The opening sequence, where a pretty thief is chased by villagers ,sets the tone for rib-tickling action. However, some parts of it especially the “bewitched” version of it might scare the tiny-tots.
Carrom into the lives of identical twins Chunni and Munni (Shweta Prasad), Kallu (Makrand Deshpande) and the other assorted characters like Mughal-e-Azam (Master Alaap) and the village school teacher. Chunni is the brat while Munni is Papa’s pet. Finally Chunni's pranks creen out of control and Munni is whisked away by Makdee Chudail (Shabana Azmi). Chunni will get her twin back only if she satisfies Makdee’s voracious appetite with 100 chickens. Working as an allegory for the relationship between religion and science Makdee delivers no homilies-it exists as a testament to straightforward story-telling. It’s beside the point that numerous lessons can be gleaned from it as well.
Beyond its basic structure
which adheres to standard guidelines to be successful, the film is a fiesta
of images bolstered by clever, laugh-out-loud set pieces. Deftly handling
elements of fantasy, melodrama and comedy. Vishal Bharadwaj’s script is
lean, without an ounce of extra fat on it, and has a simplicity that heightens
the dramatic effect of the story. Bharadwaj’s peppery dialogue and music
score and Gulzar's multi layered lyrics compliment the story.
All the characters are blessed with fluid and realistic movements. Full
marks to Makrand Deshpande for his turn as a lean, mean butcher. Master
Alaap is wonderfully low-key and convincing as the lost waif. Shabana
Azmi is just what we expect her to be-terrific. But the one who effortlessly
steals the show is the elfin charmer Shweta Prasad. Be it her impish pranks
in school or her reminiscing about her dead mother, she chews up every
scene and the scenery. She could certainly teach our current lot of actors
a thing or two about vibing with her camera. Here’s to kid power!
Rasika Iyer