Chup Chup Ke - Silently Slips away from Audiences Minds
Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Om Puri, Suneil Shetty, Anupam Kher, Shahid Kapoor, Neha Dhupia, and Kareena Kapoor all walk blindly in to the trusted hands of director Priyadarshan, known for his comedies. With his track record, there is little to fear. Granted he’s made some boo boo’s along the way, however his success exceed the amount of failures. But then again, with Chup Chup Ke, they may be coming close to a tie.
An upbeat, rib tickling first half is met with a lukewarm second half. Drama unevenly enters the second half, with no comic relief. It becomes more of a sappy family saga about love and life, ruining the carefree pace. Had the transition from easy breezy to heavy and intense been paced with occasional humor, the results would have been enjoyable and effective. Instead the presentation interrupts laughter with an abrupt halt. As it is, the story’s not solid. The humor quotient is low and the fire of romance between Shahid and Kareena weak. Not enough depth is placed in establishing the relationship the two share.
The saving grace is the performances of some key characters. Shahid is back in form with Chup Chup Ke. He proves he has propensity after all. His acting works for a comedy and succeeds in breaking smiles. Suniel Shetty is gregarious as an older brother. This film allows him to showcase more talent than he’s been professing recently Paresh Rawal, to no surprise is above par. He needs no one’s consent to state he knows what he’s doing. However, best of all this time is Rajpal Yadav! The man is just absolutely fantastic! An absolute joy, brightening each scene with his presence. Besides these 4 key entertainers, Om Puri is effective, Anupam Kher apt, and Shakti Kapoor functional. As for the ladies, Kareena Kapoor is moderate in her performance. Playing the role of a mute girl (perhaps to the relief of some), she’s average in her delivery. Neha Dhupia owns a small role, but one that sheds better light on her, than the D-grade films where she’s the lead. Sushma Reddy fails to take major notice, but is proficient.
Use of white colors gives the film a fresh appeal. Cinematography is artistic. Himmesh Reshammiya’s music is nothing out of the usual. In fact its starting to sound repetitive.
Priyadarshan falters in Chup Chup Ke. He doesn’t create riots of laughter and leaves the audience with mixed feelings. Chup Chup Ke, khul ke gets Ritu's 2 stars.