Dabangg: A flick worth the money

Dabangg is your typical Bollywood emotional potboiler. You know, the leave-your-brain-at-home kind?

You have an over-the-top hero, who is a bit of a rogue, but with a heart of gold. You have a nubile nymphet paired opposite him. And there’s a killjoy villain. Yet, Dabangg is a must watch.  I mean, which film wouldn’t be funny with lead characters named “Chulbul” (restless) and “Makkhi” (housefly)?

Most Salman Khan fans would enjoy the actor’s on-screen antics as Chulbul “Robin Hood” Pandey, well supported by Arbaaz Khan as the dimwitted Makkhi. Khan justifies his star power through Pandey who walks, talks and fights like the quintessential masala film hero, reminiscent of Rajnikant- and Amitabh Bachchan- starrers of the 1980s.

Debutante actress Sonakshi Sinha looks stunning as Rajo. She will remind you of a young Reena Roy, the once-upon-a-time girlfriend of her dad’s. Her acting skills have yet to sharpen but she holds herself quite well opposite Khan. Sonu Sood as Chhedi Singh, the villain, falls slightly short in comparison to his earlier performances. But his shirtless scenes at the akhada (gymnasium) give the “topless tornado” (Salman Khan) a run for his money.    

The film’s crisp direction and editing is commendable as it does not allow the movie to drag at any point. In fact, the film finishes in just over two hours. Action scenes are slick and come with Hollywood-imported special effects, including the Incredible Hulk ripping towards the end, often attracting whistles from the crowd.

Sajid-Wajid’s music is foot tapping with Munni Badnam Hui and Humka Peeni Hai yet melodious with Tere Mast Mast Do Nain and Chori Kiya Re Jiya. Dialogues and their delivery are hilarious but one needs to be familiar with the regional accent to catch the punches. 

All in all, Dabangg is a paisa vasool (worth the money) flick. No wonder it’s already broken the records set by 3 Idiots.