Director: Priyadarshan
Cast: Akshaye Khanna, Sunil Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Amrish Puri, Kareena Kapoor
Producer: Ratan Jain, Ganesh Jain
Music: Vidyasagar

Priyadarshan began his advent in Bollywood with Hera Pheri and later created some Hungama at the box office. And now he is back with Hulchul, an out and out comedy that is sure to keep you in splits - from the beginning till the end. Make sure you don't use your brain while watching the film and the chances are that you will enjoy the film thoroughly.

The remake of Malayalam hit Godfather, Hulchul is about two warring families and their never-ending rivalry.

One of the families headed by Angaarchand (Amrish Puri) have four sons (Jackie Shroff, Paresh Rawal, Arbaaz Khan and Akshaye Khanna). Owing to their previous experiences with women, they have taken a vow to keep away from women.

Lakshmidevi (Lakshmi), the landlord of the neighbouring village is waiting to take revenge on Angaarchand and his family. Fortunately or unfortunately, Angaarchand's youngest son Jai (Akshaye) falls head over heels in love with Lakshmidevi's granddaughter, Anjali (Kareena Kapoor) as they study in the same college. Amidst many comical errors, the two at last fall in love. However, it is only later that Jai comes to know that Anjali did not earlier love him, but was simply following the orders of her mother and brother (Sunil Shetty). Then there is Lucky (Arshad Warsi), Jai's best friend who comes up with silly pranks to assist Jai. The result is absolute chaos, but fun for the audience. While mushy things are going on in college a sub-plot slowly develops which changes the course of the movie. Kishen (Paresh Rawal) marries without the consent of Angaarchand.

While the first half is thoroughly entertaining and refreshing, the second half of the story starts moving in an altogether new direction. Though it begins with the same note, it gradually takes the shape of ego clashes and one-upmanship. One factor that is not very praise worthy is the fact that the film relies a lot on 'cheap' humour. Jokes about nature's calls and unclean bums make the dialogue by Neeraj Vora sound a little too dirty at times. However, most of the time, it is nothing but fun and loads of laughter.

The terrific chemistry that Kareena and Akshaye share in the film is absolutely amazing. And then there is Arshad Warsi who as usual is brilliant in comic scenes. Kareena's comic timing is fascinating. Absolutely no room for complains! Akshaye does a wonderful job too, better than his earlier film with Priyadarshan - Hungama. Laxmi too does her role well though it would have been better if she did not have to wear the ill-fitting wig! Paresh Rawal whose role was miniscule in the first half delivers a match-winning performance in the second half. And last but not the least, there is Amrish Puri, Jackie Shroff, and Sunil Shetty who deserve applause for sure.

Vidyasagar's music is passable. No big deal. The interesting thing to note is that Priyadarshan knows exactly how to package an interesting story with superior performances. The film sure is a hit in every way.

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