Cast: Akshay Kumar, Trisha Krishnan, Asrani, Aruna Irani, Urvashi Sharma, Johny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Makrand Deshpande

Director: Priyadarshan

Khatta Meetha – So bland!

Khatte Meetha is a film that attempts to pinch the corrupt bureaucracy of our nation through its protagonist Sachin Tichkule (Akshay Kumar) a completely ruthless cheating scumbag of a contractor.

He lives in a joint family and his world revolves around his younger sister played by Urvashi Sharma. He is booed by the other members of the family for the lack of his contribution (or the absence of it) to the family income. Plus, the meager work he does, he does with full on swindling, so much that he is completely infamous for it in the neighborhood.

During the course of our protagonist's transformation to an honest being, the movie throws light on the way politics; bureaucracy and government join hands to make a fool of the people they are supposed to be serving. A very good message is at the core of the storyline. However, the way the story wavers away from it wildly and extremely is annoying.

The movie is not hilarious except in the sequence Asrani chases Akshay Kumar. The editing is flimsy; where it should've chipped the film shorter it has let it drag. And then there's a scene where Makrand Deshpande's monologue has been abruptly cut! Ridiculously absurd!!

The characters detailing has been beautifully etched and it brings a load of authenticity to the film. However, during the (dream) song sequences the costumes of Trisha are pathetically outdated.

The movie will be enjoyed to an extent by those who are into the flavor of Maharashtra. There's a lot of Marathi spice in the film and the Marathi rap song – Tujha Nanachi Taang is especially tangy!

A lot of the film is banking on the drama element which is sort of confusing because the promos kind of hint that it's a funny movie with a social film. The drama is shocking and gory and kind of irritating for those who wanted a majorly funny film.

The dialogues are in crisp Hindi with no accent of Marathi. So the insertion of Marathi phrases look forced and fake.

Akshay Kumar's acting is nor impressive neither dull. He just does his job…sort of. Newcomer Trisha Krishnan has not been given a scope at all. She is brilliant in the south films and this movie doesn't exactly come as a proper cross over film for her. Asrani and Aruna Irani are typically themselves. Urvashi Sharma is fresh and gorgeous. Johny Lever proves that he still has a good hold over his business – of making people laugh; and Rajpal Yadav is rushing to give him a run for his money! Makrand Deshpande is impressive. Priyadarshan's cameo just makes you go – wha?!

The movie as a whole does not make you happy for spending on its ticket. Such a bummer!

Rating: **

Reporter and Author: Susan Jose