Saturday, August 27, 2011

Chala Mussaddi – Office Office (a nostalgia)

Chala Mussaddi – Office Office is quite literally adapted from idiot box counterpart - Office Office (popular TV show based on satires on corruption in different govt. offices). The TV show was a huge hit as viewers were able to relate their experiences in govt. offices. In addition, the show highlighted corrupt practises in a comic fashion, which lightened their sufferings.
The movie was no different but it came after the TV series. Henceforth, being rated at 2.5/5

Story –
Mussaddi, the common man from Office Office loses his wife (played by Fareeda Jala) due to doctors negligence and goes for chaar-dhaam pilgrimage along with his son – Bunty (played by Gaurav Kapoor). On return he finds that the pension department has declared him dead in his absence. Mussaddi contests through many proofs but TC (team corrupt comprising of Ushaji, Shuklaji, Pandeyji, Bhatiaji, Mishraji and other sarkari babujis) have a deaf ear. Mussaddi now takes the baton against the team TC and fights to ALIVE his identity.
The story is a simple case of declaring a living person dead. It lacks originality as this has been highlighted earlier. The story of the movie shouts its adaption from TV serial Office-Office.

Cast –
The movie has some great actors (not stars) and casting is without doubt, a forte here. So we have a Pankaj Kapoor (playing Mussaddi, the common man). No matter how many times he plays Mussaddi, he put in the same effort and is lovable to him. In some instances, you see yourself in him (the calls which he take – whether to question a particular officer or not, etc).
Asawari Joshi plays the character of Ushaji, the kaamchor ‘my-office-is-also-my-home’ lady officer who epitomises ‘feminist corruption (‘ek kaam kardo’). Sanjay Mishra, an ace in comic industry plays the character of Shukla, the dirt-spreader (quite literally). Deven Bhojani plays the ‘do-baatein’ Patel. Manoj Pahwa plays the role of Bhatia, the foodie who prefers eating over working. Hemant Pandey plays the Pandey (oops! Call him Pandeyji).

All of the above mentioned actors are proved performers and are safe bets for comedy anyday. However, the stereotyping works only to a point. A movie script needs more to capture the attention of audience throughout its run. Sadly, Chalo Mussaddi fails in that. Therefore, you only enjoy in parts.

What works: Cast & Current affairs
What not: lacks originality

SPEAKing PICtures verdict : watchable

ps: say No to corruption