99

The first question I have for Krishna DK, Raj Nidimoru and Anupam Mittal after watching "99 (2009)" is: "Why did you starve us for 6 long years since your last epic "Flavors (2003)"?".

Like their previous work, "99" is pure brilliance with a tight plot, jokes that work and pop-culture references that make you go "A-ha!". In other words, a MUST WATCH. The packed house at PVR on a weekday late-night show is testimony to that.

Kunal Khemu is an under-rated actor in the mould of Abhay Deol. Luckily, the latter has found his groove with the last couple of releases. Kunal is still stuck at 99 (pun intended), despite excellent nuanced performances in some excellent but forgotten films like "SuperStar (2008)". He has an easy charm and superb comic timing. At the same time, his vulnerable eyes poke through your heart during the tragic scenes. I really hope he breaks the jinx of successful child actors (like Urmila Matondkar, probably the only success so far).

This movie also enjoys the acting talent of powerhouses like Boman Irani (who started in similar Indy films like "Let's Talk (2002)" but now needs no introduction), Mahesh Manjrekar, Amit Mistry (a bonafide superstar at Bombay's Prithvi Theatres) and Cyrus Broacha. All these guys have significant theatre experience and it shows in their comic timing, body language and diction. In smaller roles, the bhojpuri actor and the sidekick provide many laughs with their natural presence. Among the ladies, Soha and Simone are important to the plot but don't have any spectacular scenes where they get to shine.

So here is my second question to Krishna DK, Raj Nidimoru and Anupam Mittal: "Why didn't you repeat the ravishing and very funny Pooja Kumar from Flavors, in the role of (who else?) Pooja?". She'd be so purrrfect-- and a treat to watch.

The production is very well designed. The movie is set in 99-2000 and it almost feels as if that is when it was shot. Be it the film hoardings across the city (imagine "Kaho Na Pyar Hai (2000)" blocking the skyline, for chrissakes!), the mobile phone models they use, the cars they drive or their amazement at the advent of "cyber cafes"--- this could well be one of India's first period films (NOT about the Freedom Struggle)! If anything, that's one award it deserves for sure. The background score is also well used and adds to the tension/fun of the chase.

As for the story itself, this is a chase/heist movie in the genre of what Guy Ritchie does. The two losers are on the run from everyone, with their IOUs adding up faster than Sachin's centuries. Their misfortunes and bravado makes for some very comic situations, without resorting to any toilet humor (well, almost) or Priyadarshan style confusion-climax. The audience kept laughing and clapping all through. Especially loved were the Bombay versus Delhi references (the cities are known for their cultural rivalry and pride). The movie is peppered with cricket metaphors, delivered in Cyrus's inimitable style. Cricket forms an important part of the plot and it is made by true lovers of the game.

Even though it reminds you of many Hollywood films, it is not a copy but in their genre. This slight difference sets it apart from the 99% junk that Bollywood ends up celebrating annually with the likes of Anees Bazmee, Priyadarshan, David Dhawan and Hansal Mehta. So here's my third question for Krishna DK, Raj Nidimoru and Anupam Mittal: "Agli picture kab bana rahe ho?"

The film looks interesting from the outset, when the makers claim that they believe the incidents in film are real. And an interesting way of opening credits only adds to curiosity.

Film starts with a funny chase and kunal khemu starts to narrate the story. A story of 2 small time crooks and how they get into big time troubles. The film traverses a unique genre of comedy thriller. It keeps you at the edge of the seats, but at the same time makes sure that the edge never hurts, with enough humor spread all over.

The storyline is spread over 2 cities of Bombay and Delhi in the year 1999. The film uses a real life scandalous case as the backdrop. (Though it no suspense, still its best left untold what scandal they've used). Director has taken care of minute details to make the story set in year 1999, like mobile incoming was charged, Clinton's India visit, 20-20 cricket still being a wild idea and even the dollar exchange rates. Also the essence of 2 cities is intact. Watch out the scene when Cyrus and Kunal describe why they don't want to go to Delhi. It's simply hilarious.

Kunal Khemu is slowly coming to its own. Cyrus could have had a few more lines to say, though he is great in whatever he is doing. Soha Ali is under utilized. Vinod Khanna is neat and Boman Irani is in form as ever.

It's a refreshing break, both from some unimaginative comedies we've seen in recent past and the hiatus caused in release of Hindi films in cinemas.

Its sweet little comedy, thriller, romantic, fun film. Go refresh yourselves. Have some good time.

A brave and an honest attempt. Its indeed a fresh concept which deserves to be applauded. Easy pitfall for the Gen-X for the film-makers to go overboard and end up with a product thats shares similarity to a text- book. In simple words it ends up being a GM fruit/ veggie. The director duo manage to retain the natural "flavour" to the proceedings.

Ө Kunal Khemu:: He was good in most parts and does need to polish his skills. The character was a bit "too posh" for his background.

Ө Cyrus:: Either his character was bad or Cyrus is a bad actor (owing to which his role got massacred on the editing table). Regardless, should have taken inspiration from Circuit.

Ө Soha:: As usual, nothing was expected out of her or the character. So its "status-quo". Neha-Pooja reference was good.

Ө Boman Irani:: Well can be safely said that the entire movie rests on him and he manages to bear the weight effortlessly. The name Rahul was a bit too modern for the character.

Ө Simone Singh:: The role could have been safely purged from the plot. There is nothing the character contributes to the storyline.

Ө Vinod Khanna:: Well, what can be said of Mr. Suave. He is suave in the role.

Ө Mahesh Manjrekar::Infuses life into the character owing to which manages to draw good laughs. And very authentic look indeed.

Ө Amit Mistry:: Make way for this fresh talent, he is surely to stay and give tough fight to Rajpal Yadav (similarity in size too!).

99 can also be classified as a period film as it attempts to recreate the 1999-2000 scene (mobile, betting, Clinton's visit & the out-of-the- box idea of Coffee shop). There are a few goofs which can be safely ignored.

Clearly evident is the inspiration from Pulp Fiction. Gentlemen the "rabbit-out-of-hat" is no doubt Tarantino'ism.

When the audience were practically dying of starvation owing to the multiplexes strike, wonder why "99" wasn't lapped up as manna from heaven. Beats me!

Bottomline:: This John Doe deserves more recognition.

I never expected that the film will be such a great experience but film was great with great background score and great direction and acting the film is a must watch...

Imagine I asked you to describe what your life was like a decade ago... Right, me neither - so instead, Imagine I asked you to make up a story of your life based on key events that happened to you 10 years ago but fill in the rest as you like... Now imagine how much harder it would be if I asked that the story you were creating also had to bridge to the current day events back then

It is a daunting task and one which the writers of 99 have done with flair and function. The script is whip-smart in the way it combines popular trends (cell phones, bhojpuri movies, the onset of cafes) of the time with the news making events (y2k, cricket match fixing) of the time to narrate a truly innovative story. All this while adding twists and turns to the main plot that will keep you buckled to your seat for the 2hr ride.

The casting was genius - Especially true of, Soha Ali Khan (as the girl next door that you want to take home to mom) Kunal Khemu (as 'NOT the bigger-than-thou hero who doesn't need your rooting for him to make a century'), Amit Mistry (as the lil guy with a big stick - aka dimple) and Boman Irani (as the most frustrating, gambler-husband-who-you-love-nevertheless ever).

Kunal is a natural born actor and in Amit, a star has just been born.

Why you will love it : Sharp dialogues, sharper delivery, excellent acting all round, awesome cinematography, fantastic music Why you might settle for liking it : The movie is in a genre that is new to Bollywood - "What, I don't have to be awed by the hero's machismo and the heroine's svelte body?", "What, the lead characters are the underdogs that I will want to root for, rather than supermen who drive Lamborghinis and live in palaces?", "what, I will hope that the hero escapes from the bad guy rather than making mincemeat of the villains face?".

The genre is called a 'crime caper' but 99, refuses to be boxed neatly into a category and insists on being a comedy-historical fiction-and-much-more

This movie wont change your life - don't expect to leave the movie inspired and moved. It will be more like you stepped off a roller coaster ride and you want to go back to the end of the line again.

Ladies, It would be like eating a perfectly whipped chocolate mousse - Enjoy!