Bangistan

Critic Turned Writer-Director Karan Anshuman's 'Bangistan' is a Good Idea, but the execution is average. Made with noble intentions, this satirical comedy, however, doesn't leave the impact it ought to have, due to not-so-strong writing.

'Bangistan' Synopsis: After being brainwashed by two extremists, an Indian & a Muslim, turn into suicide bombers & plan to execute a dangerous plan at a cultural event in Poland. But their ideologies change, as they learn the truth about religion & god.

'Bangistan' lacks sharp writing. The Screenplay by Anshuman, Puneet Krishna & Sumit Purohit, definitely is noble, but it isn't engaging enough. The protagonists are decently written, but their journey doesn't inspire much. There are some moments that work, but overall, the narrative isn't full-proof. Anshuman's Direction is amateurish. Cinematography captures the beautiful locales of Poland, nicely. Editing lacks sharpness. Ram Sampath's Score is good.

Performance-Wise Riteish Deshmukh is marvelous & the life of the show. He is sincere, affecting & absolutely believable in his portrayal of a man torn between racial discrimination & violence. Pulkit Samrat is over-the-top. Jacqueline Fernandez is wasted in a cameo, she looks great though. Kumud Mishra is excellent in dual roles. Chandan Roy Sanyal & Aarya Babbar don't work.

On the whole, 'Bangistan' is a half-baked fare.

By the promos, one expects a hilarious laugh riot which sounded amazing, extremely novel and different. But what the film offers is a big let-down. The film runs with a snail's pace. The director is unclear whether he wants to deliver his message through humour and satire or moralizing lecturing.

Initially Bangistan promises a bang and showers hints of satire in almost every scene, dialogue and frame; but runs out of impressive ideas and additions soon after the successful take-off. In this supposedly comedy film, there are just handful of moments that bring a smile on your face and most of the time, you just stare in horror at the pointless stuff happening in front of you. The film's music somehow is a relief.

Riteish Deshmukh was the eye among the blind. Though he was confused most of the times. Pulkit Samrat was the epitome of over-acting. Jacqueline Fernandez's role was a mere blink & miss in 3-4 scenes & 1 song. She was not required at all & was used as a prop. Aarya Babbar was funny in 1 or 2 scenes. The performances of rest were unsound.

The problem with ‪‎Bangistan‬ is that it tries to be too many things at the same time. The film's promos promise a comedy however, the jokes soon start falling flat one after the other. Then the director suddenly decides to make a preachy film with a social message on religious harmony. It's ultimate undoing lies in its desperate lunge towards delivering a message in the climax (which was the saving grace).

Enjoyed the movie, it has good mix of sarcastic humor and parellel drawn.

Definitely deserves more credit than I see right now.

At this point in the Hindi film industry, when it has become so easy to follow a convention and earn a few million, it's refreshingly stimulating to watch a movie that is not only formula-free and original but also is brilliantly made. Its clever cinematography, witty, dry humour (every scene packed with it) and inspiration-driven plot (just shy of being preachy or cloying) make the film a much-needed breath of fresh air. And every breath is, of course, laced with laughter thanks to the satirical approach to serious topics, with a sharp lack of insensitivity. Heavy irony, cheeky puns, and visual humour are only a few of the myriad devices employed with such skill that the only real let-down of the movie becomes its cringe-worthily, predictable end (that I shall very carefully not reveal)- which is the reason I scored this work of near-genius an 8 instead of a greater rank.

It feels bad to see such good movies not getting their due, I watched this movie very late from its release but I am happy that I did. From the day I saw promos of this movie, I so badly wanted to see this. The imagination and art direction of this movie is amazing, something really really innovative and new. The whole concept, cinematography, costumes, dialogues, locations and acting, everything is commendable. I accept this movie may not be funny as those brainless Bollywood comedies rather it is more subtle with genuine smile on your face throughout the movie. As I watched this I didn't feel bore for even a second. I wanted this movie to go on and on, there are several small small yet thought provoking lines that shows the brilliance of the writer.

I would recommend this movie to any movie lover, watch it for its simplicity, sensibility, and subtle comedy. You wont come out laughing but surely thinking and smiling :)