The Shaukeens
Director: Abhishek Sharma
Cast: Anupam Kher, Annu Kapoor, Piyush Mishra and |Lisa Haydon
Rating: **
Regrettably, Abhishek Sharma fails to exhibit the product quality that is essential to carry a wholesome entertainer. While he has what it takes to make a capable comedy caper, this movie magnifies his inability to effectively relate a story without resorting to antics.
Plot: Three lonely old men take to the path of pleasures to add some fun to their boring life. Lalchand (Anupam Kher), KD (Annu Kapoor) and Pinky (Piyush Mishra) plan to fulfil their wishes after many unsuccessful plans to experience the carefree life.
They journey to Mauritius, where they move into the home of Aahana (Lisa Haydo). Young, free-spirited and hot, she soon becomes the object of their desire.
Verdict: Credit is due for Sharma’s insistence to keep the movie light- hearted and fluffy. However, it is plagued by a host of problems, mostly with a premise that many might find unappealing.
Overflowing with sexual jokes and innuendo of all kind, this movie is shamelessly pitched at the audience without offering anything substantial.
The script is more an excuse for letting a lively team of screen legends have their own movie. The gags involve their many misadventures in the world of regained youth while growing closer to a vulnerable younger woman. While the situational comedy may be refreshingly amusing at first, the build-up to the climax is distorted with unsavoury writing.
The film is at its weakest when trying to bring together the parallel storylines of each of its central characters. During these portions, Sharma fails in maintaining the comedy and emotion in rightful measures.
Kher and Kapoor, the timeless comics, deliver a motivating interpretation of their aged characters. Mishra has a few delightful moments. Haydon has an appealing screen presence, but her purpose is purely based on sex appeal and charm.
Akshay Kumar definitely makes an impact with his cameo role.
Recommendation: This is an offbeat comedy that is intended to provide a fun time and nothing more.
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