DELHI BELLY (2011)

Because I'm not a fan of crude comedy, Delhi Belly didn't make me want to hit the theaters after its theatrical release. But, some good reviews from friends and my partner (who watches movies very selectively) prompted me to give it a watch. I pulled my cousin along, who being on a two-month long vacation, needs regular dozes of entertainment. Otherwise, he resorts to napping often during the day. He was skeptical about this Bollywood comedy and was unsure that it would suffice as entertainment on an already dull afternoon. So, we both sat down without high expectations for this 95-minute movie that has no intermission for a bathroom or a snack break.

Having watched the movie, I applaud this production from Aamir Khan. Delhi Belly reinforces one's belief that AK is a perfectionist who makes few but good movies. The movie grabs your attention right from its opening credits which start by showing you the squalid apartment of 3 bachelors who get entangled (by accident) in shady business as the movie progresses. What's interesting about this movie is that its makers have made it as vulgar as things sometimes are and yet, you can unabashedly laugh over this comedy of errors. For example, constipation can usually draw some laughs from the audience. Fart sounds are just extremely funny to us humans. But the movie makers pushed this a little further and didn't hesitate to show you a stool sample, as well. Heh! O.K. Before you decide that this is really dirty, stop! The story requires it and its all part of the comedy. I watched the movie in English and I wasn't disappointed with the dialogues. I wouldn't have understood its Hindi version, anyway. All the actors seem to have been carefully chosen for the movie. All of them, except Imran Khan are either fresh faces or character artists who've only done smaller, insignificant roles earlier. The soundtracks and the background scores are all very, very good, stimulating pieces of music, especially Saigal Blues. Love it!

My thumbs are all up for this movie! Hit it!