What is it about mindless comedies that make them such a huge hit with the masses? The last three Housefull series have been panned universally by critics, yet gone on to rake in millions at the box office. Housefull 4, too, despite our reservations, could well make it into the 100-crore club or more, merely because it regurgitates the same inane formula of slapstick comedy. Made at an eye-popping budget of 75 crores or 38 million dirhams, the epic reincarnation comedy oscillates between 1419 Sitamgarh and present day London where three brothers Harry (Akshay Kumar), Roy (Riteish Deshmukh) and Max (Bobby Deol), are set to marry three rich sisters (how formulaic) Kriti (Kriti Sanon), Pooja (Pooja Hegde) and Neha (Kriti Kharbanda). When Harry realises that he is actually Prince Bala Dev Singh who was set to marry Princess Madhu (Kriti Sanon) in his previous avatar, it is up to him to convince his brothers and their fiancés of their past identities, to ensure they all get married to their 'true love' from the past. The plot of course is as bizarre as they come, but then the Housefull franchise wasn't exactly known for its strong writing, so director Farhad Samji, opts to take the tried and tested route - which is inane dialogues and distasteful slapstick, which passes for entertainment here. All the actors we have to admit do justice to the roles they have signed on for, for which they no doubt got a hefty paycheck and a fully paid holiday in the bargain to various hotspots like London and Rajasthan. Though it is painful to watch an actor like Akshay Kumar, who was just about winning us over with his patriot act in movies like Mission Mangal, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and Gold, lower himself to the level of a common buffoon. Deshmukh is of course typecast as the gender-bending Bangdu Maharaj, the royal 'eunuch' who also serves as the royal princesses' dance master. The new entrant to the Housefull franchise Bobby Deol makes his presence felt as the slightly wooden, but beefy royal guard Dharamputr (get it?). While Rana Dagubatti as the tribal warrior Gama, is fierce and harks back to his Baahubali role with his constant cry for 'Badla', we feel he is wasted in this comic-villain role. The one who makes an impact, inspite of being on screen for just one scene is Nawazuddin Siddique. We can't fathom what made this talented actor sign on for this role of a Baba, but with a cheeky reference to his Sacred Games role, he sets the screen on fire. Johnny Lever and Chunky Pandey make up the rest of the motley crew. The girls are all uniformly glamourous and get enough designer wear to strut around in, which hopefully must have made them happy, cause they definitely just provide eye-candy in their respective roles. The VFX effects in Housefull 4, we have to admit, are amazing and in terms of grandeur, the movie could give Baahubali a run for its money. Sadly all the money seems to have spent in that and the spectacular sets and costumes, especially the scenes set in 1419. If you are in the mind for a totally mindless entertainer, set against a majestic backdrop then Housefull 4 could be for you. But if you don't count yourself among those who find the sight of a pigeon pooping on an actor hilarious we advice you to stay out of this 'House'. - ambica@khaleejtimes.com
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