Laal Singh Chaddha review: Aamir’s sincere act manages to warm your heart, but only in parts

By:- Aakruti Bagla

Directed by:– Advait Chandan

Starcast:– Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Mona Singh, Naga Chaitanya, Manav Vij, Ahmad Ibn Umar

Runtime:– 2 hours 39 minutes

Rating:– 2.5/5

Story

The film is centred around the life of Laal Singh Chaddha. It traces incidences that occur in his life, but during each period in his life, he thinks back to his childhood love Rupa D’Souza(Kareena Kapoor Khan) and how important she is to him.

He embarks on a journey from Pathankot to Chandigarh to meet Rupa. On his way, he narrates to his fellow passengers the tale of many tribulations throughout his life. From wearing braces on his legs to having a below-average IQ, being shot during a war to losing people close to him every now and then.

Review

Laal Singh Chaddha is an official Hindi adaptation of Forrest Gump starring Tom Hanks.

Directed by Advait Chandan with a screenplay by Atul Kulkarni and Eric, they have tried their best to keep the film overall engaging while giving us the required rush of emotions. As one after the other events in Laal’s life are depicted, the film does get predictable but manages to keep one glued till the end. While the first half takes its own sweet time to build up, the story manages to pick up at the desired pace in the second half.

To cater effectively to the Indian audience, the makers have set it in the backdrop of Punjab, and throughout the film, that essence is effectively maintained. Starting from showing Laal as a child with a low IQ being motivated by his mother. He later gets bullied in school for wearing braces, that’s when he meets Rupa who turns out to be his driving force. Every time Rupa quipped, Bhaag Laal Bhaag, he gets the adrenaline rush to run like the wind blows. However, later she leaves him and goes behind her ambitions of being a model.

Later, in the army, he faces a similar kind of treatment and meets Balaraju who dies during the Kargil war. As the story progresses we see Mohammed Paji (Manav Vij) coming as a ray of hope in his life. But just like always, the streak of people coming into his life and going away from him continues.

Overall, there is a tad few repetitions of events which makes the film an average affair. Initially, it does make one emotional, but after a certain time, the narrative becomes dry as a bone. A right amount of humour is infused to keep one engaged, but beyond a point, even that does not work.

But, special mention to some of the moments that are really etched in our minds even after the film.
One of them is Shah Rukh Khan’s cameo. However, it wasn’t with Aamir, but rather with young Laal. Despite having a blink-and-miss appearance, I could hear the whole theatre hooting when Shahrukh appeared on the screen.
Another special mention to the scene is when Mohammed Paji asks Laal whether he is an atheist. To which Laal replies, “rab apne andar hota hai”.

The film which has been shot across multiple locations has engaging visuals and the credit for that goes to cinematographer Satyajit Pande. However, editing has its share of ups and downs.

When it comes to songs, they flow seamlessly in the narrative. But Phir Na Aisi Raat ayegi is the only one that has recall value and is hummable.

Talking about performances, Aamir Khan’s act is sure to blow your mind. He slips into the character of this Punjabi boy having low I.Q with ease. Right from his make-up to his body language, the actor delivers a commendable performance. However, in places, his innocence and facial expressions do give you a Déjà vu of his act in PK. There are also instances where his looks are a tad bit caricaturish.

And since we are talking about Laal, we definitely cannot forget to comment about Ahmad Ibn Umar, who as little Laal is sure to win your hearts with his cuteness. Adage ‘Chota packet Bada Dhamaka’ can right be used for him as he aces the required expressions. One of his scenes which truly touches the heart was an instance shown where Sikhs are burnt alive, and in pursuit to save her child, Laal’s mother cuts his hair and all he does is just wonder what’s happening.

Apart from them, Mona Singh’s stellar act as Laal’s strong-headed mother who protects his child and motivates him by mouthing thought-provoking dialogues is a sight to behold. Be it playing the mother of young or grown-up Laal, the actress does justice to her character graph and you wish to see more of her. She coaxes Laal during the war-like situation telling him that Malaria is hovering but also tells him that he is no less than anyone when others look down at him.

However, Kareena Kapoor Khan as Rupa D’Souza undoubtedly looked beautiful and charming. It was indeed a treat to watch her with Aamir. But, surprisingly her dialogue delivery and facial expressions failed to create an impact.

The film also marks the debut of Naga Chaitanya, who despite the limited screen time leaves an impact. He essays the role of Balaraju Bodi who is clear about continuing his family business of Chadi-Baniyan after completing the training in the army. While in the army, he becomes a brother to another mother for Laal. And, despite having limited screen time, his camaraderie with Laal is entertaining. Apart from him, Manav Vij as Mohammed Paji delivers a fine performance.

Final words

Overall, Laal Singh Chaddha is an earnest attempt to bring the classic piece to the Indian audience, and it is quite palpable. But, it is the lengthy runtime because of which the flick doesn’t translate into a memorable experience.