Silly, campy and generally crazy, Bolly Double is definitely an enjoyable movie. I noticed on IMDb that this film was originally titled Lookalike -- and I kind of wish they had kept it that way. I usually try to avoid watching any movie with the word "bolly", but in this case I am glad my girlfriend made me watch the film.
There were a few (very short) song and dance numbers that integrated well into the plot, but in general the film was more like an old Hollywood screwball comedy.
You don't need to have any prior knowledge of Hindi cinema to get the movies point. Underneath the over the top comedy and dance numbers, the film is a really a satire on the clichés of formula films -- which could apply equally as much to Hollywood movies since the 80s as it does to contemporary Bollywood.
I for one was surprised to find out that this films budget was as low as it was. There were car chases, fight sequences, songs and dances etc. First time writer/director Arun Bharali did a good job of making the most of the resources available and delivering a feel good entertaining film that provided two hours of engaging escapist fun. He also displays his skills of writing dialog that is funny, without being over-the-top. My favorite line has to be "He has a job and a Honda Accord."
The oft repeated message in the movie that it's "never too late", contributes to the general sense of feel-good sweetness, and although the movie's nothing to write home about from a technical point of view, you can tell its heart's in the right place, and good intentions do count for something after all. I'd recommend this movie to all of my friends or anyone who wants a good laugh.
