Darwaza Bandh Rakho

Aankhen bandh rakho

Darwaza Bandh Rakho
*1/2
Dir: Chekravarthy
Cast: Aftab Shivdasani, Isha Sharvani
Sarita Tanwar
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What's it about: Welcome to the world of inanities — Ram Gopal Varma churns out yet another run-of-the-mill 'Factory' products that's guaranteed to put you off comedies forever. 'Satya' Chekravarthy, who made a fine beginning with the only worthwhile episode in Darna Zaroori Hai makes a mish-mash of his new film Darwaza Bandh Rakho. It's all about four goons, Ajay (Aftab Shivdasani), Raghu (Chunky Pandey), Goga (Snehal Dabhi) and Abbas (Zakir Hussain) who plan on making a quick buck by kidnapping a builder's daughter Isha (Isha Sharvani). They bring her to the bungalow of a once-rich stock market trader Kantilal (Ishrat Ali). The broker lives in his run-down home with his mother, wife (Smita Jaykar), two kids and a maidservant (Divya Dutta). Since the builder is abroad, the four have no option but to stay back in the bungalow. Trouble begins when visitors keep dropping into the house. No one who comes in, is allowed to leave and that's how the film progresses, with the house almost resembling rush-hour crowd at Churchgate station, after a while. And when the small-time crooks start doubting each other, the confusion becomes intolerable.
What's good: The only saving grace of the film is that it's devoid of any songs — so you're saved from more torture to the brain. Also, it's rather short in length — so the pain is somewhat short-lived. The film is packed with 'Ramu' actors — faces that sprout only in an RGV film. Ishrat Ali is good. Watch out for him in the Kung Fu scene — easily the funniest moment in the film, but you can enjoy it only if you're bold enough to bear the film till the end. Aftab is in good form, but has nothing to do. Divya Dutta does a fair job. Manisha Koirala looks fresh and delivers whatever is expected of her.
What's not: Ramu probably thought it was a good time to make a comedy flick as all funny films are laughing their way to the banks. But DBR certainly doesn't deliver any of the fun it promises. The jokes are not funny; the screenplay is nerve wrecking and good performers have been wasted. It's time Ramu stopped taking his audience for granted; making small films with innovative subjects is one thing, but making them entertaining is what's more important.
What's that: Manisha Koirala plays a salesgirl who's selling shampoo in the middle of the night. Guess it happens only in an RGV film.
What's to do: Apne ghar ka darwaza bandh rakhna, just in case someone prompts you to go watch this flick.