If you manage to get past the shockingly corny first 20 minutes, you'll see a pretty original film. SRK's acting is the high point, and he switches between the two roles effortlessly. The ending is stolen from an old Buddha story, but hey....
16 Reviews
A no-brainer
Peter_Young18 March 2021
Duplicate is a sort of spin-off on the 1978 classic Don, starring Amitabh Bachchan, which would later be remade officially by Farhan Akhtar in two hit films. Duplicate, however, is not very good, although it is slightly enjoyable. Shah Rukh Khan plays two roles, Bablu and Manu, the good and the bad, and he really hams it up in both roles. That being said, he is quite fun and through the role of Bablu and his story we get to see some lovable qualities. He is an innocent cook, very endearing, and has a wonderful relationship with his mother (Farida Jalal). The same cannot be said about the forced villain of Manu, and Bablu remains the main element that makes it partly work, which is only enhanced with the entrance of the lovely and kind Sonia Kapoor (Juhi Chawla). Their interaction is quite heartwarming and entertaining. Juhi Chawla is really wonderful in this film, and she is able to balance Khan's immature Bablu, which could otherwise get on the nerves. Everything else in this film, sadly, is a mess, and it only becomes messier as the story goes on. At many points it is really hard to believe this film was directed by Mahesh Bhatt. It would be ineffective even for David Dhawan, and towards the end it becomes really mindless, and not very entertaining. Duplicate could be watched for those fond of Shah Rukh Khan, even those willing to forgive his wild, childish overacting which is more than evident in this film. His screen presence, however, remains undiminished, and so is his ability to make fun of himself and to shed all his inhibitions, and that's why fans could give it a half chance.
Not that much bad....base story is not bad. Entertaining. One time watchable
amithlalkv24 May 2020
One time watchable....it includes one beautiful song .....story is good.....but that old comedies and fight scenes(not all of them) are boring.
Keep in mind. Its an old movie. It can still entertain yoi. I love old SRK
Good, mindless entertainment
dmul532 May 2003
Duplicate is a lame-brained comedy that cheerfully showcases the manic over-acting of Shah Rukh Khan and the ditsy charm of Juhi Chawla. Check your brain at the door and just enjoy.
Khan has a double role this time, in case one of him is not enough for you: as Manu the escaped psychotic criminal and Babloo the lovable (but not too bright) mama's boy whose dream is to become head chef at a five star hotel. Normally the hardest working actor in Bollywood, SRK really outdoes himself this time: he's so over the top in both roles that I was afraid he was going to hurt himself. Throw in the fact that at one point Manu pretends to be Babloo and Babloo pretends to be Manu, and the results are chaotic fun. Juhi Chawla is sweet and endearing as always, and makes the perfect foil for Khan's silliness, even adding a bit of her own. And if you've ever wondered what SRK looks like in drag, here's your chance to see (I'll give you a hint: it's not a pretty sight.)
Also involved is Sonali Bendre as Manu's showgirl mistress, who ends up falling unknowingly for Babloo. She's beautiful and classy. I like most of the musical numbers in Duplicate, except the gratingly stupid Waji Wa song performed by Shah Rukh/Babloo with a chorus of aproned chefs and waitresses. I've developed a pretty high goofy-tolerance level since becoming interested in Hindi films, but this dance exceeded my limit. However, Waji Wa is more than balanced out by the delightful Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam dance number performed by Sonali, Juhi and Shah Rukh.
If you're in the mood for some mindless entertainment and good music, give Duplicate a try.
Khan has a double role this time, in case one of him is not enough for you: as Manu the escaped psychotic criminal and Babloo the lovable (but not too bright) mama's boy whose dream is to become head chef at a five star hotel. Normally the hardest working actor in Bollywood, SRK really outdoes himself this time: he's so over the top in both roles that I was afraid he was going to hurt himself. Throw in the fact that at one point Manu pretends to be Babloo and Babloo pretends to be Manu, and the results are chaotic fun. Juhi Chawla is sweet and endearing as always, and makes the perfect foil for Khan's silliness, even adding a bit of her own. And if you've ever wondered what SRK looks like in drag, here's your chance to see (I'll give you a hint: it's not a pretty sight.)
Also involved is Sonali Bendre as Manu's showgirl mistress, who ends up falling unknowingly for Babloo. She's beautiful and classy. I like most of the musical numbers in Duplicate, except the gratingly stupid Waji Wa song performed by Shah Rukh/Babloo with a chorus of aproned chefs and waitresses. I've developed a pretty high goofy-tolerance level since becoming interested in Hindi films, but this dance exceeded my limit. However, Waji Wa is more than balanced out by the delightful Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam dance number performed by Sonali, Juhi and Shah Rukh.
If you're in the mood for some mindless entertainment and good music, give Duplicate a try.
Mahesh Bhatt's one of worst films
silvan-desouza20 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Sometimes some filmmakers surprise for good and bad, Mahesh Bhatt who gave us several great films also gave us some horrible films like Duplicate(1998). The film released in 1998 when Srk had another flop though a good film Dil Se. Duplicate is pure trash, it has actors hamming and overdoing, Sr plays a dual role as Bablu and Mannu, one good and one evil, he overdoes in both roles. The film starts with Bablu who is an aspiring waiter, he falls for Juhi Chawla, while Manu is a gangster who is trying to settle scores with his evil partners(Gulshan Grover, Sharat Saxena, Rana Jung Bahadur.etc) Once the cops arrest Bablu thinking him to be Manu, Manu realises that he has a duplicate and lands up in his house. The film is similar to Sacha Jhutha(1970) and many such films however it's handling is unbearable, the ease at which Bablu fools Manu's gang is really stupid. The climax is however decent but even there we have actors hamming and overdoing
Direction is awful Music is decent, Ek Shararat, Kakte Aankhon Waali, Mere Mehboob are all good songs
Srk overdoes in both roles, he does better as Manu wherein he plays an anti hero after ages but as Bablu he is terrible Juhi Chawla is quite okay, she too hams in up at times Sonali Bendre is decent Mohinish Behl is okay, Tiku Talsania, Farida Jalal and others are okay
Direction is awful Music is decent, Ek Shararat, Kakte Aankhon Waali, Mere Mehboob are all good songs
Srk overdoes in both roles, he does better as Manu wherein he plays an anti hero after ages but as Bablu he is terrible Juhi Chawla is quite okay, she too hams in up at times Sonali Bendre is decent Mohinish Behl is okay, Tiku Talsania, Farida Jalal and others are okay
Broad acting make this a hard one to love....I suggest you just see the original.
planktonrules25 August 2021
I do know that Shah Rukh Khan is one of the biggest names in Indian films today. And, I've seen quite a few of his films and loved most of them. But I noticed that his older films from the 1990s tend to be not as good...mostly because the quality of Indian films have improved tremendously since this time. Unfortunately, "Duplicate" is one of his poorer 1990s films....mostly because the writing and acting are not especially good...and the original source film "The Whole Town is Talking" is much better by comparison. Subtle this film is NOT.
In this story, Khan plays dual roles. Bablu is a nice guy who is a professional chef. He's also a bit awkward and likeable....but clearly a dork. Manu is identical to Bablu (an odd cliche), but instead he's an evil, over-the-top super criminal. And, when Manu escapes from prison, he ends up pretending to be Bablu...and hilarity abounds...or should. But the writing and acting are pretty embarrassing and it's almost impossible to see the great Khan in this sort of fluff. In other words, it's a turn off your brain and enjoy it sort of film with little depth.
In this story, Khan plays dual roles. Bablu is a nice guy who is a professional chef. He's also a bit awkward and likeable....but clearly a dork. Manu is identical to Bablu (an odd cliche), but instead he's an evil, over-the-top super criminal. And, when Manu escapes from prison, he ends up pretending to be Bablu...and hilarity abounds...or should. But the writing and acting are pretty embarrassing and it's almost impossible to see the great Khan in this sort of fluff. In other words, it's a turn off your brain and enjoy it sort of film with little depth.
Bakwaas and hyped movie
varun-765288 April 2020
Childhood
jack_o_hasanov_imdb14 August 2021
My all time favorite film!!!
crystalbloo923 December 2005
I have to say, Duplicate is probably the best film I've ever seen!
Duplicate is basically about two men, Babloo and Manu who happen to have the same face. Babloo dreams of becoming a chef at a five-star hotel, while Manu is a criminal who has escaped from jail and is out to get revenge on his three friends. Babloo is in love with Sonia (Juhi Chawla), the hotel's banquet manager and Manu romances with Lily (Sonali Bendre).
Some parts of the film were hilarious and left me laughing like crazy! It really amazed me how much of an idiot Babloo could be at times, like when he told Manu about an ID card given to him by the police to reduce the confusion between the two. I also found many of Duplicate's action scenes to be quite entertaining.
As for the music, each and every song was excellent and somewhat unique in its own way. I especially enjoyed "Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam." Not only is it an amazing song, but Shahrukh, Juhi and Sonali did an awesome job at performing it!
I thought the acting in the movie was fantastic! Shahrukh did an excellent job playing both roles of Babloo and Manu. Juhi's acting was amazing as usual, and even Sonali did a great job at playing Lily's vampish character.
I myself have watched Duplicate hundreds of times and would recommend it to anyone. This film is guaranteed to leave you satisfied!
Duplicate deserves a 10/10!
Duplicate is basically about two men, Babloo and Manu who happen to have the same face. Babloo dreams of becoming a chef at a five-star hotel, while Manu is a criminal who has escaped from jail and is out to get revenge on his three friends. Babloo is in love with Sonia (Juhi Chawla), the hotel's banquet manager and Manu romances with Lily (Sonali Bendre).
Some parts of the film were hilarious and left me laughing like crazy! It really amazed me how much of an idiot Babloo could be at times, like when he told Manu about an ID card given to him by the police to reduce the confusion between the two. I also found many of Duplicate's action scenes to be quite entertaining.
As for the music, each and every song was excellent and somewhat unique in its own way. I especially enjoyed "Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam." Not only is it an amazing song, but Shahrukh, Juhi and Sonali did an awesome job at performing it!
I thought the acting in the movie was fantastic! Shahrukh did an excellent job playing both roles of Babloo and Manu. Juhi's acting was amazing as usual, and even Sonali did a great job at playing Lily's vampish character.
I myself have watched Duplicate hundreds of times and would recommend it to anyone. This film is guaranteed to leave you satisfied!
Duplicate deserves a 10/10!
Uninspired Imitation: Bollywood's Lackluster Take on a Classic
zabalmsm17 August 2020
In the realm of cinema, inspiration often breeds innovation, but unfortunately, "Duplicate" seems to have missed the mark. A blatant rip-off of the 1935 classic, "The Whole Town's Talking," starring Edward G. Robinson, this Bollywood rendition falls short of capturing the essence and brilliance of its predecessor.
The original film, a comic masterpiece, showcased the unmatched talent of Robinson and delivered a timeless narrative. In contrast, "Duplicate" attempts to replicate the magic but ends up offering little more than cringeworthy Bollywood masala. The charm and wit that made the original a classic are lost in the translation, replaced by exaggerated theatrics and formulaic storytelling.
While the source material provided a perfect canvas for humor and satire, the Bollywood adaptation struggles to maintain the same level of comedic finesse. The attempts at humor often feel forced, relying on overused tropes and exaggerated scenarios that do little justice to the subtlety of the original.
Comparisons aside, the film fails to stand on its own merits. The cringeworthy moments, the overdose of masala elements, and the lack of a genuine comic touch make it a forgettable addition to the genre. It's disheartening to witness a classic storyline reduced to a formulaic Bollywood potboiler that fails to capture the spirit of the original.
In the end, "Duplicate" serves as a stark reminder that recreating cinematic magic requires more than copying a successful formula. While the concept may have held promise, the execution falls flat, leaving audiences with a sense of disappointment and a yearning for the authentic brilliance of the original "The Whole Town's Talking."
The original film, a comic masterpiece, showcased the unmatched talent of Robinson and delivered a timeless narrative. In contrast, "Duplicate" attempts to replicate the magic but ends up offering little more than cringeworthy Bollywood masala. The charm and wit that made the original a classic are lost in the translation, replaced by exaggerated theatrics and formulaic storytelling.
While the source material provided a perfect canvas for humor and satire, the Bollywood adaptation struggles to maintain the same level of comedic finesse. The attempts at humor often feel forced, relying on overused tropes and exaggerated scenarios that do little justice to the subtlety of the original.
Comparisons aside, the film fails to stand on its own merits. The cringeworthy moments, the overdose of masala elements, and the lack of a genuine comic touch make it a forgettable addition to the genre. It's disheartening to witness a classic storyline reduced to a formulaic Bollywood potboiler that fails to capture the spirit of the original.
In the end, "Duplicate" serves as a stark reminder that recreating cinematic magic requires more than copying a successful formula. While the concept may have held promise, the execution falls flat, leaving audiences with a sense of disappointment and a yearning for the authentic brilliance of the original "The Whole Town's Talking."
Funny and enjoyable, say what you want
malaewa23 April 2006
It is funny, it is a comedy, isn't it? It is highly enjoyable.
It has great songs and great dance (SRK in a silver T-shirt hitting Juhi against his chest - the best moment in Bollywood ever)
It has some wonderful (comedy-type, Bollywood-style - never forget this judging this one) acting
It features SRK and Juhi together - such a wonderful pair.
And it has one more fantastic quality: Shahrukh definitely looks his best - he's still young, yet not so teen-age-like anymore, you can see his wonderful dark skin (which was whitened more and more in the movies as he became such a huge star later on) and as he carries two totally different roles - he makes the full range of his cute and angry eyes.
10/10, no further questions
It has great songs and great dance (SRK in a silver T-shirt hitting Juhi against his chest - the best moment in Bollywood ever)
It has some wonderful (comedy-type, Bollywood-style - never forget this judging this one) acting
It features SRK and Juhi together - such a wonderful pair.
And it has one more fantastic quality: Shahrukh definitely looks his best - he's still young, yet not so teen-age-like anymore, you can see his wonderful dark skin (which was whitened more and more in the movies as he became such a huge star later on) and as he carries two totally different roles - he makes the full range of his cute and angry eyes.
10/10, no further questions
Funny......simple and FUNNY!!!
Little_Mizz_Nawtie8 March 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I loved this film!!!! it was great! Shahrukh Khan played 2 sides of a weird coin, one side being the slightly stupid chef and another is the crazy revenge seeking villain. First his role as Bablu choudhary, was sweet and innocent as well as funny. There were some bits when u just sit and think that bablu is idiot number 1 (the part when him and manu first meet each other). Then his role as manu dada, was good as well. He played a cool but angry looking villain, a lot of the time his eyes were watering!. BUt the best part of the film was when BABLU and MANU play each other in the film. very funny. The songs were good except for the waaji wah and the night club. I loved the mere mehboob song (and BTW who doesn't???) and the one involving both bablu and manu, it was very catchy. i didn't like shahrukh in drag, it didn't go well, the drag thing is more of a govinda thing. The film plot is funny and clever. JUHI as always amazing, and sonali...well i have to hand it to her that she did do well in this movie. just watch the movie peeps, i can guarantee that there scenes in this movie that will make u laugh your head off!!
Corny dialog, comedy ruined by childish overacting, but some good songs
long-ford1 February 2009
'Duplicate' is a failure. While Shahrukh is competent, the script is ridiculous. His role as a villain is plain nasty, while the good Shahrukh is too childish, almost behaving like a six year old. Again, Juhi Chawla is energetic, but is saddled with weak lines. The story is obvious and corny, the humor too overacted to be fun and the climax is not to be believed. One plus point: some good songs by Anu Malik, and a hot Sonali Bendre who struts her stuff very well. A disappointing film then, because it really should have been much much better. Keep hand on remote ready.
Overall 3/10
Overall 3/10
Duplicate is essentially a movie about two men, one good and one bad but who coincidently have the same face.
husnain_0514 November 2005
Babloo (Sharukh Khan) is basically a daydreamer and aspires to a chef on international repute. He is forever daydreaming of cooking at five star establishments. Manu Dada (Sharukh Khan) on the other hand is a ruthless criminal on the run. Babloo is in love with Sonia (Juhi Chawla) who is the Banquet manager of an up market hotel that Sharukh Khan works at. Manu Dada likes Lilly (Sonali Bendre). Babloo and Manu's tracks keep alternating till they converge at the interval part of the film. After which Manu takes advantage of the innocent Babloo and continues his violent escapades using Babloo's identity and Babloo uses Manu. This film was a good movie and very funny. I loved watching the fighting parts.
Not Bad....
AzNo25 October 1998
Hilarious and enjoyable !
Queen_of_pentacles11 May 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Shah Rukh really excels in this movie, performing a double role , two entirely different personalities. Babloo, a goofing type of an innocent mama's boy, whom he calls Bebe , and loves her too much ; though a little straightforward in his dealings, he has a talent for preparing gastronomical delights in a jiffy. that brings him in contact with Juhi, a sophisticated girl, holding a responsible position in a reputed hotel. Both fall in love with each other. much to the annoyance of Ravi, who has his eyes on beautiful Juhi. And the the plot line takes some twists and turns, by bringing Mannudada in the picture , an exact look alike of Babloo !
Though the viewers can predict the simple plot line, they don't mind it, because of the perfect cast, including sizzling Sonali Bendre, who actually loves Mannu.
The touch of the director could be seen in all those hilarious situations, which are handled superbly, with a naughty , naughty little actions, which we hardly see in Indian cinema. Sonali pinching Babloo's butt, John Travolta style, from Face\off , or Mannu getting too fresh with Juhi ! Musical score and especially the choreography, as well as the trio's delivery, and efforts at mixing romance, sex, and comedy, rolled in one, gives this movie a different dimension altogether, which is rarely seen in all those familiar dance numbers, which are many a times prompting the viewers to take breaks, for getting rid of the boredom. This is a slap-stick comedy, so the events are not to be taken seriously as such. i am a an ardent fan of Shah Rukh, and feel that he has done even better in his role as Babloo, which reminds us of Dilip kumar, who inspires him, and also his hit movie, Ram aur Shyam, which was a feather in Dilip's cap, who was known as the tragedy king till then . Comparison with Amitabh , though not necessary, is some what inevitable, and i would vote for Shah Rukh and Dilip, who carry of the romantic situations equally well. and yes, Mannudada dressed as a vamp, with boa and all, is another rare sight, because so far, we had all those Govindas and Rishis, who are chick looking, but i must say, Khan looks a little odd, yet o.k. for a confusing situation , with that maestro Gulshan bathing with the rose petals in a jacuzzi ! the only weak point is Juhi's accent, and dialog delivery, which is not her usual, and seems a little strange, yet not too objectionable. i wonder why this movie kind of flopped at the box, in spite of it's entertainment value. But i don't care, i just enjoy those situations, the numbers, and naturally funny comedy, and think, you might also feel the same, even after a gap of some years ! in fact, it's quite advanced for the period, so still fresh !
Though the viewers can predict the simple plot line, they don't mind it, because of the perfect cast, including sizzling Sonali Bendre, who actually loves Mannu.
The touch of the director could be seen in all those hilarious situations, which are handled superbly, with a naughty , naughty little actions, which we hardly see in Indian cinema. Sonali pinching Babloo's butt, John Travolta style, from Face\off , or Mannu getting too fresh with Juhi ! Musical score and especially the choreography, as well as the trio's delivery, and efforts at mixing romance, sex, and comedy, rolled in one, gives this movie a different dimension altogether, which is rarely seen in all those familiar dance numbers, which are many a times prompting the viewers to take breaks, for getting rid of the boredom. This is a slap-stick comedy, so the events are not to be taken seriously as such. i am a an ardent fan of Shah Rukh, and feel that he has done even better in his role as Babloo, which reminds us of Dilip kumar, who inspires him, and also his hit movie, Ram aur Shyam, which was a feather in Dilip's cap, who was known as the tragedy king till then . Comparison with Amitabh , though not necessary, is some what inevitable, and i would vote for Shah Rukh and Dilip, who carry of the romantic situations equally well. and yes, Mannudada dressed as a vamp, with boa and all, is another rare sight, because so far, we had all those Govindas and Rishis, who are chick looking, but i must say, Khan looks a little odd, yet o.k. for a confusing situation , with that maestro Gulshan bathing with the rose petals in a jacuzzi ! the only weak point is Juhi's accent, and dialog delivery, which is not her usual, and seems a little strange, yet not too objectionable. i wonder why this movie kind of flopped at the box, in spite of it's entertainment value. But i don't care, i just enjoy those situations, the numbers, and naturally funny comedy, and think, you might also feel the same, even after a gap of some years ! in fact, it's quite advanced for the period, so still fresh !
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