Director: Priyadarshan
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty
‘A Captivating Comedy Classic’
Not many actors in Bollywood have made comedies that have raised the bar as high as Akshay Kumar. Ever since his recognition in the 1990’s, Kumar has become a beloved icon in Bollywood. Whether it’s mischievous con-artists, destructive lovers or historical figures, Kumar has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Kumar’s strength as a comedian has always been his capabilities to evoke laughter. He is one of those special actors that has always had a talent playing comedic characters with a sharp sense of humour. Even when he isn’t the main focus of a movie, Kumar has always left a strong impression. Through his abilities to portray comedic characters that prove compelling, Kumar has established legacy that’s lasting. Throughout his illustrious career, Kumar has made several unforgettable movies that are absolutely worth talking about without any single doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Kumar and adore all films which he has made in his career. However, “Hera Pheri” definitely stands out as being his funniest movie. Released back in 2000, Priyadarshan’s movie offered a captivating comedic portrait of con-artists. Packed with breathtaking musical sequences, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best Bollywood comedies ever made. At centre of it all is a fantastic performance by Akshay Kumar, who portrays a con-artist seeking to claim a ransom. Ultimately, what makes “Hera Pheri” a comedy classic is its bold appeal. Unlike most comedies made in India during the 2000’s which are outdated today, it has aged beautifully. A captivating Bollywood comedy classic, there are several strong reasons why “Hera Pheri” is a movie worth watching.
“Hera Pheri” tells the story of three conmen which team up to claim a ransom of money. Akshay Kumar portrays Raju, a mischievous tenant that is determined to make his dream of becoming wealthy true. Raised in poverty, Raju has often struggled to turn his dreams of wealth into reality. However, Raju’s life is changed when he develops friendships with two tenants which transform his life forever. Shyam (Suniel Shetty) and Baburao (Paresh Rawal) are a pair of conniving conmen that offer Raju a scheme to become wealthy. As the team hatch a plan to become wealthy in India, Raju questions whether it’s possible to turn his dream into reality causing a serious dilemma.
Priyadarshan is fascinated with the comedy genre. A fantastic filmmaker, Priyadarshan has often directed Indian comedies which evoke laughter. With “Hera Pheri”, however, Priyadarshan made his first ever con-artist comedy. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture struggles faced by con-artists in a comedy, but he succeeded. Using strong cinematography, Priyadarshan captures the lives of con-artists that experience tragedy. Evoking Anthony Minghella’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley”, Priyadarshan expertly employs montages to capture bonds between a pair of conmen seeking money. For instance, the montages enhance the teamwork sequence. During this funny scene, Raju teams up with fellow tenants to commit a con-artist crime. Using captivating montages, Priyadarshan created a portrait of con-artists that’s truly compelling. Montages are tricky techniques to use in movies. As Yash Chopra’s “Dil To Pagal Hai” suggested, montages enhance Bollywood films about dancers. That being said, it works immensely. Using captivating visuals, Priyadarshan captures the hardship con-artists are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Hera Pheri” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best Bollywood comedies that you will ever see. Emulating Rajkumar Santoshi’s “Andaz Apna Apna”, Priyadarshan effectively uses cross-cutting to create musical sequences that are entertaining in India. For instance, the cross-cutting enhances the Jab Bhi Koi Haseena song. During this memorable song, Raju expresses his love for women through a use of melodies. Using strong cross-cutting, Priyadarshan crafts musical sequences that are engaging. Moreover, the musical score is superb. Anu Malik’s music contributes to the success of the movie. It gives the movie an engaging atmosphere capturing painful burdens con-artists bear. Using captivating production, Priyadarshan captures conmen facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Hera Pheri” is a Bollywood comedy that is engaging. The film is beautifully written, and effectively utilizes dramatic monologues to capture hardships con-artists are enduring. Inspired with Kundun Shah’s “Jaane Bhi Do Yaro”, Priyadarshan uses bold monologues to capture tensions that conmen are facing. For instance, monologues elevate the plan scheme scene. During this hilarious scene, Raju delivers a funny monologue explaining his scheme of making money to his tenants. Through strong monologues, Priyadarshan creates a portrait of conmen audiences can relate to. Monologues are tricky techniques to use in most films. As R. Balki’s “Pad Man” suggested, monologues enhance historical dramas. Nevertheless, it works extremely in this movie. Through a fantastic screenplay, Priyadarshan captures conmen which face a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Akshay Kumar delivers one of his greatest performances as Raju. Kumar first earned appreciations for playing quirky heroes in beloved Bollywood comedies. With “Hera Pheri”, however, he took on his most iconic role. It isn’t easy to portray a con-artist that schemes to make money but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and hilarious in his most offbeat role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, desperation and reckless spirit of a conman seeking ransoms. It’s a strong performance from one of the most beloved actors which is working in India today.
While the movie is mainly a bold showcase for Kumar, the supporting cast is also great and worthy of appreciation. Paresh Rawal is phenomenal, capturing the comical nature of a landowner that finds taking care of his home a constant struggle. Suniel Shetty is spectacular, capturing fierce personality of a working-class tenant seeking to escape poverty. Lastly, Tabu merits appreciation. As a fierce female lawyer, she is unforgettable.
Finally, “Hera Pheri” would earn recognition of everyone for capturing the harsh realities of Indian poverty. Unlike most comedies that are made in India which are often outdated, its sharp humour has aged beautifully. The film tackles bold themes including ambition, mental health and wealth that will resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with Indian culture to appreciate the movie. Therefore, “Hera Pheri” is one of the rare Bollywood comedies that everyone will adore.
Fans of Akshay Kumar will absolutely enjoy “Hera Pheri” and so would audiences which seek hilarious entertainment. A captivating Bollywood comedy, it honours a celebrated actor that has built a lasting legacy.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking Bollywood comedy about tenants that hatch a plan to claim ransom, it’s a riveting reminder of a beloved Indian actor that has earned stardom through his ability to portray engaging characters with wisdom in memorable movies which rarely leave audiences in boredom.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 