Delhi Belly is Yummy Shit!

The punch-line of Delhi Belly says ‘Shit Happens’. Very True. Shit has been happening in the name of comedy for too long in Hindi Cinema. So, 'Masters of Laughathons' serve us with some rotten, run-of-the-mill ‘no-brainers’ in the name of comic flicks. We are supposed to leave our brains at home but carry our wallet to the theatre, pay heavily and watch ‘shit’ in the name of comedy. I won't take names here, but biggest of stars, some renowned directors and famed production houses have done this to us again and again. Only the timing of release differs. Some throw shit at you on occasion of Diwali, some prefer Summer Holidays while others wait till Christmas.

In this regard, Delhi Belly is a refreshing shit, I mean change. The film does not take its audiences for granted, there are no ‘forceful’ laugh riots here. Delhi Belly is a fine example of exemplary execution of situational comedy. My first hug goes to the writer of the film Akshat Verma, who has written a very smart yet bizarre script. The scenes, the situations and the characters infuse laughter spontaneously.

All the three male leads are in terrific form. But it is the debutant Kunal Roy Kapur (Playing Nitin), as a fat, farting, pottying photographer from Patna who steals the show. His exploits will contribute to legend of gross and you may well develop signs of nausea next time orange juice is served to you. Vir Das (Playing Arup) is a marvelous comedian. In fact, he is a master of situational comedy and this ensures that he does not have to break any sweat for making audiences laugh. And yes, there is Imran Khan (playing Tashi) who gets his shares of passionate smooches & 'erection' and in the process, makes you laugh. The two girls, the landlord and Vijay Raaz as the potty-receiving gangster play their part well. Vijay Raaz remains subdued (for a change) throughtout the movie, only to break into cuss spree towards the climax.   

  

The Director, Abhinay Deo, who made a rather lackluster debut with ‘Game’ early this year, leaves a massive impact with Delhi Belly. The way he executes funny sequences, maintains dignity while filming so-called bold scenes, is commendable. And yes, he along with the writer, deserves all the credit for sketching and portraying such ‘relatable’ characters who land up in unimaginable situations.

Ram Sampath’s music is the highpoint of Delhi Belly. Not a single song is second best or an 'also-ran'. Its tough to chose your favorite. For me, Switty edges past DK Bose by a whisker. Background score is compelling and songs have been very well fused in the scenes, which makes Delhi Belly a slim-trim film, length-wise.

Kudos to Censor Board, for passing this movie without any cuts. Yes, the film has been A-rated but that’s actually required but hardly a matter of concern for producers now a days. In fact, Delhi Belly is India’s first Wholesome Adult Entertainer. Abuses and cuss words fly thick and fast but they do not look vulgar. The entire narrative is so beautifully woven in the script that it leaves no scope for complains. Also, the film shocks you with its boldness at places. So, you gape in utter surprise when Kunal Roy Kapur gives a ‘delicate touch’ to a sex worker’s…well…bosoms. Imran Khan’s much publicized ‘erection scene’ also makes you sit upright in your seat. And yes, the concept of 'Blow Job' has been immortalized by Delhi Belly.

And lastly, let’s laud the man, Aamir Khan. You need lots of courage and conviction to back a project like Delhi Belly. His mind-blowing pelvic moves in ‘I Hate You Like I Love You’ culminate the proceedings on a high. He charms you with his antics and seems to be enjoying the golden phase of his career as producer.

 Delhi Belly is bold, intelligent and funny. It is one of those rare comic films that does not try to make you laugh. The decision is entirely left to you. 

Go, celebrate Hindi Cinema’s coming of age. You will find Mr. ROFL and Miss LMAO sitting next to you. Let Naysayers sulk!

Rating: **** (Excellent)

P.S.: I brought this quote from the film back home, “Your Ga**d is like Full Solar Eclipse”. (Vir Das to Kunal Roy Kapoor)