By Shevaal Singh (@being_shevaal)
Rating: 7.5/10 …
This Eid The Bol Bachchan director; Rohit Shetty brings us ‘Chennai Express’ which will not only keep you entertained and make a killing at the box-office but you will also experience a movie that uses elements of South Indian cinema in a humble manner unlike other movies which uses the southern flavour in ridicule . Hats off to Rohit Shetty, Here comes another winner!
“Get on the train baby!” – is exactly what you should do this weekend!
In this heart pumping venture, the one and only Shah Rukh Khan fills the shoes of the lead character Rahul , A 40-year old unmarried lad who is a family man because he works within his family business and cares for his grandparents . After the demise of his grandfather, Rahul has been left with a last wish to fulfil which has been requested by his grandfather to take part of the ashes to the city of Rameshwaran. While on his journey to Rameshwaran -Rahul meets Meenama enacted by the gorgeously talented, Deepika Padukone. She slips beautifully into character and impresses audience with her expressive dialogue delivery in both Hindi and Tamil. After much quarrelling and humour our stars Rahul and Meenama fall deeply in love … However this is a Rohit Shetty movie not your classic love story! The next entrant into this story is Meenama’s authoritarian father Dugeshwara (Satyaraj) who is also the Komban village’s don. As the story develops it is revealed that Meenama’s father wants her to get married against her wishes, and Rahul is hypothetically her knight in shining armour.Will Rahul withstand the might of the Komban Don and win the heart of his love Meenama? Watch this exhilarating movie to find out!
Shah Rukh Khan all the way through the film is unconventional, delightful and charming. On the other hand, Deepika’s character emanates shades of revolt, warmth and pure commitment. Her Hindi with Tamil pronunciations sounds convincing and without a doubt includes a dash of humour. Their amazing chemistry makes their performance one to look out for. You will love them in their romantic pieces like Titli and Tera Rastaa Chhodoon Na , their chemistry makes the romance look real and highly convincing .The Tamil don and his henchmen (with hacking knives in hand) are revealed in their full magnificence , but you will without a doubt fall in love with the exotic locations of the South. The cinematographer Dudley has an eye for capturing the Southern landscape in its richness, the breathtakingly stunning locations that one would see in ‘Chennai Express’ are going to make nature lovers fall in love the south of India!
Music composer duo Vishal-Shekhar has come up yet again with a wholesome album of music to suit everyone but the song ‘Titli’ outshines the rest with its amazing fusion of Tamil poetry and choicest lyrics with soothing music to add the essence of love and ‘1 2 3 4 Get On The Dance Floor’ is vibrant and will reach the dancehalls when played on full volume you will get the urge to dance! The title song ‘Chennai Express’ ups the delight level and songs like ‘Kashmir Main Tu Kanyakumari’ and ‘Tera Rastaa Chhodon Na adds an component of fun and more depth to the romance. ‘Chennai Express’ is highly predictable which is a downside to any film because the guessing game and anticipation becomes a lot easier thus revealing the climax of the movie. The film doesn’t offer us anything out-of-the box which standout amongst other Rohit Shetty films. But It is Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s performance that makes the film entertaining and keeps one engrossed. If you are an ardent fan of Bollywood then be sure to watch out for few clichés like the recurrence of ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’ signature moment and other scenes and the lines that we have heard SRK speaking in his most well-known films which covers up well for the lack of punch in the script writing and even the high predictability factor.
Chennai Express is movie not to be missed if you love comedy, action and a love story all intertwined into one heart pumping movie. Make sure you are on-board for a fun ride with ‘Chennai Express’! I give Chennai Express a 7.5/10 for its stellar performances, punch of comedy, and abundance of beautiful cinematography and music that will entertain you!