Stepping into the world of Indian comedic cinema, one cannot overlook the recent release, “Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video”, a film presented by director Raaj Shaandilyaa who has honed his craft in the realm of low-brow comedy skits for Indian television. Capturing the humor and nuances of mofussil towns, Shaandilyaa demonstrates a penchant for characters whose amusing banter and antics stem from a deep-seated cultural shift spurred by socio-economic liberalization during the 1990s. Yet, while this film showcases his talent in character creation, it also highlights his ongoing struggle to weave these delightful sketches into a cohesive and fulfilling narrative, thereby falling short of expectations.
The film’s plot is anchored by its leading man, a male mehendi artist named Vicky (Rajkummar Rao), who portrays a rare character within a typical neighborhood setting. Vicky’s role as a mehendi artist offers a fresh perspective, often overlooked in storytelling, and gears up for a unique comedic adventure. Set in the picturesque town of Rishikesh, back when it was still part of Uttar Pradesh, the narrative follows Vicky as he ties the knot with Vidya (Triptii Dimri), a doctor whose professional stature stands in contrast to Vicky’s relatively lesser-celebrated trade.
Propelled by modern-day inclinations, and perhaps a nod to the digital generation’s zeal to document life’s intimate moments, the couple decides to record a video of their first wedding night, intended solely for their personal enjoyment. This decision plants the seed for chaos when a burglary results in the theft of their cherished CD, thrusting them into a whirlwind of comedic scenarios.
As panic ensues, the theft unravels a series of events bringing into play a peculiar police officer, afflicted with hemorrhoids, played by veteran actor Vijay Raaz. Enter Vicky’s sister, Chanda, played by Mallika Sherawat, arriving from Bombay with a sharp wit, promising to assist in the case. Her involvement ensues a humorous escapade that tests Vicky’s nerves. Mallika Sherawat appears eager to rejuvenate her career through this comedic role, showcasing her knack for humor. Meanwhile, Vijay Raaz proves that he needs no elaborate disguises to elicit laughter from the audience.
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Rajkummar Rao, reprising another ‘Vicky’ character much like his beloved role in the “Stree” franchise, becomes the centerpiece of this narrative universe. His portrayal echoes the clever and endearing ‘boy next door’ trope he is known for. While Rao maintains his natural ease in the role, Triptii Dimri is encouraged to refine her comedic timing and delivery to match the seasoned cast.
An ode to the 90s nostalgia, the movie resonates with the charm of seasoned actors like Rakesh Bedi, Tiku Talsania, and Archana Puran Singh, complemented by a nostalgic soundtrack featuring the likes of Kumar Sanu, Daler Mehndi, and Alka Yagnik. This blend of past and present sets the stage for what is intended to be a comedic rollercoaster.
However, Shaandilyaa’s approach to storytelling tends toward the formulaic, with bouts of humor that at times feel strained and hollow. In his pursuit of wordplay and witty repartees, the essence of the narrative’s core emotion often seems sacrificed. While elements such as the horror-comedy blend, the rogue bazaar adventures, or instances of social commentary bring potential, they tend to feel tacked-on and insufficiently explored. This reliance on albeit clever, but sporadic humor, detracts from a holistic comedy experience.
The moments when jokes fail to land or cross boundaries into tasteless territory, they underline the fragility of the film’s structural foundation. With narratives failing to seamlessly interconnect and logical gaps evident, audiences may find themselves disengaged from the comedic performance. This overarching desperation to constantly meet comedic expectations becomes the film’s downfall, resulting in “Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video” being characterized by its unwieldy title and an all-too-brief tenure in the cinematic spotlight.
Now playing in theaters, “Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video” attempts to etch its mark in the annals of Hindi cinema, albeit with varying degrees of success.
