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The Dictator

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The Woman In Black

Packed with atmosphere, this old-fashioned but deftly told ghost story delivers ample chills and thrills.

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Delhi Belly (Film)

by Mamta Bhatt | July 04, 2011 17:38 | Edited July 05, 2011 10:46

Backed by an intelligent screenplay, understated humour and absorbing performances, this is a step in the right direction for Bollywood cinema.

Bollywood cinema is slowly but surely moving beyond stereotypical and sanitised melodramas, and pushing the envelope with subtle, sophisticated and bold stories. Paving the way for this new age of filmmaking, with its tasteful vulgarity, is Aamir Khan Production's (Dhobi Ghaat, Peepli Live) wickedly funny Delhi Belly. The film follows three Delhi roommates, Tashi (Khan), Nitin (Kapur), and Arup (Das), who inadvertently become couriers for a cache of smuggled diamonds. When a mix-up prevents the diamonds from arriving at their destination with a local gangster (Vijay Raaz), however, the threesome find themselves darting through Delhi, fleeing their underworld pursuers.

                                                     

Delhi Belly is the term used to describe the unsettling feeling one gets in their stomach after consuming delectable street food in India's capital. It's therefore the perfect title for the comic caper, which is equal parts delicious and squirm-worthy. Peppered with vulgarity atypical of Bollywood films (incessant cussing, sexual exploits), but without sacrificing its Indian roots, Delhi Belly is a cinematic masterpiece in Bollywood's repertoire. The film has a taut, intelligent script, which discards superfluous action, and links all of the apparently disparate elements together without slacking on pace. The comedy is understated and situational, and though the situations are far-fetched, it's a credit to the filmmaker that the viewer never feels uninvolved in the story. It's also a credit to the brilliant ensemble cast, each of whom imbue their characters with exuberance, charm and humour.

 

Rounding out a brilliant, hilarious screenplay, and flawless performances, is a rollicking soundtrack and the sweeping cinematography of the delightful Delhi. And while the occasional scene may be a little cringe-worthy, it's a small blemish in an otherwise faultless film.