As I watched Happy New Year, I was somewhat perplexed whether to call it a heist movie or a comedy. It has so many hilarious scenes involving the protagonists that it seems as though they are planning a road trip rather than a heist.
Charlie (Shah Rukh Khan) and his partners in crime are apparently all “losers.” Each one of them has a reason for undertaking the robbery. Charlie is seeking revenge against the wrong done to his father, Manohar Sharma (Anupam Kher). Tammy (Boman Irani) and Jag (Sonu Sood) also want justice for their friend and mentor, who also happens to be Charlie’s dad. Nandu (Abhishek Bachchan) is in it for the money that he needs for his mother’s treatment. Rohan (Vivaan Shah) who is a computer hacker wishes to lead a good life. Mohini (Deepika Padukone) is a bar dancer who wants to open a dance school where she can teach children to dance and for this she too needs money.
For different reasons, all of the characters are motivated to commit a crime. Although Mohini is the only one who is not aware of the heist. She thinks that they are participating in a dance competition, which they are, but that is just a cover up to rob the diamonds from the venue where the dance competition is being held.
Charlie and company give us many funny moments throughout the movie. Shah Rukh Khan plays the captain of his team with panache. Boman Irani is amusing as ever, and Abhishek Bachchan too joins in to add to the humor. Vivaan Shah is proficient as a computer hacker who is popular on the Internet, but in the real world it’s a different story. Deepika Padukone’s character is spunky, and she pulls it off with ease. Her funny accent is sure to crack you up. Impaired in the left ear, Sonu Sood plays a macho man who worked in a bomb squad. Jackie Shroff plays the bad guy who does his bit so well that you detest his character.
Despite being well acted, Happy New Year has gaping loopholes. In fact, there are so many of them that you could write a book about it. You won’t be surprised by the ending that is all too predictable, and the plot’s twists are almost nonexistent. The songs are peppy and music lively. The setting is grand with plenty of opulence on show as it is set in Dubai for the most part. The patriotic fervor is on display as Charlie and company represent India at the World Dance Competition. So no two guesses about who wins the competition. If you are willing to give up scrutinizing every aspect of this movie, you might like it. So, leave your mind at home and watch this movie for what it is rather than being critical and pointing its flaws.
I recommend that you join the party and enjoy it. The timing is just right as there is an air of festivity around, and everyone is in an upbeat mood. If you are looking for meaningful cinema, Happy New Year isn’t going to appeal to you. However, if you are out for some fun and laughs then go for it.
What do you think?