Movie Review: Mubarakan

There is a rustic signature to Punjabi humour. It is a take it or leave it brand – so is it with Mubarakan. Add Aneez Azmi to matters and you have an invite to this Mad Party! What works most importantly and crucially for this Aneez Azmi entertainer is the case. Arjun Kapoor early in his career does a double roll. After doing a good job of it in sharing space with veterans like Rishi and Prithvi, here he not only keeps his own, but commands attention in the presence of AK and Ratna Pathak Shah. He displays an amazing timing for humour and throws up a poker-faced look with ease.

Arjun Kapoor plays twins (Charan – Karan) separated at birth after their parents die in a road accident Bro 1 remains in UK with his aunt (Ratna Pathak) and Bro 2 is in Punjab with uncle (Pavan Malhotra). Bro 1 loves feisty Sweety (Illeana) and Bro 2 loves Nafisa (Neha). Into this picture enters a blundering uncle (Anil Kapoor) and a girl Binkle (Athiya Shetty). Family disputes, attitude, blunders and the helpless lovers go in the making of this comic-cap that keep you laughing.

Aneez Azmi keeps the brand factor in tact: He gives the film a fine smooth narrative that does not do too much nor ask too much. Anil Kapoor has graduated so well and has a feel for scripts. Always had it and even as he gets to the wrong end of age in Bollywood he keeps his reading perfect. The other aspect of the film is how veterans Pavan Malhotra and Ratna Pathak keep their own. There has always been huge talent here. Nice to see it flourish with such style. While Illeana, Neha and Athiya Shetty add just the right glamour facets to the comedy. In the final analysis, this is clear notice from young Arjun Kapoor that he has the talent to carry the surname. He died a dual role in Auranagazeb where his requirements were a contrast to the present. Performing comedies are surely a bigger challenge and full marks for the guy who from managing half girlfriend to three at this outing.

The film is light hearted.