The promos of Bhagam Bhag give the impression that the film is Govinda's Bollywood comeback. But after watching it, I couldn't help but wonder where was Govinda in the film?
The Hero No 1, who used to make us laugh and inevitably got our feet tapping during his song sequences, is missing in action in this film. He simply plays second fiddle to Akshay Kumar, who steals the show.
The story revolves around a theatre company headed by Sethji (Paresh Rawal), whose company is offered to do an act in London. Of course, not once do you see any of the actors rehearsing.
When they are about to board the aircraft, the play's heroine, played by Tanushree Dutta, disappears. But still, the theatre group board the plane to London, and decide to find a new heroine.
Enter Lara Dutta, a girl with suicidal tendencies, who bumps into Akshay one day. She replaces Tanushree in the play. Surprisingly, no one bothers to find out whether she can act, dance or sing.
There are far too many characters in the film, and by the end, you're left wondering who's who. Asrani, Sharad Saxena, Rajpal Yadav, an overweight Jackie Shroff (playing a London police officer) and innumerable other characters keep running on the streets of London with sticks. The law and order machinery seems to have no problem with that.
Director Priyadarshan sticks to his old tested and tired formula -- a comedy of errors, and you're left wondering how many times he will continue to repeat the same formula.
The film flows well till the interval, but loses steam then on, as Priyadarshan adds an element of suspense, making you wonder if the film is a comedy or a thriller.
Akshay looks old -- you can see patches of white in his stubble. Govinda looks old as well. The only real Govinda moment in the film is when he sings the already popular song, Signal. He has his funny moments but lacks the punch. And he really needs to step on that treadmill.
Paresh Rawal is wasted, with few comic moments. Rajpal Yadav has his moments too.
Priyadarshan's silly comedy does not end here. The three actors --Akshay, Govinda and Paresh -- are wanted by the London police for a murder and their pictures are flashed all over the local newspapers. Yet, they roam all over the city without a care.
Lara keeps disappearing in the film. Priyadarshan tries to introduce suspense with her character but after a point, one couldn't care less whether she was dead or alive.
The real hero of the film is Akshay Kumar. He outshines everyone and has some of the best dialogues in the film. He is a treat to watch.
Rediff Rating:
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