It's been a while since we've seen a total 'paisa wasool' film, which is high on the 'entertainment' value with some 'seeti maar' dialogues and action. Salman Khan's WANTED (2009) was one such film. This year, Milan Luthria's ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI recreated that magic to a great extent.
From its promos, DABANGG seemed to be another such film to be added to that list. You enter the cinema hall hoping to see a full-on action film with some dhasu dialogues. Alas, only to be saddened.
The story is hackneyed. But then you don't really expect a great one out of such a film, anyway. However, the film disappoints. It's exaggerated, flimsy, and relies mainly on the charisma of its lead to deliver.
There aren't many action sequences. There's not much comedy. Did we hear you ask 'then what's there in it'? Well, we are still trying to figure that out.
It starts off impressively with the introduction fight scene of Chulbul Pandey (Salman Khan), breaking a door and beating goons left, right and centre in a stylised action sequence. And you want to see more and more of him. However, the excitement is short lived as the tempo of the film drops after the initial few minutes.
While little happens in taking the story ahead in the first half, the brewing romance between Chulbul and Rajo (Sonakshi Sinha) is refreshing. Chulbul doesn't mind 'paying Rs 500 just to speak with Rajo for a few minutes'. But it's a complete downhill from there.
DABANGG is a story of Chulbul Pandey aka Robinhood Pandey set in Laalgurj, Uttar Pradesh. He's corrupt but has a 'big heart'. He bashes up fraudulent politicians, goons, loots their money but doesn't think twice in helping the poor and needy.
Chulbul also has a troubled past. Prajapati Pandey (Vinod Khanna) is his stepfather who favours his own blood and Chulbul's stepbrother, Makhanchan urf Makhi (Arbaaz Khan).
Our cop here makes enemies out of Cheddi Singh (Sonu Sood), a scheming politician who indulges in malicious activities. Cheddi's copious ways to get knock Chulbul out go in vain. In the midst of all this, Chulbul develops feelings for Rajo, a beautiful young gaon ki chori.
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