99

The first question I have for Krishna DK, Raj Nidimoru and Anupam Mittal after watching "99 (2009)" is: "Why did you starve us for 6 long years since your last epic "Flavors (2003)"?".

Like their previous work, "99" is pure brilliance with a tight plot, jokes that work and pop-culture references that make you go "A-ha!". In other words, a MUST WATCH. The packed house at PVR on a weekday late-night show is testimony to that.

Kunal Khemu is an under-rated actor in the mould of Abhay Deol. Luckily, the latter has found his groove with the last couple of releases. Kunal is still stuck at 99 (pun intended), despite excellent nuanced performances in some excellent but forgotten films like "SuperStar (2008)". He has an easy charm and superb comic timing. At the same time, his vulnerable eyes poke through your heart during the tragic scenes. I really hope he breaks the jinx of successful child actors (like Urmila Matondkar, probably the only success so far).

This movie also enjoys the acting talent of powerhouses like Boman Irani (who started in similar Indy films like "Let's Talk (2002)" but now needs no introduction), Mahesh Manjrekar, Amit Mistry (a bonafide superstar at Bombay's Prithvi Theatres) and Cyrus Broacha. All these guys have significant theatre experience and it shows in their comic timing, body language and diction. In smaller roles, the bhojpuri actor and the sidekick provide many laughs with their natural presence. Among the ladies, Soha and Simone are important to the plot but don't have any spectacular scenes where they get to shine.

So here is my second question to Krishna DK, Raj Nidimoru and Anupam Mittal: "Why didn't you repeat the ravishing and very funny Pooja Kumar from Flavors, in the role of (who else?) Pooja?". She'd be so purrrfect-- and a treat to watch.

The production is very well designed. The movie is set in 99-2000 and it almost feels as if that is when it was shot. Be it the film hoardings across the city (imagine "Kaho Na Pyar Hai (2000)" blocking the skyline, for chrissakes!), the mobile phone models they use, the cars they drive or their amazement at the advent of "cyber cafes"--- this could well be one of India's first period films (NOT about the Freedom Struggle)! If anything, that's one award it deserves for sure. The background score is also well used and adds to the tension/fun of the chase.

As for the story itself, this is a chase/heist movie in the genre of what Guy Ritchie does. The two losers are on the run from everyone, with their IOUs adding up faster than Sachin's centuries. Their misfortunes and bravado makes for some very comic situations, without resorting to any toilet humor (well, almost) or Priyadarshan style confusion-climax. The audience kept laughing and clapping all through. Especially loved were the Bombay versus Delhi references (the cities are known for their cultural rivalry and pride). The movie is peppered with cricket metaphors, delivered in Cyrus's inimitable style. Cricket forms an important part of the plot and it is made by true lovers of the game.

Even though it reminds you of many Hollywood films, it is not a copy but in their genre. This slight difference sets it apart from the 99% junk that Bollywood ends up celebrating annually with the likes of Anees Bazmee, Priyadarshan, David Dhawan and Hansal Mehta. So here's my third question for Krishna DK, Raj Nidimoru and Anupam Mittal: "Agli picture kab bana rahe ho?"

Krishna DK, Sita Menon and Raj Nidimoru deserve a pat for writing and attempting something like '99' in Indian Cinema.

How interesting to think of, '99' takes you a decade back and makes you feel the year. Often we've seen people in Cinema, taking us to yesteryear's that have something to do with history, be it Independence, a moment of Violence, mostly something like that. But in '99', the 3 intelligent writers take us back when the Cricket World-Cup was going on.

Directors Krishna DK & Raj Nidimoru make it a point, that you remember the decade on celluloid with Pure Fun. '99' is a winner all the way... in all respects in wins your heart! The film was a decent success, and the following the film will achieve in the nearby future is nothing short of 'Cult'.

Expectations are limited; Entertainment, here is unlimited.

Performance-wise: Boman Irani & Mahesh Manjrekar steal the show. Boman, is fantastic as always. Manjrekar is simply superb; his one-liners are hilarious. Kunal Khemu suits his part to the T and delivers a confident performance. The plus point of the youngster, is that, he's natural all through, in all of his films. Soha Ali Khan is good. Cyrus Broacha is funny. Simone Singh is decent. Amit Mistry is another surprise packet; he's excellent and his broken English is hilarious to hear. Sudesh Berry is alright. Vinod Khanna needs no mentioning, the veteran is superb as ever.

on the whole '99' is smart, witty and really entertaining. A joyride! Thumbs Up!

99 is targeted at youth and multiplex audience inspired by real life events of match fixing that happened in year 1999 that took cricket world by storm. The movie has the right script, good actors and the humor at right place, which is able to take the movie ahead especially with unconventional music and Cricket being involved. The story is about two small time goons – Sachin (Kunal Khemu) & Zaramud (Cyrus Broacha) who work for AGM (Mahesh Manjrekar), a known name in bookie world as they have to clear their long owed debt to him. The story gets candid as both Sachin and Zaramud are send to Delhi from Mumbai to bring Agm's money from Rahul (Boman Irani) who is obsessed with betting and is big time looser like Sachin & Zaramud. The trio is known to struck at 99, a step before they could make it big–time. The story moves forward as they get to know about JC (Vinod khanna), a match-fixer and the trio gets befriended seeing each others financial and sympathetic condition and agree to take a life changing bet that would clear off all their debts and make their dreams true.

MY RATING: 7/10

The film looks interesting from the outset, when the makers claim that they believe the incidents in film are real. And an interesting way of opening credits only adds to curiosity.

Film starts with a funny chase and kunal khemu starts to narrate the story. A story of 2 small time crooks and how they get into big time troubles. The film traverses a unique genre of comedy thriller. It keeps you at the edge of the seats, but at the same time makes sure that the edge never hurts, with enough humor spread all over.

The storyline is spread over 2 cities of Bombay and Delhi in the year 1999. The film uses a real life scandalous case as the backdrop. (Though it no suspense, still its best left untold what scandal they've used). Director has taken care of minute details to make the story set in year 1999, like mobile incoming was charged, Clinton's India visit, 20-20 cricket still being a wild idea and even the dollar exchange rates. Also the essence of 2 cities is intact. Watch out the scene when Cyrus and Kunal describe why they don't want to go to Delhi. It's simply hilarious.

Kunal Khemu is slowly coming to its own. Cyrus could have had a few more lines to say, though he is great in whatever he is doing. Soha Ali is under utilized. Vinod Khanna is neat and Boman Irani is in form as ever.

It's a refreshing break, both from some unimaginative comedies we've seen in recent past and the hiatus caused in release of Hindi films in cinemas.

Its sweet little comedy, thriller, romantic, fun film. Go refresh yourselves. Have some good time.

99 is a success! First time main steam directors DK and Nidimoru pull off with great intelligence this smart witty new age comedy. The movie engrosses you from the opening scene with a rip roaring chase that builds upon the background of this masterful story line. The plot takes on so many twists and turns that viewers will be kept guessing throughout the film. The beauty of this story is that it weaves fiction into fact using the India's cricket scandals back in 1999 as the background scene. It is intelligent, smart, and entertaining.

The casting is superb with Boman Irani, Mahesh Majrekar and Kuber Mistry. Boman Irani is perfect in his portrayal as an addicted gambler. It is easy for the viewer to feel the full plight and depth of his situation as he digs himself into deeper and deeper holes. Kuber Mistry steels the comic scene of this movie with his hilarious antics. His dialogs are delivered with expert precision that it is hard to believe he is only acting the part. Expect to see this actor in many more movies to come. Kunal Khemu and Cyrus Broacha, the heroes of the film, are pure fun and their characters get into a sticky situation from the start of the movie. Both draw the viewer in making you root for them to succeed in their plight in the end no matter what happens. I do not want to ruin the ending of this movie, but be prepared for some surprises. Trust me, as strange as it sounds, they will have you rooting against Indian cricketers too.

99 is a solid film that should do well in the box office. It is definitely not a movie that should be missed. I rate it a thumbs up and give it 5/5.