Masti (2004)

I love this movie so much

To me, this movie is perfection.

Powerful

Brilliant and touching

Let me start with what a number of reviewers have said already. Masti took Bollywood sexual comedy to a new level. It was a pioneer in foraying into subjects which Hindi movies were really afraid to venture into. There are lots and lots of double-meaning jokes. Another movie which released later and took a similar initiative was "Kya Kool Hain Hum". Three friends, having gotten frustrated by their mundane marriage lives and badgering wives decide to go in the search of women for extra- marital affairs and meet after a month to compare notes. Their misjudgement hurls them onto the path of blackmail, murder and mental torment; where in the end they realize that "ghar ki daal" (home cooked curry) is better than "bahar ki biryani" (out-cooked chicken rice).As for the movie itself, if judged overall, yes - it has a lot of plot holes; yes - the basic premise is far fetched; yes - it can be termed as LGBT-phobic by modern audience, especially if the audience in question is western; and not to mention the sometimes over-the-top and not-so- subtle acting. But it really really works for you if viewed in the context of India in 2004. I was smiling half the movie and a lot of scenes had me in splits.The acting majorly rests on the shoulders of the three leads who have done their job admirably well. They appeared at real ease in most of the scenes and were energetic with the body language and facial expressions. Vivek Oberoi, as a reformed playboy married to a clingy wife, is the unofficial lead of the leads and is a bit constrained than his sidekicks which the usually the case. Ritiesh Deshmukh, as the clueless dentist is awesome in parts especially in the fight scene with his Mother-in-law. But the intermittent visions he has with a fluttering eyelid kind of annoyed me. But, the man who takes the cake and is treat to watch in every scene is undoubtedly Aftab Shivdasani. You can predict each and every expression he is going to have, but still laugh at his antics. The writers could have come up with something better than the "Lele" story line to use his abilities. Ajay Devgan has a one dimensional role and does a one dimensional job. Among the wives, Amrita "the satellite" Rao is the only one who can really act. The other two girls have to improve on a lot of things. Lara Dutta is sensual, but perhaps a little bit tame, as a seductress. They nailed it with the music. "Dil de diya hain" is the song of 2004 for me. All-in-all a fun fare for sure. If you want a 2.5 hour laugh ride to escape a bad day, go for it! In case you are not comfortable with Hindi, make sure you have good subtitles, because a lot of jokes are cultural and slang-based.

Thoroughly enjoyable movie. More complex than it appears. In fact it strongly reminded me of Shakespeare's comedies with its different themes of love, marriage, fidelity, parents, children, family, friends, society, communication, etc. Yet, like Shakespeare's comedies, you can laugh out loud at the slapstick comedy. Which I did many times! The scene with the three friends and Lara Dutt at the stop light was too hilarious for words! In addition, the movie was interspersed with the occasional song and dance number in the tradition of Shakespeare's comedies, unlike the requisite 5-6 songs/dances required by Bollywood films. I will definitely be on the look out for more films by this writer.

Masti means fun and although the plot of this wonderfully hilarious film borders on the dark side of Masti, it nevertheless has its moments and ultimately delivers what it hoped it would at the start of it all, pure entertainment for one and all. Three men (Vivek Oberoi, Ritesh Deshmukh, and Aftab Shivdasani) upon graduating college, fear what awaits them as they are now eligible bachelors for marriage. The fear that once the get hitched, they would lose their friendship and all that mattered to them as singles. They can lament all they want but slowly and surely, one by one they begin to marry and the years pass by. One day, a chanced reunion sets them taking a trip down memory lane when one of them decides that they can recapture the decadence of their youth by having affairs and they all decide that yes it's the right thing to do. At this point in the film, you will wonder why good-looking men who are married to good-looking women (played by Amrita Rao, Genelia D'Souza and Tara Sharma respectively) would think of such a thing? But when the camera introduces you to the object of their attraction, I guess you can sort of understand why. This Femme Fatale that attracts all three men on separate occasions is played by none other than former beauty queen Lara Dutta. And the song and dance she does with Oberoi is especially spectacular. The casting department for Kaal must have noticed the blinding chemistry between Oberoi and Dutta in this film first. Just wait until all three of them find out that they've been cheating on their wives with the same woman, you will laugh your head off! Archana Puran Singh, Satish Shah and Ajay Devgan round out the supporting cast with hip-slapping-gut-ripping comedic roles. I didn't like the premise of cheating in the film but I couldn't help but laugh as the plot unfolded. If you don't like the premise of men cheating either, just sit back and watch the plot of Masti unfold. This film is one of my favourites.

Masti – a movie that surpassed all my expectations and went on to become one of my most enjoyed movies this year. Going in to watch this movie I had all the reservations – no actors that I really did like; a director that I had written off since his Ishq days; songs that I had not heard of; and the expectation that bollywood cannot do comedy humour for the British audience. How wrong was I going to be proven!!!The comedy was spot on as were the apparent and intended lines and joke – this movie seriously did take the comedy to a crude new level not seen in bollywood. One would have to say that this movie did indeed take one step further for bollywood as American Pie did for Hollywood. The songs certainly did grow on me, especially the 'seyya ji' item number – the others are just as tappy (except the 'one the roof' – well all can't be perfect!!!). The next surprise was that this great movie was from none other than Indra Kumar – someone I had written off since his movie ISHQ over a decade ago. The director had to be good, talented and experienced to have this great comedic timing as well as being able to juggle all the actors. Finally, the actors were good and have to say that I am beginnings to like Vivek and certainly beginning to adore Amrita Rao – this girl is hot and one to watch out for.Having seen this movie I will have to say that I will defiantly be open to the idea that bollywood can do comedy, but will be more excited about Indra Kumars next venture. One movie that I will certainly recommend that you watch, and if you have already watched it I will recommend that you go and watch it again.