Polished Bhooth
Film: Bhoothnath Returns
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Parth Bhalerao, Boman Irani
Directed by: Nitesh Tiwari
Duration: 2 hrs 30 mins
Rating: * * *
The chances of Bhoothnath
returning looked slim when the character first made its appearance in 2008. It
was an enjoyable family film even though it didn’t really set the box office on
fire. In a similar vein, Bhoothnath Returns is a very heartfelt and a sincere
effort that deserves a recommendation.
We meet Bhoothnath (Amitabh
Bachchan) up there where he is awaiting his turn to be reborn. To return as
mosquito is easy but the waiting list to be reborn as a human (or even an
actor’s pet) is way too long. After striking
a deal with the ‘authorities’ in ghost world that resembles a government
office, he is sent back to earth.
He becomes friends with Aakhrot
(Parth Bhalerao) a little street smart boy from the Dharavi slums who lives
with his single mother played by National award winner Usha Jadhav. After
helping the boy vacate some ‘haunted’ properties the focus shifts to politics
as they take on the local leader Bhau (Boman Irani) and Bhoothnath even
contests the local election.
They get help from a legal
advisor (Sanjay Mishra) and then have to run from pillar to post to complete
the formalities. In a hilarious sequence, they even approach Anurag Kashyap to
pen an election campaign song for them.
The second half is a bit preachy
and heavy duty at times but there is no denying that it makes some absolutely
valid points and given the reach of our cinema, who knows, it might even
inspire some people. The Election Commission of India could have well partnered
with this film to promote voter awareness.
Even though there are some
shortcomings, writer/director Nitesh Tiwari has done commendable job and the
film finishes on a high. The acting also lends a lot of credibility. Boman
Irani as the shrewd politician plays has part with conviction and Amitabh
Bachchan is as good as ever- he adds so much more value to the lines while
delivering those monologues. Parth Bhalerao as the kid is first rate looks like
a natural born actor. On the whole, Bhoothnath Returns has some flabby parts
but if you can ignore that, it is good for a family outing.
Published in The Navhind Times on 13th Apr 2014
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