Fukrey Returns Movie Review: The misses outnumber the hits

'Fukrey Returns'
U/A; Comedy
Director: Mrighdeep Lamba
Cast: Richa Chadha, Pulkit Samrat, Ali Fazal, Varun Sharma, Manjot Singh
Rating:

When a serpent metamorphosises into Bhooli naagin Richa Chadha - unabashed as she flaunts a not-so-perfect frame in a serpent attire, ala Mouni Roy in the TV show Naagin - you only hope Fukrey (doesn't) Return with such supernatural foolery. Given that the second instalment of the outing hits screens after four years, it's easy to forget that such fetishes are only among the quirky dreams of Choocha (Varun Sharma), which continue to be reinterpreted by buddy Hunny (Pulkit Samrat) to bring success to the duo's lottery business. Fortunately, for those who aren't tickled by a gyrating naagin in the forest, this comedy has more to offer.

Fukrey Returns poster

Fukrey Returns picks up a year after the conclusion of the first instalment, with Bhooli Punjaban now eager to be free from imprisonment. The gangster cracks a deal with a minister, promising to cough up Rs 10 crore as price for her release. Invariably, she turns up at the doorsteps of the four friends, Hunny, Choocha, Zafar (Ali Fazal) and Lali (Manjot Singh), bullying them into helping her make the money through bigger deals in their lottery firm. Things go awry when the minister learns of the boys' plan, and decides to amend the lottery numbers. With the boys now failing to win the bounty, investors, primarily comprising Delhi residents, are now on the chase for them. It's at about this point in the film that we're introduced to a new ability of Choocha. Apart from witnessing dreams that can be interpreted into lottery-winning sequences, Choocha can also predict the future through a series of flashes that he randomly witnesses. He refers to them as 'Deja-choo'. The point it, can the Deja-choo enable Bhooli Punjaban to earn her money, and will the fukrey boys finally be released from her terror?

You'll have to watch the film to know that. But, we aren't certain it will be worth your time. There's little to refute that director Mrighdeep Singh Lamba has been able to put together a stellar cast, one that always delivers. Samrat has certainly upped his act when compared to the first instalment, managing to keep all eyes on him when he's in the frame. Surprisingly, it's Fazal who appears weaker in this outing. Sharma, as Choocha, is as entertaining as he is disgusting - a testimony of an act well performed. However, the highlight of the film is - no points for guessing - Pankaj Tripathi. Even in the limited scenes that he features in, Tripathi seamlessly lightens the mood. In addition to the performances, what Fukrey Returns also gets right is an appealing soundtrack, and a background score that does well to enhance the punches.

But, the misses outnumber the hits. A screenplay that appears promising in the first half is interrupted by far too many twists, which do little to lift the film. In fact, in an attempt to verbalise every development, the humour runs thin from the onset of the second half. Injunctions of Choocha's clowning in such instances appear forced, and fail to inspire laughs. Unfortunately, despite their acting prowess, Vishakha Singh and Priya Anand are reduced to mere props.

Watch 'Fukrey Returns' Trailer

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here.

Download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get updates on all the latest and trending stories on the go