Review of Chandni Chowk to China (2009) by Dave B — 16 Jan 2009

You take chinese kung fu (Read: Huen Chiu Ku of Crouching Tiger.. and Matrix fame) , add some saucy Bollywood drama (Read: Nikhil Advani signature), add some condiments of any new PYT bollywood may offer (Read: Double whammy Deepika), add another dash of an actor whose form is touching new highs (Read: Akki) and finally wrap it all together in a perfectly dressed high-powered production house (Read: Warner Bros.) - You get an unbeatable formula for success that puts the three Big Khans to shame. Alas, only if it works :).

CC2C borrows lightly from Kungfu Hustle in trying to create an illusion of martial arts- action -goofy slapstick genre. Again, it manages to evoke few laughters - credited to Akshay Kumar alone. Rest remains, ultra-ordinary , crisply picturized and utterly convoluted bollywood soap opera. There were so many cliched twisting-turning moments all packed into this one film that I began to wonder if the director had vowed to live his past, present and future works through this one product. Lol. Amazing sometimes when the directors get too desperate and throw everything into one - not knowing what may actually work with the audience.

Without touching the banal storyline, lets directly jump into what works and what doesnt work for this 'just about enjoyable' flick -.

Ups:

Akshay Kumar - If there was any award that could be given for versatility, AK would be a frontrunner. He had a year of his life in 2008 and he just about continues the run in 09. His comic standings pretty much carry this movie on their shoulders. He is funny, he is goofy and he is likeable. Though even he is guilty of falling into the exaggeration trap.

Action sequences - If you can briefly forget the legendary chinese stuff you may have seen in umpteen Hollywood movies, you will have to agree that this one has some decent stuff that look 'out of bollywood'.

Comedy - Comic moments work , a couple of them even without akshay kumar (not quoting any, may act as spoilers . for whatever little this movie has ).

Downs:

Music - All songs except Akshay's rap (during end credits) are a big let down. I dont understand why they left this element out! The songs are utterly ordinary to even mention.

Deepika - The PYT still has a long way to go. Merely a debut with SRK needn't be a certificate. Here too, the role made her look as if she was exerting too much to be able to emote right. Ordinary again.

Overdone masala script- Gastronomical nightmare - Too many cliched bollywood elements (what could have worked), not in balanced quantity (what din't work)- Lost sisters, demented beggary father, revenge for mentor's death, too much of chinese parody et al.

Not the most enjoyable movie to have been churned out, nevertheless one could not strip it off everything - Akshay and his new style of martial arts- goofy - comedy just about works before the tipping point.