Film: Udanchhoo
Cast: Prem Chopra, Ashutosh Rana, Rajniesh Duggall, Bruna Abdullah, Saisha Sehgal, Pankaj Jha, Anil George, Brijendra Kala, Lankesh Bharadwaj, Nilesh, Amanda Rosario
Director: Vipin Parashar
Rating: * ½
A clueless attempt at comedy, this film about a Guru G (Prem Chopra) hoarding black money through his con-ashram operations, with able help from his trusted devotees Billu (Ashutosh Rana) and Julia (Bruna Abdullah) – tries to rope in as many characters into the con, as possible. But the resultant is a shoddy, unlettered association of thoughtlessly strapped together events with dimwits who do everything else but make sense.
From money launderers, conmen to rapists, murderers, the Indian spiritual ecosystem has been contaminated by a handful of so-called Godmen with a large fanbase, skilful in taking their disciples and believers for a ride. So there definitely was room for a film that could resonate with that truism- unfortunately, this film and the many inept attempts before it is not the standard bearer for that cinematic expose. This film is set in Mumbai and thematically has a connect with recent events discrediting the Gurus who use their influence for sinister practices including hoarding of illegal wealth. Unfortunately, what’s actually true feels entirely fake out here.
‘Udanchhoo’ plies on tasteless and unbecoming antics to make you laugh – but it’s all far more pitiful than funny. Don’t know why actors think that wearing psychedelic costumes and buffaloing in front of the cameras constitute comedy. Prem Chopra looks too slimy to be convincing while the other players in the crass attempt at comedy take the depraved route.
Director Vipin Parasher is unable to raise the level of engagement, preferring to dig deep into C grade depravity and make even talented actors like Brijendra Kala, Ashutosh Rana and Rajneish Duggal look like they were listless and hamming all the way through. Writers Vaibhav Bajpai and Vishal V Patil have written dialogues which are perversely unfunny and insensitive to boot. There’s really no enjoyment to be had here. Most likely, the lack of audience will make this a well-justified ‘Udanchhoo’ from the theatres!
