Movie Review: Baat Bann Gayi

Starring – Ali Fazal, Anisa, Gulshan Grover, Amrita Raichand Directed by Shuja Ali Rating - * * ? (2.5 stars) Since the God of cricket Sachin Tendulkar bade goodbye to the game yesterday, we will begin this film review by drawing an analogy from the great cricketer's life. There are innings that Sachin played which entertained us and then there are those which disappointed. But somewhere in between, there are also innings which neither entertained nor disappointed us. Innings that Sachin would neither be proud or ashamed about. The movie Baat Bann Gayi falls in the same category. It neither disappoints us nor does it overtly entertain us. Kabir (Ali Fazal) is a novelist who is in love with the bubbly Rachna (Anisa). Unfortunately, Rachna's elder brother Prof. Laxmi Nivas (Gulshan Grover) is already looking for a smart and intellectual professional as a suitable groom for Rachna. It’s up to Kabir now to win Prof. Laxmi's heart so that he gives his consent to marry Rachna. Kabir promptly lands up at Prof. Laxmi's doorstep masquerading as a research student and ultimately wins the genial professor's and his wife (Amrita Raichand's) heart. Trouble starts when Kabir's lookalike, Rasiya Bihari, a local don arrives on scene. A comedy of error like situation ensues when Rasiya enters Prof. Laxmi's household and everyone mistakes him for Kabir. Soon enough, Prof. Laxmi's lookalike, Debu (a gay dance choreographer brilliantly played by Gulshan again) arrives on the block adding to the confusion. One is instantly reminded of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan which had an eerily similar plot. The movie then revolves around uncovering the true identities and revealing the real Kabir and Prof. Laxmi Niwas. Baat Bann Gayi is an out-and-out Ali Fazal movie. And the young actor plays his double roles with utmost sincerity. His rural don-like accent leaves a good impression. Débutant Anisa has a small role and she acts well in the scenes that she is a part of although this film doesn't give her a wide canvas to showcase her acting talents. Gulshan rocks both as the professor and the gay dance master. His homosexual antics will give the audience some light moments to savour. Amrita Raichand is wasted in a role which is of no great significance in the movie. The standout character actor was Akshay Singh who was brilliant in his role as Gama, a sidekick of underworld don played by Razzak Khan. His dialogues delivered with a Gujarati twang give the film its funniest moments. Made as a light-hearted romantic comedy, the makers of Baat Bann Gayi delivered what they had initially promised - a clean comedy. Though the movie is clean, the comedy will not really tickle one’s ribs. The plot of the movie has been done-to-death dime a dozen times. It’s akin to drinking old wine from a new bottle. While watching this movie will not leave you with a bad taste in your mouth, you may also not find anything memorable to take back home. We though found a few good points that are worth mentioning. 1. The songs are quite melodious. 2. There are no corny or quote-laden dialogues. 3. No kissing scene which has become a norm in every movie these days. 4. A film where thankfully no one smokes thus giving us a chance to watch the movie without the irritating presence of the anti-smoking disclaimer strips.