Khandaani Shafakhana Movie Review: Humourless Comedy

Though it was promoted as a comedy with a message, Sonakshi Sinha’s latest release Khandaani Shafakhana is anything but funny.

The film revolves around Baby Bedi, a medical representative, who receives her uncle Hakim Tarachand’s sex clinic post his demise through his will. However, there’s a condition. Baby will only get the property, if she runs the clinic for at least six months. Initially she gets a bit apprehensive but halaton ki maari Baby eventually starts going to the clinic and what happens then forms the rest of the plot.

Sonakshi has played Baby and she is earnest. Much like her character, who is bearing all responsibilities of her family, Sona too has lifted this movie entirely on her shoulders. She has acted well and has come a long way since her Dabangg days.

Badshah has marked his acting debut with the film and though his role is audacious we fail to understand why he chose this film to be his launch vehicle. Neither does he have a strong character, nor does he have many scenes. He is literally played himself so nothing new there.

Varun Sharma has played Sonakshi’s brother and has been wasted. Nadira Babbar is good as her mother but is underutilized. Annu Kapoor is playing a lawyer and his acting here will remind you of his character in Vicky Donor. TV actor Priyansh Jora has essayed the role of Sonakshi’s love interest and has nothing much to do in the movie. Kulbhushan Kharbanda has played mamaji and he is a fantastic actor.

Though Sonakshi’s hard work is apparent, the script is sloppy. The makers tried to tickle the audience’s funny bone, but failed miserably. The film is too long and predictable. Predictability could have been tolerated had the screenplay and dialogues been good. The film also has several loose ends.

Thankfully, there are no unnecessary songs else it would have extended the length even more. The film will have trouble getting family audience, as we are still not very comfortable talking sex with our folks and kids.

Shilpi Dasgupta chose a bold subject however, the execution wasn’t up to the mark. This film is strictly a one-time watch for Sonakshi’s fans.