Dhol Movie Review: Funny Enough

Dhol follows on the heels of Heyy Babyy aand Dhamaal. Like its predecessors, this one too is cast in the same comic mould. But the mood changes in the second half of the movie as it takes a more serious turn. In Priyadarshan's career of so many comedies, Dhol appears to be the weakest.

Like Dhamaal before it, the film's story is based upon the capers of four friends played by Tusshar Kapoor (Sam), Sharman Joshi (Pakkya), Rajpal Yadav (Maru) and Kunal Khemu (Goti). Unlike Dhamaal, it is not an all male cast, though almost as good as one. The girls Tanushree Dutta and Payal Rohtagi do not have much to do either ways. But coming to our four friends, they are a good-for-nothing bunch, who wants to make it big with the minimum of effort. So each one of them tries finding the shortest road to success. But in the end, they are no way better off than before. Generally, they find themselves in deeper waters than before.

Matters reach a head, forcing the foursome to take the decision to resort to drastic steps to get rich. The sure shot formula according to them is to get married to a rich woman. And as luck would have it, a rich girl, played by Tanushree, moves onto their neighbourhood along with her grandparents. Little do they know that she is here in search of her brother's killers. Our four dudes try their best to woo her before discovering that the surest way to her heart would be to find some clues regarding her brother's killers.

Like most of Priyadarshan's films, this too is a remake of a Malayalam movie. But unlike most of Priyadarshan's films, this is not funny all through. The first half generates laughter but the second half sees a drastic change in tone. Also, one feels that Priyadarshan is falling prey to clich?s. There is also a certain sense of predictability. The bottom line: It's funny, but again in parts only.

As with Dhamaal, what keeps Dhol going is the chemistry between the four actors. Rajpal Yadav is easily the best among them. Tusshar Kapoor slips into his role very easily and his expressions work to his advantage in his depiction of Sam. Actor Sharman Joshi has already made a name for himself in comedies like Xcuse Me and Style. He is quite a veteran with comedy and manages to carry off his role fairly well. The real surprise is provided by actor Kunal Khemu. He is a surprise revalation. The actor shows a decided flair for comedy. His role in Dhol has little in common with his previous roles in Traffic Signal and Kalyug. But Khemu manages the transition very well and show a lot of promise in light-hearted roles as well. Veterans, Om Puri, Tiku Talsania and Asrani have their moments and make the most of them.

But the livewire of the film remains Rajpal. The actor is an extremely accomplished actor and has a good flair for comedy, specially the over-the-top varieties. Dhol and Priyadarshan give him ample opportunity to display his talent. He definitely outshines his three co-actors.

The film's story turns out to be quite irrelevant as the only aim of the film is to indulge in pure buffoonery. There are enough gags to keep one chuckling all through. But the director could have still managed to keep the tone of the film light all through and managed a more crisper effect. The film's music is not remarkable except for the title track, Yaara Dhol Bajake. Music director Pritam has not been able to drum up some too many outstanding tunes for the movie.

Priyadarshan has given us some truly rollicking laugh riots like Hera Pheri, Hungama, Hulchul and Malamaal Weekly, among others. Dhol, his latest, carries his signature style. However, unlike a Dhamaal, the film does not manage to carry the insanely comical tone right through till the end.