'Khel Khel Mein' review: Decent film celebrates Akshay's comedic comeback
Mudassar Aziz's Khel Khel Mein, featuring seven protagonists, is a remake of the Italian film Perfect Strangers, which has reportedly spawned as many as 28 remakes. Brimming with comedic punches that mostly land, coupled with mostly consistent and convincing performances, the film is most noteworthy for Akshay Kumar's much-awaited comeback to comedy. There's nobody like him in the genre, and KKM proves that!
This is what happens in the movie
At a wedding celebration, seven close friends decide to have a gala time by playing a game where they promise to read every message aloud and put every call on speaker. The motive? To peel the layer behind deceptive appearances, and dig up dirt on each other. What begins in jest ends up getting extremely serious as endless skeletons tumble out of the closet.
Meet the seven characters
There are three couples: Rishabh-Vartika (Kumar and Vaani Kapoor), Harpreet and Harpreet (Ammy Virk and Taapsee Pannu), and Samar-Naina (Aditya Seal and Pragya Jaiswal). While the first couple is considering separation, the second is at war because they can't have a baby, and the third seems to be a loveless marriage, a huge facade. Kabir (Fardeen Khan) arrives alone.
Kumar's character will keep you guessing
Kumar has made a career out of sharp, smart, conniving philanderer roles—someone who is always two steps ahead of you (Garam Masala, Deewane Huye Paagal). This is, somewhat, an extension of those roles, with him playing a plastic surgeon who may or may not have cheated on his wife. When Kumar's expression can so easily fool you, would you know the truth?
Protagonists are made relatable, believable, humane
I have watched Nothing to Hide (another remake of Perfect Strangers), so I was privy to the plot. However, I was impressed to see how the film's writing marinates the characters in a way that they are as desi as they come. From early-on, there is palpable tension between all couples, and you know things are going to slip out of hand really soon.
Kumar and comedy? Match made in heaven
Welcome back to your turf, Comedy Kumar! It's a massive relief to finally see him out of the biopic-social service-serious drama zone, and Kumar takes this role and simply runs with it! At times, the lines between Kumar and Rishab are blurred because of the dialogue delivery, and that's a compliment. He's easily the best of the lot, and also the most comfortable.
Watch out for Seal and Kapoor
Out of the supporting cast, Seal and Kapoor took me by surprise with the consistency of their portrayals and their ability to hold on to emotionally demanding scenes. Also, a worthy mention to Pannu, who aces what initially looks like an easy part but is actually intensely demanding. Khan, however, leaves much to be desired and squanders the potential of his meaty role.
It gets to the point quickly; doesn't waste scenes much
The first half is neatly tied, extremely crisp, and Chitrangada Singh is put to good use in a cameo that is (obviously) fan-service (remember Desi Boyz?). All characters are introduced and established quickly, so even though we don't spend much time with them, we can still say that we know them well enough to dig into their story, especially if you haven't watched PS.
Problems: Things go off-track toward the end
The movie's creative juice runs out on occasions and things start becoming too repetitive and predictable. What worsens the problems is how scenes sometimes do not seamlessly blend into each other, so it's tough to find out where one ends and the other begins. The pre-climax/climax, in particular, begins abruptly and is all over the place with unnecessary, forced preaching.
Forgettable music does it no favors
The film could have also made use of better score and music; think how Golmaal's music runs in the background each time something hilarious happens. Here, that flaw is sorely felt. Toward the end, unnecessary characters are forced into the plot for not much reason, and almost all the time, there are quick resolutions to hot-blooded arguments. So, the tension unconvincingly starts melting away.
Verdict: Would recommend watching it; 3/5 stars
I wouldn't call KKM among the best Bollywood comedies, and fortunately, it doesn't consider itself smarter than it actually is. Despite its apparent shortcomings, it remains worth-watching due to its timely-placed, frequent gags and Kumar's extraordinary comedic experience that glistens even when he is in the background and doesn't say any dialogues. It's much funnier than what its trailer lets on. 3/5 stars.
