99 is an original story inspired by real events. It is as much "What could have been" as it is "What really happened." In other words, it is historical fiction - fiction being the keyword. It spans a few genres; it is slick, fast-paced, realistic and, importantly, very funny.
In this "smart comedy" set in 1999, all the characters are found by a common feeling of being stuck at 99 in life - just one short of a 'century' - that elusive thing called "making it'' in life!
99 is an unpredictable and hilarious ride spread over two cities with colorful characters, unbelievable circumstances, small-time crooks, big-time conspiracies, fateful car crashes, loads of coffee, a briefcase full of money, a budding romance...
.... And a historical controversy brewing in the background!
Character Sketch:
Kunal Khemu: Sachin
Sachin is full of big ideas. The problem is implementation. And his well-rounded buddy, Zaramud is not helping either. Actually, he's making it worse.
Soha Ali Khan: Pooja
One first look, she is your typical Delhi girl. And like Delhi girls go, they are either Pooja or Neha. But this vibrant Pooja has a side that not many have seen so far. And it's pretty wild!
Boman Irani: Rahul
Rahul is an ordinary guy with a pretty ordinary job. He has one extraordinary quality though: he always has the luck of the draw. He thinks he has figured out how luck works! But lately, he's not sure anymore.
Cyrus Broacha: Zaramud
Zaramud is a bit of contradiction. Despite the impression he gives, he knows a lot of shit. But since he isn't most tactful or loaded with commonsense, he lands himself and Sachin into trouble. Far too many times.
Vinod Khan
na: JC
JC likes to live big. And likes his stakes big too. To top that, he has to have an edge over everyone and everything he deals with. By hook or by crook.
99
Maxabout Review
More Fiction than Fact, Without the Song and Dance.. .
Saturday, May 16, 2009
The movie is an original story inspired by real events - Yes, very liberally inspired - it is more fiction than fact. There is so much "What could have been" which is "what really happened." It is historical fiction - fiction is heading. It is smart, fast, realistic and importantly, very funny, and it spans a few genres.
The very thought of going to the cinemas gives you a high. The past five Fridays have been very unsettling, witnessing a few inconsequential releases, with the viewer looking everywhere but at the theatres
99’ is an unpredictable and hilarious ride spread over two cities with colorful characters, unbelievable circumstances, small-time crooks, big-time conspiracies, fateful car crashes, loads of coffee, a briefcase full of money, a budding romance.
Directed by the first-time feature filmmakers
Raj Nidimoru and
Krishna DK, “99” favors a kind of naturalism, both in its comedy, which is character-based rather than slapstick, and in its look. It is a good-looking film with some
smart moments thrown in, towards the second hour mainly. In fact, it takes time to grasp things, the characters, the plotline. Besides, Raj and D.K. take their own sweet time to establish the characters, set things up and come to the point. The director duo come up with fresh ideas to make it look different.
It actually takes off in the second hour. From the time the lights are dimmed to the time the lights are lit again, 99 keeps you engrossed in most parts.
99 falls in the same genre of
Guy Ritchie’s cult crime-comedy caper
Lock Stock and
Two Smoking Barrels with a lot of money manipulation and currency rotation. Thankfully the treatment is not slapstick like its earlier Indian edition
Phir Hera Pheri , with sensible writing, credible characters and smart direction
This "smart comedy" set in 1999, all characters are found in a common feeling of being locked to 99 in life - just one short of a "century" - that elusive thing called "making it" in life! The film carries the tag line - Part Fact, Part Fiction, Pure Fun. Rarely Bollywood film tag lines live up to the expectations raised but 99 is bang on. The makers have intricately woven situations (betting scandal, mobile phone nuisance) that actually took place in 1999-2000 with a fictional story and made it extremely entertaining.
The film is embellished with fine performances from an ensemble cast, but the one who stands out is
Boman Irani. Here's a master stroke from this accomplished actor, yet again.
Kunal Khemu is only getting better and more confident. The new look (hairstyle) suits him well.
Soha is evolving into a fine actress. She's highly competent this time.
Cyrus Broacha is, expectedly, funny and controlled in his first full fledged role in a Hindi film is howlarious. He is even funny in scenes where he doesn’t even have a line to speak. Film-makers have one more alternative while casting now.
Vinod Khanna is wonderfully relaxed, so is
Mahesh Manjrekar. His poker faced humour leaves you laughing out loud.
Simone Singh does well.
Amit Mistry is exceptional as the Delhi recovery agent with his hulk-henchman Dimple gets the best comic scenes and is hilarious. Here's a talent that needs to be lapped up!
There's not much scope for music in the film and the song-pieces are well integrated in the plot. There’s a jaunty, tango-y score and a montage set to a song, but as for that great Bollywood signifier, the song-and-dance sequence, “99” basically just says no.
Rajeev Ravi's cinematography is eye-catching. Dialogues are well penned. Special mention must be made of the beginning titles, which are innovative. Cheragh Todiwala's editing is perfect in several scenes
Funny, assured and just inventive enough, “99” is a refreshing sign that commercial Indian cinema has room in its big tent for more than one kind of storytelling.
99 is a cool movie to be enjoyed in this hot 2009 summer. Don’t miss it. Finally there is a clean, innovative comedy thats worth your money. 99 makes way for 100% entertainment.