Films like DON, Dhoom, Murder, Bhoothnath, Golmaal series and Tanu Weds Manu has generated enough curiosity among movie mongers to spawn their eagerly awaited sequels. Follow-up to the smash-hit Welcome (2007), Welcome Back was right there with high dose of entertainment value but looses the steam due to the fiddling climax, wafer-thin plot and tuneless music.
Uday and Majnu wants to marry off his sister to someone from a good family background if he wants to get married to Chandni. Story gets further complicated when Ranjana(Uday's sister) falls in love with Mumbai goon ( John Abraham) who is completely opposite to what Uday and Majnu expected.
Anees Bazmee has mastered of making no-sense and yet entertaining films ( No Entry, Welcome, Singh Is King, Ready) . With Welcome Back, Bazmee has gone one step-further. He has created a mish-mash plot and sub-plots that will make you pull your hair. You do not bargain for logic here as anything can happen from anywhere and at anytime. The good news is despite all the foolishness, the films work thanks to the quick-witted tapori humour, funny scenes and threesome- Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar and Paresh Rawal who are sure to bring down the house with their rib-tickling act. The climax plays a spoil-sport and you wish director could have made it more smart, crispy and shorter version. The dialogues, especially, by Raaj Shaandilyaa is noteworthy and will remain with you after the film. Lets be frank- there is nothing called "screenplay" in the film. Editing is terribly loose. The budget is pretty high (estimated to be Rs 100 crores) which makes sense considering high production values and shooting locations in Dubai. Cinematography sometimes rolls out to make film look like 90's potboiler entertainer but nevertheless is magnus. Music is a big letdown. The hopeless film stands on the shoulders of 3 supremely talented actors – Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar and Paresh Rawal. The chemistry between them is sparkling and convincing that you will love every moment of them in the film. Anil Kapoor is simply mindblowing. Nana Patekar is equally outstanding. Watch for the scene when they play antakshri in the graveyard. Paresh Rawal is splendid. He gets to deliver witty-one-liners and does it with ease. John Abraham is decent with his tapori looks. Shruti Hassan should start thinking of some other profession. Naseeruddin Shah does not making any impact replacing the role of legendary Feroze Khan. as Wanted Bhai. Dimple Kapadia surprises with astounding performance. She gets to deliver some good lines as well.
Despite weak script and poor direction – Welcome Back is watchable only because of three aces – Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar and Paresh Rawal
Decent – 2.75/5
