Chhalaang - A Jump in the Wrong Direction?

Chhalaang- Review

Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Satish Kaushik, Saurabh Shukla, Baljinder Kaur

Director: Hansal Mehta

An Amazon original directed by Hansal Mehta, Chhalaang is a jump maybe in the wrong direction. Putting it another way, after delivering path breakers like Shahid and Aligarh, Hansal Mehta tries to experiment with a new genre and leaves the audience wishing for more. With nothing new to offer and a predictable storyline, Chhalang is a film that is built on cliches while trying to break them though unsuccessfully. 

The story by Luv Ranjan is about Monty (Rajkumar Rao), a directionless youth who inadvertently finds purpose in life after a series of incidents that force him to introspect and tackle the tougher issues in life, the film follows Monty's journey on self worth and self realisation. The film also strives address important issues like sports education and female participation in sports though the film fails to make a strong impact regarding these stereotypes, leading to trivialization and belittling of these otherwise important issues. The characterisation of Monty also needed more exploration as the growth of the flawed protagonist seemed lost in the din of characters who were supposed to provide support and pace to the otherwise drab narration.  

Though the film is humorous and funny in parts, the small town setting fails to make an impact aka "Bareilley ki Barfi" style. With seasoned performance by the supporting cast which includes Satish Kaushik, Saurabh Shukla and Baljinder Kaur and off course the scene stealer Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Chhalaang is definitely worth a watch. The rom-com will leave you a little less lonely, if you are being forced to spend Diwali away from family and friends because of the Pandemic.