Writer/Director: Neeraj Vora
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Bipasha Basu and Suniel Shetty
‘A Captivating Comedy’
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 he has crafted in his career. However, “Phir Hera Pheri” definitely stands out as one of his funniest films. Released in 2006, Neeraj Vora’s movie offered a spectacular sequel to a beloved comedy. Packed with stunning musical sequences, strong storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s a brilliant Bollywood comedy sequel. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Akshay Kumar, who embodies a con-artist that seeks to be wealthy. Ultimately, what makes “Phir Hera Pheri” a great comedy is its universal appal. Unlike most Bollywood comedies, it tackles powerful themes everyone would relate to. A captivating Bollywood comedy sequel, there are countless strong reasons why “Phir Hera Pheri” is worth watching.
“Phir Hera Pheri” continues the adventures of con-artists that seek to rise from poverty to prosperity. Akshay Kumar plays Raju, an ambitious con-artist that seeks to make his dreams of prosperity true. Assisted by long-time companions Shyam (Suniel Shetty) and Baburao (Paresh Rawal), Raju embarks on a journey to commit scams which earn money. However, Raju’s dreams are shattered when he becomes the target of gangsters causing disaster. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Raju wonders whether it will ever be possible to achieve happiness. Facing a dilemma, Raju questions whether he will be able to overcome the barriers of poverty in India.
Neeraj Vora has always been fascinated by the comedy genre. A fantastic Bollywood filmmaker, Vora has often made engaging comedies about con-artists in danger. His iconic movie “Khiladi 420” offered a strong portrait of con-artists that seeks to commit crimes causing adversities. With “Phir Hera Pheri”, however, Vora made his first comedy sequel. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to craft a sequel to a celebrated Bollywood comedy, but he succeeded. Using engaging cinematography, Vora captures con-artists on a journey to commit crimes. Inspired by Guy Ritchie’s “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”, Vora effectively uses montages to capture the lives of con-artists experiencing obstacles. For instance, montages enhance the gangs meeting scene. During this funny scene, Raju and his friends encounter a pair of dangerous gangsters that cause tension. Using strong montages, Vora captures the hardships con-artists are facing. Montages are tricky techniques. As Yash Chopra’s “Dil to Pagal Hai” suggested, montages elevate Bollywood movies about dancers. However, it works immensely in this movie. Using bold visuals, Vora captures the tensions conmen are facing.
Another strong aspect of “Phir Hera Pheri” that merits appreciation is the production. One area where the film improves upon the first “Hera Pheri” is the musical sequences. Vora effectively uses cross-cutting to stage engaging musical sequences about conmen in India. For instance, cross-cutting elevates the “Aye Meri Zohrajabeen” musical number. During this unforgettable song, Raju and his friends sing a melody of becoming rich in a dream sequence. Through engaging cross-cutting, Vora crafts a portrait of con-artists that’s compelling. Using strong production, Vora captures the lives of con-artists on a mission.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Phir Hera Pheri” is a comedy sequel that’s engaging. In Bollywood, most comedies are often driven by mindless jokes without clear storytelling. Filmmakers seldom ever find a balance between the jokes and story. That being said, “Phir Hera Pheri” stands out as an exception. Vora effectively uses dramatic monologues to capture the lives of conmen facing hardships in India. For instance, the monologues enhance the confession scene. During this heartfelt scene, Raju confesses the crimes that he has committed to friends through a lengthy monologue. Through bold monologues, Vora creates a portrait of con-artists audiences can relate to. Monologues are complex techniques to use in Bollywood films. As R. Balki’s “Pad Man” demonstrated clearly, montages elevate Bollywood movies about serious social issues. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this film. Using a strong screenplay, Vora captures con-artists that face a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Akshay Kumar delivers one of his greatest performances as Raju. Kumar first earned recognition for playing the comical conman in Priyadarshan’s “Hera Pheri”. With “Phir Hera Pheri”, however, he brought depth to the comic character audiences hadn’t seen. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: hilarious, emotional and riveting in his most funny role. Kumar has talent for evoking laughter, and “Phir Hera Pheri” truly showcased his strengths as an actor. With hilarious expressions, he captures ambition, desperation and goofy nature of a conman facing tensions. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most beloved actors that is working in India today.
While the film is mainly a bold showcase for Kumar, the supporting cast is also amazing. Suniel Shetty is superb, bringing a sense of authority to a conman that is determined to overcome barriers of poverty. Paresh Rawal is remarkable, bringing hilarious comic relief to a landowner that struggles to cope with a life of poverty that’s painful. Lastly, Sharat Saxena merits appreciation. As a stuttering gangster, he brings hilarious comedy to the film’s funniest scenes.
Finally, “Phir Hera Pheri” would earn praise of everyone for honouring a franchise about con-artists facing adversity. Unlike the first film which was targeted mostly to people in India, the sequel tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It discusses bold themes including angst, greed and financial security that would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Phir Hera Pheri” is one of those rare Bollywood comedies that everyone will adore.
Fans of Akshay Kumar will definitely enjoy “Phir Hera Pheri” and so would audiences seeking comical entertainment. A superb Bollywood comedy sequel, it honours an Indian actor that’s special.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking Bollywood comedy about ambitious con-artists seeking to rise from poverty to prosperity, it’s a strong reminder of a beloved Indian actor that has created an enduring legacy through his abilities to portray compelling comical characters in memorable movies which audiences love dearly.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 