Movie Review: Saat Uchakkey | Filmfare.com
3.5/5
Rating: 3.5 stars
Quick take: Outrageously fun!
If you enjoy Guy Ritchie’s films, Saat Uchakkey will please you to the bone. This comedy of errors with an immersive environment of rustic Delhi is an absolute laugh riot. Sure it lacks a certain filmmaking finesse but this rough-around-edges movie makes a beeline for North Indian grit and gusto, its peppered with a lot of profanity too. With the help of some smart writing and pitch perfect performances this movie steals all the attention.
As the name would suggest, the story is about seven thieves who are unlikely criminals. They’re not your deadly dons, rather everyday common folk who’ve taken to a life of petty crime and swindling to sustain their daily bread. At the head of this posse of bumbling thugs is Pappi (Manoj Bajpaye) whose wisecracking antics and ambition drive the narrative of the film. His chance encounter with Bachchi (Annu Kapoor) inspires him to hatch a plan to loot an old mansion owned by the eccentric Diwan (Anupam Kher). The idea is Diwan’s old mansion is rumoured to have hidden treasures buried underneath. So Pappi rallies up his nitwit forces – Jaggi (Vijay Raaz), Khappe (Aparshakti Khurrana), Haggu (Nitin Bhasin), Ajji (Vipul Nag) and Babbe (Jatin Sharma). Pappi even gets his girlfriend Sona (Aditi Sharma) involved. Their two-pronged plan includes swindling inspector Tejpal (Kay Kay Menon) and breaking into the Diwan mansion at night. If that sounds like a premise from Guy Ritchie’s films like Snatch and Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, it is just as food as any of those movies. In fact, Saat Uchakkey’s writing and treatment has a lot in common with our own Delhi Belly too, minus the English dialogue of course. Like any of its inspirations this film wastes no time in getting the gags out and making good of idiots in the middle of a lot of confusion.
Director / writer Sanjeev Sharma making a transition from Lyricist and assistant director to the man in charge is surefooted in his approach. He works with a far fetched and done-to-death concept, but his gritty treatment and inclusion of ramshackle Old Delhi makes this movie a veritable experience. The locations and the profanity driven lingo on offer in Saat Uchakkey give it a fantastic flavour. Also notable is camera work and the sound design of the movie.
But at the heart of this ensemble comedy is a cast comprising of some of the best acting talents in the country right now. Manoj Bajpayee and Kay Kay Menon are seasoned performers who hardly ever go wrong, but in Saat Uchakkey both artitstes bring their absolute best. Bajpayee could’ve sleep walked through this performance and still have made an impact, but he infuses his performance with energy and honesty. He plays a man too hasty and temperamental for his own cause and watching Bajpayee make good of this corny character is an absolute delight. Just as good is Kay Kay Menon’s portrayal of Tejpal the honest cop with crooked ways. His hate for Pappi and his one-sided love for Sona make him frustrated and angry. That is enough for Kay Kay to sink his teeth into a give a great performance. Vijay Raaz has made a habit of walking away with hosannas and that’s exactly what he does here as well. Anupam Kher and Annu Kapoor have cameos but even with their limited screen time they value add to the movie.
Saat Uchakkey is a real surprise package. This reasonably under sold movie has a lot of endearing goodness and the kind of satirical silly humour that made movies like Jaane Bhi Do Yaro and Kholsa Ka Ghosla such classics. It may not be the most polished product but it is a gem nonetheless, a funny movie with the right amount of weirdness and outrageous ideas. All presented in an honest and crazy manner. This One’s sure to con you into having a good time.
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