Bollywood doesn't do dark comedy often; only a handful of good films come to mind. For me the list is topped by Ishqiya and its sequel. Fortunately, 'Blackmail' will be remembered as one of the good ones. And when the cast is headlined by the always brilliant Irrfan Khan (the Khan seems to back in his name) you know you're in for a treat. This is the kind of treat you chew slowly to savor all the flavors not sure what will hit you next. Should you gasp, cringe, or shake your head...you'll do all three with a chuckle.
When Dev (Irrfan) discovers his wife is cheating on him with a man who's married to a wealthy heiress he decides to blackmail the duo to extract money and revenge. Things don't go quite as planned when other players join the blackmailing game and you're left wondering who is trying to con whom. What works well here is that there are no innocent victims. Everyone deserves a slap on the wrist for something making this a fun watch. Writer Parveez Sheikh doesn't let up on the twists and makes sure the characters don't sit idly by for too long. Our incorrigible bunch find themselves in many hysterical predicaments and the laugher is unstoppable! Ranjit buying a gun was a personal favorite bit of mine.
But like the characters the screenplay is far from perfect. Pacing issues play a bit of a spoilsport and not every twist in the tale works. The movie is also far too long and should've been edited for a more impactful viewing. Thankfully there are enough jokes to keep you entertained even while losing patience. Director Abhinay Deo, of Delhi Belly fame, seems comfortable with the genre. He serves up a mature comedy that doesn't hold back with the cheeky dialogues or insinuations. As one character puts it, this is humor of the 'non-veg' variety. So if you get offended easily maybe sit this one out.
As I said earlier, Irrfan is always brilliant. He deadpans his way through the role showing actual emotion at only a couple of junctures. Such acting would've fallen flat in the hands of a lesser talent but with Irrfan it's all in capable hands. The rest of the cast does very well also. Arunoday Singh springs a pleasant surprise as the useless husband living off of his wife's money. Kirti Kulhari is competent and while Divya Dutta doesn't get much screen time she handles her part nicely. It's an effective ensemble that works in favor of the movie. The other strong point is Amit Trivedi's music which blends into the narrative perfectly. Every tune is acidic and keeps the plot rolling.
Blackmail is a mostly solid entertainer that delivers what it promises. It might be a while before we see another Irrfan Khan movie or another black comedy done right so enjoy the absurdity while you can and laugh the hurt away.
stuffiwatchblog.wordpress.com
When Dev (Irrfan) discovers his wife is cheating on him with a man who's married to a wealthy heiress he decides to blackmail the duo to extract money and revenge. Things don't go quite as planned when other players join the blackmailing game and you're left wondering who is trying to con whom. What works well here is that there are no innocent victims. Everyone deserves a slap on the wrist for something making this a fun watch. Writer Parveez Sheikh doesn't let up on the twists and makes sure the characters don't sit idly by for too long. Our incorrigible bunch find themselves in many hysterical predicaments and the laugher is unstoppable! Ranjit buying a gun was a personal favorite bit of mine.
But like the characters the screenplay is far from perfect. Pacing issues play a bit of a spoilsport and not every twist in the tale works. The movie is also far too long and should've been edited for a more impactful viewing. Thankfully there are enough jokes to keep you entertained even while losing patience. Director Abhinay Deo, of Delhi Belly fame, seems comfortable with the genre. He serves up a mature comedy that doesn't hold back with the cheeky dialogues or insinuations. As one character puts it, this is humor of the 'non-veg' variety. So if you get offended easily maybe sit this one out.
As I said earlier, Irrfan is always brilliant. He deadpans his way through the role showing actual emotion at only a couple of junctures. Such acting would've fallen flat in the hands of a lesser talent but with Irrfan it's all in capable hands. The rest of the cast does very well also. Arunoday Singh springs a pleasant surprise as the useless husband living off of his wife's money. Kirti Kulhari is competent and while Divya Dutta doesn't get much screen time she handles her part nicely. It's an effective ensemble that works in favor of the movie. The other strong point is Amit Trivedi's music which blends into the narrative perfectly. Every tune is acidic and keeps the plot rolling.
Blackmail is a mostly solid entertainer that delivers what it promises. It might be a while before we see another Irrfan Khan movie or another black comedy done right so enjoy the absurdity while you can and laugh the hurt away.
stuffiwatchblog.wordpress.com