Yash Kesarwani and Sima Agarwal’s script starts off exceptionally well. The first half is full of good chase sequences, performances and twists. The problem is, the second half also is full of good chase sequences, performances but not good enough twists. This just makes the whole process monotonous. Too many convincing plot-solving twists just kill the intrigue at times.
If there would’ve been a bet to play on who has a secured future in Bollywood from the current-gen stars, it has to be Ishaan Khatter. Khaali Peeli does nothing but strengthens my belief of seeing him among the popular ones very soon. He his two films (Beyond The Clouds, Dhadak), one web series (A Suitable Boy) and one Koffee With Karan performance old, still look at his filmography. This was a test for him which he has cleared with a good score. He just fits into the ‘masala zone’ Ananya Panday is decent enough, but she carries the Alia hangover in most of her scenes which shouldn’t have been the case. I just wasn’t being able to get the thought of ‘how well Alia could’ve done this?’ throughout the film. But, definitely, an improvement for her from Pati, Patni Aur Woh and I just hope she gets a similar jump for her next.
Annup Sonii doesn’t get much to do, and he’s just there. Satish Kaushik is funny, but the problem is he could’ve been hilarious. His character had every scope of taking the humour to a different level, but unfortunately, nothing happens apart from a couple of well-timed jokes.
This is Maqbool Khan’s second film after the first one got released in 2011. With this, he proves he has the potential to handle a well-written masala film. Ali Abbas Zafar has produced this, and he has his shades all other the film. Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara are back with yet another adrenaline-pumping background score. Keeping the nostalgia of massy Bollywood films alive, they fusion it with the template of good Western music.
Khaali Peeli is your typical Bollywood popcorn-munching, snack-binging movie. It’s the first one in this zone for a long time, and for that, it should be seen taking a break from the heavy atmosphere around.
Rating: 6/10