99 (2008)

It's rare that a movie comes around that does not depend on the gimmicks or masala that usually pervades bollywood movies. When it does, and is also packaged with intelligent comedy, spiffy dialogue and well-crafted story, it is a wonderful joyride of entertainment. '99' is a breath of fresh air for Indian cinema. The creative opening credits and the ensuing hilarious chase, tell you  this is not your usual fare. The story of small-timers who want to make it big in life, is led by Sachin (Kunal Khemu), Zaramud (Cyrus Broacha) and Rahul (Boman Irani) as the lead characters. A comedy of errors results in Sachin and Zaramud working for AGM (superbly enacted by Mahesh Manjrekar), who sends them to Delhi to collect money from a gambling-addicted Rahul (Boman). These three also have to deal with a small time crook Kuber (Amit Mistry - who steals the show). Sachin also meets his girl in Delhi (Soha Ali Khan). Attempts to fix their problems create even more and even bigger problems for the lead characters, which are portrayed in a comic but sensible manner. The first half of the movie builds the characters and sets the story up slowly. The action speeds up in the second half and one by one each piece falls into place, even as the story goes thru surprising and comic twists and turns. Of particular note are the brilliantly filmed scenes closer to the end that include a nail-biting cricket match on which heavy bets are placed, a very funny and quirky encounter with AGM, and a chase thru Palika Bazaar. The cast performed very well - Kunal projected youthful energy and charm with a cool, stylish get-up, Cyrus brought down-to-earth-but-not-slapstick humor to the movie, Boman played  the gambler-addict who loves his wife role brilliantly. Soha Ali Khan did a good job as the lady interest of Sachin. Mahesh Manjrekar as AGM delivers his straight-faced one-liners with style. And Amit Mistry provides some of the funniest moments in the movie - every scene with him is a riot! The background score stays low as to not distract the viewer, but kicks in with energy at the right moments. The movie portrays its timeline, 1999-2000, authentically. The Kunal-Soha love story could have been fleshed out a little more, but this does not detract one from enjoying the film. The songs are well placed and blend into the movie. The dance number performed during the end credits leaves one wanting more of it. The director duo Rajesh Nidimoru and Krishna DK have hit a century with their first Bollywood feature film. '99' breaks old rules and makes a few of its own. A must watch for movie lovers.