars!