‘Laxmii’ movie release: This Bollywood remake is a Diwali dud
This might be the end of an insane blockbuster run for Kumar, because every day cannot be Diwali, after all?
Perhaps that is why Laxmii came a few days too early. With so much content lined up for the Diwali week, read on to find out why I don’t think this one will be at the top of the watchlist.
It’s been a short cinematic year since 2019’s big Diwali release, Housefull 4.
Past Diwali offerings were better
Akshay led the line in a comedy that was certainly not the best of this big comedy franchise. Still, the film delivered ample laughs and became the eighth highest-grossing Bollywood movie of the year.
Two years ago on Diwali, though, it was a grand ship with a luxury cast that ultimately sank: Thugs of Hindostan was the 2018 Diwali release and, with good performances but poor writing, Laxmii could more easily be compared to that one.
No real reason for remake
Written and directed by Raghava Lawrence, Laxmii is a remake of his own 2011 Tamil movie Kanchana, a film that did really well at the time.
Having not seen that one, I watched Laxmii with fresh eyes but failed to see any spark the original might have created to warrant a remake in the north.
It is important to note that Kanchana was the second in a series of three films and that it did well for its mass appeal.
Poor writing lets stars of ‘Laxmii’ down
But in the new release, the ghosts and forced comedy make the viewer feel like the film doesn’t know its genre.
The thrills are cheap and the writing lacks punch most of the time — leaving viewers with moments rather than a coherent whole, and time passed rather than entertainment.
It is all about the performances.
Not even Akshay Kumar can salvage lousy plot
Kumar plays Asif, a simple man who travels to Daman with his wife, Rashmi, (Kiara Advani) to meet his in-laws who disapprove of the couple’s interfaith marriage. Asif doesn’t believe in ghosts and says the day he sees one he will wear bangles.
Only, he does not just see a ghost, but becomes possessed by a transgender one named Laxmii Sharma (Sharad Kelkar).
The crux of the wafer-thin plot lies in Laxmii’s story and her return to earth for revenge.
Somewhere beneath the illogical storyline lies a message of equality, which is well portrayed by Kelkar in his brief role as Laxmii. His performance may be underrated, but deserves a mention at the top for sure.
With Kumar, all the praise undoubtedly lies in his acting ability, and he pulls off the dialogue delivery, dance moves and expressions of multiple avatars to a T.
Other big names let down too
Advani, too, is one of the best in Bollywood and good in whatever she does. Unfortunately, a lack of scope in the writing does neither talent any favours.
The writing lets them down in a big way and this also applies to other seasoned actors in the film, among them Rajesh Sharma, Ayesha Raza Mishra and Ashwini Kalsekar, who have all proven themselves in the past.
Catchy tracks can only do so much
In terms of music, Shashi and DJ Khushi’s track, Burjkhalifa, must be mentioned. It’s a chartbuster and the choreography of the dream sequence matches up.
Amar Mohile’s background score is good, too, but Bam Bholle, by Viruss, works only because of Akshay’s power-packed moves as the rest of the soundtrack lacks any lasting value.
Having premiered on Disney+ Hotstar in India, Bollywood Frenzy was able to catch the film courtesy of the service.
Laxmii releases in South Africa at Cine Centre theatres nationwide this Friday 13 November.
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