Director: Shaad Ali
Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Abishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji
‘A Captivating Classic’
Few actresses in Bollywood are as beloved as Rani Mukerji. Ever since rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Mukerji has transformed into one of the finest actresses in the Indian film industry. Whether it’s star-crossed lovers, prostitutes or bold housekeepers, Mukerji has suggested she can portray various characters. Through her ability to portray characters that are compelling, she has created a legacy which has proven lasting. Mukerji’s greatest strength as an actress has always been her versatility. Mukerji’s strength as an actress is her courage to take risks. She is one of those actresses which has never been afraid of taking risks in her career by playing characters which aren’t commonly likeable. Despite reaching age of retirement, Mukerji has never lost her passion for making powerful entertainment. Throughout an enduring career, Mukerji has crafted many memorable movies which are definitely without a doubt absolutely worth watching.
I’m a huge fan of Mukerji and adore movies which she has made in her career. However, “Bunty Aur Babli” absolutely stands out as being her funniest movie. Released in 2005, Shaad Ali’s movie offered a comical portrait of con-artists. Packed with bold production, engaging storytelling and strong acting, it’s a brilliant Bollywood comedy. At centre of it all is an exceptional performance from Rani Mukerji, who embodies a con-artist seeking to commit a crime. Ultimately, what makes “Bunty Aur Babli” a Bollywood masterpiece is universal appeal. Unlike most films made in India, it tackles compelling themes which everyone will relate to. A brilliant Bollywood classic about con-artists, there are several reasons why “Bunty Aur Babli” is a film that is worth watching.
“Bunty Aur Babli” tells the story of a pair of con-artists that face adversity. Abhishek Bachchan portrays Bunty, a poor man that seeks to become wealthy. In the desperate attempt to make ends meet, Bunty decides to become a con-artist pulling off a tricky feat. Accompanied by his newfound partner Babli (Rani Mukerji), Bunty seeks to commit scam crimes without any penalty. However, Bunty and Babli come in danger when they are hunted down by a ruthless police officer. Dashrath Singh (Amitabh Bachchan) is an aggressive police officer that is determined to track down con-artists in danger. As all the odds are stacked against their favour, Bunty and Babli wonder how long they can commit crimes without being caught by the police officer.
Shaad Ali has always been fascinated with the romance genre. A fantastic Bollywood filmmaker, Ali has always made captivating films about lovers whose relationships are in danger. His iconic film “Saathiya” offered a captivating portrait of couples facing broken marriages causing a dilemma in India. With “Bunty Aur Babli”, however, Ali made his first ever con-artist comedy. It was the director’s first attempt to capture the lives of conmen facing adversity but he succeeded. Using stunning cinematography, Ali captures the lives of a pair of cunning con-artists facing adversity. Inspired with Steven Spielberg’s “Catch Me if You Can”, Ali effectively uses montages to capture tensions faced by con-artist with a plan. For instance, montages enhance the con-artist crime scene. During this comedic scene, Bunty and Babli team up to commit a series of con-artists crimes. Using montage, Ali creates a portrait of con-artists which is engaging. Montages are tricky techniques to use in movies. As Karan Johar’s “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” suggested, montages elevate dysfunctional family dramas. That being said, it works well in this movie. Through stunning visuals, Ali captures the tensions that con-artists are facing.
Another strong aspect of “Bunty Aur Babli” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best Bollywood movies which you will ever see. Inspired with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Devdas”, Ali expertly uses elaborate dance choreography to stage musical sequences that are engaging. For instance, the dance choreography enhances the Kajra Re song scene. During this memorable scene, Bunty and Dashrath share an intimate moment of fun together in a bar. Using elaborate dance choreography, Ali crafts an item song which is engaging. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. It gives the movie an engaging atmosphere capturing a burden con-artists bear. Using strong production, Ali captures con-artists that engage in crimes causing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Bunty Aur Babli” is a Bollywood film that’s engaging. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses dramatic monologues to capture the tensions that con-artists are facing. For instance, dramatic monologues elevate the police scene. During this intense scene, Bunty and Babli have an argument concerning how to cope with police that is on their trail. Using dramatic monologues, Ali creates a portrait of con-artists which is compelling. Dramatic monologues are tricky techniques to use in most movies. As Aditya Chopra’s “Mohabbatein” proved, dramatic monologues elevate romantic movies about college students. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Using a strong screenplay, Ali captures the tensions faced by con-artists in India today.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Rani Mukerji delivers one of her best career performances as Babli. Mukerji first earned appreciation for playing romantic heroines in Bollywood movies. With “Bunty Aur Babli”, however, she took on her most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a con-artist engaged in a life of crime causing adversity but she succeeds tremendously. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: hilarious, charming and sweet in her most underrated role. With riveting expressions, she conveys the angst, desperation and rebellious nature of a con-artist in missions. It’s an excellent performance from one of the best actresses working in India today.
While the movie is mainly a great showcase for Rani Mukerji, the supporting cast is also exceptional and worthy of praise. Abhishek Bachchan is brilliant, capturing the passion of a con-artist on a mission to be wealthy in a poor nation. Amitabh Bachchan is superb, bringing dedication to a police officer driven to catching con-artists in a hard profession.
Finally, Aishwarya Rai merits appreciations. Despite her limited screen time, she leaves a lasting impression.
Finally, “Bunty Aur Babli” would deserve the appreciation of everyone for capturing con-artists that seek to be wealthy. Unlike most Bollywood movies, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes such as ambition, mental health and trauma that would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with Indian cultures to appreciate it. Therefore, “Bunty Aur Babli” is one of those rare Indian movies everyone would adore.
Fans of Rani Mukerji would absolutely enjoy “Bunty Aur Babli” and so would audiences seeking comical entertainment. A riveting Bollywood crime comedy, it celebrates an actor with a lasting legacy.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a classic Bollywood movie about clever con-artists hunted down by an anxious police officer, it’s a remarkable reminder about a legendary Indian actress that has created a lasting legacy through her abilities to play compelling characters in iconic films that audiences treasure.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 