So here's the thing. If you enjoy movies like Welcome, No Entry, or Singh is Kinng you'll get a kick out of Mubarakan. Remember that if you decide to watch it. Anees Bazmee who directed all of these films brings a crazy tale of misunderstandings in a mad Punjabi family to life and it's a, surprisingly, funny ride.
Karan and Charan are twin brothers who grew up with a separate aunt and uncle in London and Punjab respectively and are as different as can be. It's all fun and games until it's time to get married
Karan is in love with Sweety. Sweety with Karan. Karan's mother hates Sweety. Charan is in love with Nafisa. Nafisa is Muslim. Charan's father doesn't approve. Karan is setup to marry Binkle. Charan meets her instead. Charan now loves Binkle. Binkle's family hates Charan. Karan gets engaged to Binkle. Charan gets engaged to Sweety. Nafisa is furious. And then there's Kartar Mamoo/Chachoo who is aware of the kids' dilemma and tries to help only causing further confusion. Did you think the movie would make sense? Of course it doesn't but don't worry because it's all part of the fun.
The first fifteen minutes or so of the film are clunky as characters and relationships are established. Push through because the real mazaa starts when Kartar begins scheming and the movie takes off. As mentioned before this is a comedy about misunderstandings and miscommunication. The humor is clean and never crude or offensive which keeps things family friendly. It's also of the situational variety and often bizarre but this is where Anees Bazmee excels. You'll laugh but also scratch your head wondering why people can't have a normal conversation. They can't. Get over it.
Arjun Kapoor does a good job especially as Karan. The body language and facial expressions are well executed. The horror of his last film (Half Girlfriend) is almost forgotten. Almost. Ileana D'Cruz brings a certain charm to Sweety and pairs nicely with Arjun. Athiya Shetty is completely wasted. Neha Sharma, credited as a guest appearance, has more to do and say than Athiya. The supporting players are well cast. Ratna Pathak Shah is a treat to watch, as usual. The real star, however, is Anil Kapoor. His comic timing brings the house down and he excels even when the plot stagnates. Mr. Kapoor's performance alone is worth the price of a ticket.
If you know what you're getting into Mubarakan is a wild and laugh-out-loud funny ride. Don't overthink it and you won't be bored. It's a little long and at least one song could've been chopped off but there are enough moments that will bring a smile to your face. Mubarak to the Kapoor chacha and bhatija, I was entertained.
