FILM REVIEW: GARAM MASALA (2005)

Director: Priyadarshan
Producer: Venus Records and Tapes
Cast: Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Paresh Rawal and Rimi Sen
Music: Pritam
Lyrics: Sameer

The Indian filmmaker Priyadarshan is famous for directing some of Bollywood’s funniest comedies. Whether its Hera Pheri or Hungama, viewers can expect non-stop laughter and mayhem, usually with storylines focusing on misunderstanding and confusion. However, whilst previous attempts normally benefit from some form of logic, his latest movie, Garam Masala is completely devoid of any common sense, making the viewer lose interest in the plot… very quickly!

Mac (Akshay Kumar) is a romantic guy who lusts over beautiful women. His wildest dreams come true when Mac finds himself in possession of an empty flat and access to three gorgeous air hostesses - Priti (Daisy), Sweety (Neetu) and Puja (Nargis). Even though Mac is already engaged to Anjali (Rimi Sen), he still tries to pursue the three ladies using his charm and wit. His plans are running smoothly until Mac’s former colleague and now sworn enemy, Sam (John Abraham), arrives on the scene and threatens to reveal everything to the unsuspecting ladies, unless he benefits personally from the situation.

Garam Masala's story features so many holes, it barely stays together. Instead of benefiting Mac, his three girlfriends and fiancée are going to cause the photographer to have an early heart attack; however he continues to juggle them around without hesitation. The audience views his character having a really hard time - but since we don't see Mac having much fun inbetween, it hardly seems worth it. Sam is a completely desperate loser, who cannot attract any women – can the audience believe someone as handsome as John Abraham cannot attract any ladies? Do the two men give up their careers in the second half too? Why would Sam’s fiancé take him back in the end – when they don’t share any spark of romance together? This is only the start of the questionable story factors – which, when combined with forced and over the top comedy, results in something very bland.

Now for the performances. Akshay Kumar is truly on form during some scenes. He handles comedy well, which everyone knows from previous films. Although he’s let down by the poor story and goes over the top in some scenes – Akshay still provides many highlights. John Abraham fails to impress this time. He goes completely over the top and his performance is far from restrained. John has impressed a lot in the past, but only his fans are likely to enjoy this performance. However his chemistry with Akshay is definitely a success – it’s a shame they don’t have a better film to work with! The talented Rajpal Yadav is not given any scope to perform – he’s wasted. The new girls are strictly okay, but their future success in Bollywood is questionable. Rimi Sen’s role is full of flaws. Are we sounding too negative? Okay, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Paresh Rawal is very good. He is the best thing about the film and whenever he appears in a scene, he steals the spotlight from each and every co-star.

The first half of the film is bearable. The second half is torture to watch – especially when the same scenario is played out over and over and over again, in different locations. When the audience cannot connect with the characters, why would they care? Priyadarshan is not directing to his usual standards, especially as things progress in the film and the audience lose more and more interest. Garam Masala… only for die-hard fans of Priyadarshan, Akshay and John!

RS Rating: 2/10

Reviewed by: Qamar Zaman