Mubarakan movie review: Anil and Arjun Kapoor’s laughathon is rib-tickling entertainment at its best

Have you felt it has been a long time since you had a proper family entertainer that will make you roll on the floor with laughter? If the answer is yes, then Mubarakan could end that dry drought right now. Directed by Anees Bazmee, the movie stars Arjun Kapoor in double role, with Anil Kapoor playing his jovial uncle. Ileana D’Cruz and Athiya Shetty are the female leads. Here’s our review…

What’s it about

A story of identity confusion between twins isn’t new to Bollywood. There have been several films made on this subject in Bollywood over the past few decades. Anees Bazmee who’s known for his successful stint with humour and his own style of comedy has dabbled with the genre again with Mubarakan – a story of twins Karan and Charan (Arjun Kapoor) who find it hard convincing their families to let them marry their respective girlfriends, played by Ileana Dcruz and Athiya Shetty. Mubarakan is a typical Anees Bazmee film with a twist. The setting oscillates between Punjab and London and the supporting cast comprises of big names like Ratna Pathak Shah and Pavan Malhotra who play heads of families to Karan and Charan. Anil Kapoor plays a bumbling Sardar Kartaar whose decision-making abilities lend to ample humour to this already funny plot. Bazmee weaves drama laced with ample comedy by focusing on the script that has some genuinely funny gags. A big fat Punjabi wedding is in the heart of this film that also builds the right emotional connect with its audience.

What’s hot

Arjun Kapoor approaches both his characters of Karan and Charan with equal zeal. He manages to ensure there is no overlap between them despite the fact that they look the same. His mannerisms and body language for Charan especially is commendable because he needs to underplay his emotions in an otherwise over the top setting. Mubarakan proves that Arjun has a natural affinity towards comedy and he succeeds in pulling off some really tough gags and scenes with ease. Anil Kapoor gets the best lines and punches in the film that does full justice to his potential. Anil also seems to be having the most fun and looks at ease in most of the scenes. Be it is quirky British accent or his approach to explaining out a situation using props like vegetables and ketchup bottles, he manages to keep your funny bone tickled in every scene. Anees Bazmee deserves full marks for writing a clean family entertainer with not a single line or dialogue that might feel awkward or adult. Ileana and Athiya add to the glamour quotient and both have good chemistry with Arjun. Pavan Malhotra and Ratna Pathak Shah are the heavyweights in this already large ensemble and their stand off scenes are a major highlight. Hawa Hawa manages to get your feet tapping and is superbly choreographed for the big screen.

What’s not

The pace does take its time to pick up early on and the humour gets repetitive in some portions. Also, Athiya’s track seems underwhelming. Neha Sharma and Karan Kundra have important roles but little screen time. Bazmee manages to raise the tempo in the second half only to lead us to a seemingly dull climax. Mubarkan also has too many songs that could have done with some better editing.

What to do

Mubarakan is one of the most entertaining films of 2017. Arjun Kapoor’s double role act and Anees Bazmee’s superb direction make it a total paisa vasool experience.

Rating: 4.0 out of 5

Reviewed by Rashma Shetty Bali

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