The Shaukeens

Three Libidinous oldies, one crazy bimbette and a reigning superstar - with these oddballs, director Abhishek Sharma (of Tere Bin Laden fame)revisits the Bollywood classic 'Shaukeen',but with genX humor and plenty of uproarious moments.

When Two is Company, Three is Crime. With an interesting voice-over of Akshay Kumar (who plays himself!) introducing the lecherous threesome, we get a glimpse of their lives through the antics which primarily begins with a daily dose of visual Viagra in the jogging park and ends with goofing it up.'Umar Pachpan ki par Dil Bachpan Ka' is the underlying characteristic of the incorrigible Laali(Anupam Kher),Pinki(Piyush Mishra) and the bachelor KD(Annu Kapoor) who are crazy to get into some 'Ohh-la-la' fling.After a couple of their attempts misfire, the trio heads to the scenic Mauritius,much away from the radar of their policing families.And as luck would have it, they stumble upon the gorgeous and sultry Ahana,the 'Earth Child'(Lisa Haydon)who swoons them with her oomph.Ahana is a die-hard Akshay kumar fan and when the trio learns it, each one of them begins his pursuit to please her with the hope of a return favor.

The Shaukeens, written by Tigmanshu Dhulia , borrows the template from the 1980 film with the same title, but doesn't match up to the spontaneity of the plot or the ingenuity with which the stalwarts(Ashok Kumar, Utpal Dutt and AK Hangal)had approached their characters in the original. And here,I would blame it on the shoddy writing and uninspiring screenplay which overclouds the talents of the cast.The sexual innuendos,the projection of Bangkok in poor light or the trio's repeated request to Ahana to slip into bikini makes you cringe after a point in time, ignoring the fact that the lass is more concerned about the number of likes on her FB pics.

Agree, the jokes might appear crass in the beginning but you get to redeem your boredom with the entry of Akshay Kumar. Taking digs at self seems to be latest mantra in Bollywood and Akshay does it sportingly with a great élan.As an 'Alcoholic' actor desperate to win a national award, his self-deprecating humor works enormously for the benefit of the film and us.And here I would give brownie points to the writers who competently synergize the main plot with Akshay's part.

What can also be appreciated about the Shaukeens is the chemistry between the three oldies and their comic banters. They are the best of friends otherwise , but the most hopeless competitors under the influence of Ahana. Among the lot,I liked Annu Kapoor the most. With his nymph in crescendo,Annu makes his character despicable for the dignified viewer,yet evoking the likability to root for. Actors in cameo - Cyrus Broacha, Gaurav Gera and Subrat Dutta are a pleasure to watch.Not to forget, the other celebrities of the Bollywood film fraternity - Abhishek,Sunil Shetty, Kareena and Dimple Kapadia!

Shaukeens is not a bad movie, it makes for a fun watch.Its like a piece of creamy cake.The fun lasts till the glossy garnishing is over.

There is nothing new in the name of story or idea. Screenplay is pushy and routine. Dialogues are fairly good. Story, screenplay and dialogues are by Tigmanshu Dhuliya. Plot is clearly lifted from old SHAUKEEN but still how they can solo claim about story, I am unable to understand. First half is very slow. Second half saves a bit. One side you try to strict yourself for exploring the possibility of naughty side of subject but then expose the lead lady in bikini!!! This is contradiction in makers vision. Satire on industry is very subtle, as that Bengali Director track, which is lengthy but hardly funny. Persons belonging to industry can get that Nav Ras, Methodical Acting satire but difficult for a common audience to get it. Only one thing that saves this film from being unbearably bore is performance. Anuu Kapoor, Anupam Kher and Piyush Mishra are superb. Lisa Haydon is just OK. Akshay Kumar is fine. Music is OK but choreography is over board.

I won't compare it to the original movie "Shaukeens" as it can not be compared at all. This is worst movie ever Akshay has acted in. I think he keeps signing the same kind of movies again and again which do not have storyline or acting.

Lisa Hayden is not at all suited in this movie, it was a headache to watch her act. Anupam has kept the flow going and Anu Kapoor has played the role of his usual character. Movie has some funny moments.

If you have already seen the original Shaukeens then you will feel bad you chose to watch this movie.

If you have nothing else to watch , go for it.

When you are remaking a classic like Basu Bhattcharya's Shaukeen, plenty of comparisons will definitely arise. The question is whether it is on par with the original one ? – Well, It was just about there but neither it did full justice to the original screenplay nor was the acting was even comparable to classic.

Frustrated in life, three lecherous oldies decides to have fun in their vacation with a girl who is a die-hard fan of superstar Akshay Kumar. In order to woo the girl, they must convince Akshay Kumar to help them.

There are two aspects to watch this movie. If you have already seen the classic, you might not be happy with the end product but if you are watching the film for the first time, you might enjoy it. Abhishek Sharma who previously directed the fun-loving Tere Bin Laden misses the bus this time. The movie does have some hilarious moments but only few to keep you alive. The 1st half goes fine. Even the 2nd half shows some promise but the climax plays the spoil sports and messes up completely. The songs are fine. Cinematoraphy is amazing. Art direction is captivating. Background score is just about OK. Coming to performances - Annu Kapoor , Anupam Kher and Piyush Sharma does a fine job and they will tickle your funny bone. Lisa Haydon is just about okay. Akshay Kumar does well in the supporting role.

The Shaukeens does show promises but the climax makes it decent entertainer. Above average 2.75 /5

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A remake of the delightful 1982 film Shaukeen directed by Basu Chatterjee, 'The Shaukeens' is a disappointing remake. This one lacks humor & most importantly charm, which its much-loved original proudly boasted. If there is anything that works in 'The Shaukeens', its Akshay Kumar, who entertains throughly in a cameo.

'The Shaukeens' Synopsis: In order to sleep with a sexy young girl, 3 old lecherous men hatch a plan to get her to meet her film idol, in order for naughty returns.

The original also was about 3 old men trying to woo a young girl, but the humor & storytelling there was neat, clean & cute. But, this remake is crass & crude. There's nothing wrong by giving a story an all new interpretation, but it will only work if the Writing Material is strong. In 'The Shaukeens' case, the Writing also doesn't support much.

The Screenplay Written by Tigmanshu Dhulia & Sai Kabir offers some genuinely funny moments & the addition Akshay's track, which didn't exist in the original, is indeed super. But otherwise, the tale of the 3 old men & the young lady, is a tad under-whelming.

Abhishek Sharma's Direction is limited to a few frames. Cinematography captures the locales of Mauritius well. Editing is fairly done. Music by Various Artists, is melodious.

Performance-Wise: Akshay Kumar steals the show, hands down! As an alcoholic superstar who's in desperate need to win an Indian Oscar, Akshay nails the part & is also the film's best joke. Annu Kapoor, Piyush Mishra & Anupam Kher enact the lecherous oldies with sincerity. Annu, especially, leaves a mark. Lisa Haydon looks hot, but is strictly okay acting wise. Kavin Dave & Vineet are mention-worthy in minor roles.

On the whole, Watch 'The Shaukeens' for Akshay, who spoofs himself hilariously! Otherwise, this one's a yawn!