Welcome trip

Shyam Benegal makes his foray into comedy with Welcome to Sajjanpur.

It has become difficult to keep count of the comedies Bollywood's been churning out lately. And the news of one more hitting the screens would definitely not excite an avid Hindi movie buff.

However, amidst this continuous cacophony onscreen there is a ray of hope when you have an acclaimed filmmaker such as Shyam Benegal making his foray into this genre. No wonder Benegal's maiden comedy offering Welcome To Sajjanpur, starring Shreyas Talpade and Amrita Rao, has created quite a buzz.

Serious transition

Making his mark in Indian cinema with 1974's National Award winning film Ankur (The seedling), Benegal is easily one of India's most prolific writers/directors.

The man is credited with revolutionising the Indian cinema in the 70s with path-breaking films like Nishant (Night's End), Manthan (The Churning) and Bhumika (The Role).

Benegal continued making classics like Junoon (1978), Mandi (1983), Trikaal (1988), Suraj Ka Satwaan Ghoda (1992), Sardari Begum (1996), Samar (1999), Zubeida (2001) and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose (2005). Most of his films dealt with social and topical issues and never seemed to miss winning the coveted National Awards.

Flair for humour

Now, after 34 years of serious cinema, Benegal has decided to lighten up with Welcome To Sajjanpur. To Benegal's followers this may not come as a surprise as the veteran director has shown his flair for humour with his satirical take on corruption in Mandi and the witty Mammo (1995).

Talpade will get a chance to redeem himself with Welcome To Sajjanpur after his forgettable corny comedy, Bombay To Bangkok.

"I think I am lucky to work under Shyam Benegal and Welcome to Sajjanpur is the type of film I like to do," says Talpade.

In Welcome to Sajjanpur Talpade plays Mahadev, a guy who makes his living by writing letters as he is one of the few educated young men in the largely illiterate population of a small town called Sajjanpur. His ability to write persuasive letters makes him extremely popular within his town. "Though the film is a romantic comedy, it manages to touch some core social issues prevalent in rural areas in a satirical manner," says Talpade.

Change of title

There is an interesting story behind the title of the film. Not many know that Welcome To Sajjanpur was earlier called Mahadev Ka Sajjanpur. The change was later made at the suggestion of Talpade.

And what is it that inspired Talpade? During the film's shooting, a village-like set was erected and whenever the cast reported on the sets, it had almost become a ritual to greet each other by saying "Welcome To Sajjanpur."

This struck Talpade and he requested Benegal to rename the film Welcome To Sajjanpur. A suggestion that the director immediately accepted.

Simple act

Rao's transformation into a glamorous doll in this year's box-office dud, My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves didn't seem to go down well with audiences and she returns as a simple village girl in Welcome To Sajjanpur.

"To act in a film by Shyam Benegal is an honour for me. In Welcome To Sajjanpur I play Talpade's love interest and an important catalyst to the rural issues tackled in a satirical manner in the film, " says Rao.

Rao is also expected to sizzle in a glossy item number Dildara Dildara Sine Mein composed by Shantanu Moitra.

Talented supporting cast

Besides the lead pair, the film has a fine mix of talented supporting cast comprising Ravi Kisen, Rajit Kapoor, Yashpal Sharma, Ila Arun, Divya Dutta and Rajeshwari Sachdev.

Kisen, the undisputed king of Bhojpuri (a dialect in North India) films, is expected to shine in a meaty role in the film.

Kapoor will be teaming up with Benegal once again after his award-winning performance as Mahatma Gandhi in The Making of the Mahatma while the versatile Sharma who recently played the funny, grief-stricken Sikh in Singh Is Kinng will repeat another hilarious act in Welcome To Sajjanpur.

Also expect some rib-tickling performances from Dutta, Sachdev and Arun.

With Benegal at the helm and UTV Spotboy producing it, this film ought to be a welcome trip.