What did the title promise? A hilarious, zany adventure, and it delivered. Vikram Bhatt, fresh off the success of Raaz, presented a clever take on Jonathan Lynn’s The Whole Nine Yards. This Indian adaptation, with its quirky plot twists, scored points for writing, production, action, and acting.
Producer Firoz Nadiadwala, known for Hera Pheri, ensured a blend of laughs and glamour. Bhatt’s direction proved more effective in this comedy than in his horror film, Raaz.
The film satirizes gangster culture. The narrative, a comedic take on the underworld, features a stellar cast. Bhatt reworked the original, focusing on humor. Akshay Kumar portrays Guru, a fun-loving gangster, while Rahul Dev plays the menacing Vikrant. Their rivalry sets the stage for energetic action sequences.
Bhatt avoids the melodrama often found in Indian comedies. The story unfolds in settings like New York and an American suburb. Aftab Shivdasani plays a dentist whose life takes an interesting turn when he encounters the gangster Guru.
Borrowing elements from The Whole Nine Yards, Bhatt develops a range of characters. Paresh Rawal, as the dentist’s father-in-law, is a scene-stealer. Neeraj Vora’s dialogues provide Rawal with comedic lines. While some supporting characters don’t get enough screen time, Akshay Kumar shines as the mobster.
The film stumbles in the second half, with the climax becoming tedious. However, the production design and cinematography are strong. The music doesn’t fully support the film’s comedic ambitions. The film reminds us of the need for more comedies in Hindi cinema.