"A light-hearted comedy film that whisks you away on an unforgettable train journey"
Director, Rohit Shetty is known for making films that are more or less about comedy. Starring two of the most sought after actors in B-Town today, Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone come together in Chennai Express. But, does the film do enough to keep us entertained?
Shah Rukh Khan plays the classic character of Rahul, a forty year old mithaiwala (sweet-shop owner) hailing from North India. Tired of his day to day life because his ailing grandfather never wanted him to leave the family business, Rahul is stuck in a bit of a rut! Soon enough, his grandfather sadly passes away and Rahul realise he can finally do what he wants to do without being held back. His grandmother, however, requests Rahul to deposit half of his grandfathers holy ashes in the holy waters of Rameshwaram. Early on in the film we are introduced to the Chennai Express train, which Rahul decides to take and embarks on his new journey. However, little does he know that this train journey will change his life forever!
It is on the Chennai Express we are introduced to Deepika Padukone's character of Meenamma who hails from the Komban village of South India. Meenamma is found to be running away from her father and her fathers right hand bodyguards so that she will not have to be married off to a man she disapproves of. Meenamma gets on the train where she meets Rahul, only to realise that the butch and strong bodyguards are right behind are! Herein, the eventful journey begins where Rahul attempts to help the helpless Meenamma. Unable to escape the mess he has got himself into and unable to seek protection, Rahul ends up with Meenamma in the Komban village faced with meeting her father and the don of the village- Dugwseshara played by Sathyraj.
Whether Rahul survives being thrashed by the village mafias or manages to escape is the essence of the story. However, the eventful journey of twists and turns also leads him onto the journey of finding true love! Whilst I was entertained by their comic arguments with one another, I knew it couldn't and wouldn't last long enough before romance started brewing between them! As a result of Rahul's love for Meenamma, Rahul is not only faced with protecting himself but protecting his loved one. Left in the Komban village to fight for himself without support, the storyline turns into a testimony of whether Rahul can testify his love for Meenamma and have the courage to survive!
Romantic led films in the Hindi film industry are an ancient form of storytelling, but when Shah Rukh Khan is more than often involved in a film with a romantic twist you are bound to fall in love all over again! He has that spark, charm and charisma to not only woo his lover in the film but the power to woo his audiences, and that's why I believe these film work till date. Shah Rukh did, however, go out of his comfort zone in this film and embark on playing a comedic role, which he has very rarely had the chance to play. Against all odds, Shah Rukh nevertheless impressed us with his comic timing and timeless facial expressions.
Deepika Padukone too is on a real high with her films this year, and as with her acting in Chennai Express she has proved her versatility and scope for working outside the conventional box. Whilst the storyline may have not appeared to be entirely new, her character is definitely one that is new to watch out for. Everything from her demeanour, behaviour and fabulous accent works to keep audiences engaged. She did indeed live up to my expectations and I do think fellow audience members in the theatre felt amused by her character too. In fact, I really can't imagine another actress who could have played the role of Meenamma as well as her.
The action packed scenes throughout are pretty much the icing on the cake to the film, which acts as a visual representation to what Rohit Shetty films stand for. Whilst some of those action scenes appear increasingly unrealistic, you have to remind yourself you are watching a Bollywood film after all! Either way, it was great to see Shah Rukh heavily involved in such scenes! Indeed, we are usually enticed by watching Salman Khan or Akshay Kumar living up to such genres, but the fact that Shah Rukh is a part of it today makes you want to watch out for something new and exciting!
The music of the film is a real treat to listen out for and the songs work well to tie into the story throughout. You have the upbeat '1,2,3,4 Get on the dance floor' number to the soft and melodious 'Titili' song. Both Vishal and Shekhar have yet again given their audiences a mixture of songs to satisfy the musical likes and dislikes of musically in tuned audiences! A personal favourite has to be Titli and not forgetting the 'Lungi dance'- a catchy and upbeat tune that simply makes you want to dance!
Overall, the film is an easy watch! If you're expecting a full on drama with an in depth story line then you may leave the cinema hall somewhat disappointed. However, if you know exactly what treat you are in for then their is potential to enjoy this action comedy masala movie! Everybody deserves to be entertained with a film that makes you laugh once in a while and Chennai Express does exactly this. Rohit Shetty delivers another similar style of film that you are expected to see from such a filmmaker. It's pretty obvious that this film is making huge waves nationally and internationally, and all it takes to do this is a tad but of action and comedy to make this happen. Oh, and not forgetting the undying romance!!!
Ratings: 3.5/5
Kin x
