Madgaon Express: Comic crescendo bolstered by hilarious performances

• Release Date: 22/03/2024
• Cast: Divyendu Sharma, Pratik Gandhi, Avinash Tiwary, Nora Fatehi, Upendra Limaye, Chhaya Kadam
• Director: Kunal Kemmu

A Comic Crescendo Bolstered by Hilarious Performances and Able Direction

“Madgaon Express” is a proficient comedy that seamlessly blends elements of crime and thrills to drive both the plot and comedic aspects of the story. The film follows the journey of three friends, Dodo, Pinky, and Ayush, who have been school friends and are planning a Goa getaway reminiscent of “Dil Chahta Hai.”

Things take an interesting turn when Dodo, who is dirt poor but maintains the façade of being super-rich in front of his friends, is compelled to take them on the Madgaon Express.

A chain of events is triggered when Pinky inadvertently picks up a bag belonging to a dreaded gangster, setting the trio on a collision course with Mendoza Bhai and Kanchan Kombdi, a married couple who were once deeply in love but are now sworn enemies, each determined to destroy the other’s business. Amidst a flurry of running, comedic mishaps, and cocaine explosions, the three friends not only realize that their lives have come full circle but also discover each other’s true desires, albeit in unexpected ways.

The Writing, Comedy and Comic Timing In “Madgaon Express” Are Fantastic:

I won’t claim that the script of “Madgaon Express” is the best I’ve seen for an Indian comedy. It has its share of flaws, as is unavoidable in a comedy of this nature. However, what I expected from the film was to deliver hilarious circumstances and situations punctuated by dialogues and counter-dialogues from characters that not only made me burst into laughter but also resonated with how friends interact in modern times.

This expectation was met abundantly by Kunal Kemmu’s quirky writing, evidently drawn from his experiences in a plethora of films with similar characteristics, as well as his understanding of contemporary lingo and mannerisms. These elements result in some of the most uproarious scenes in the film. The first half, in particular, is densely populated with such moments that are sure to leave the audience in splits. While the jokes and fun diminish somewhat in the second half, it doesn’t detract significantly from the overall enjoyment derived from the first half. The dialogues are fantastic, witty, and intelligent, perfectly complementing the situations and vice versa.

The film’s story follows a familiar pattern seen in many others of similar nature: a constant escalation of situations that become increasingly worse and more complicated for the three friends as the story progresses. What sets “Madgaon Express” apart is that the situations are better thought out, funnier, and almost flawlessly executed. Any gaps or instances of implausibility in the story are easily overlooked due to the nature of the content.”

Splendid Performances from the Ensemble Cast:

“Madgaon Express” stands out among Bollywood films by not relying on a star or a social issue to attract audiences. Instead, it boasts an ensemble cast of characters whose performances are so exceptional that it’s difficult to pinpoint one performance as the sole reason for the film’s enjoyment. It’s safer to attribute the uproarious nature of the film to the ensemble cast and their spirited performances, coupled with the quirky and well-written script.

Divyendu Sharma shines as Dodo, leading from the front with his trademark style and verbose acting. He effortlessly steals the spotlight as the funniest of the three, though he’s often challenged by Pratik Gandhi as Pinky. Gandhi delivers alternating versions of Pinky, portraying him as both a ruffian when high on cocaine and as a complaining weakling allergic to almost everything when he is himself. Gandhi’s transformation is remarkable, drawing on his experience as a seasoned comedian in Gujarati plays and films. Without his subtle yet effective performance, some of the interactions between Pinky and the other characters would lose their charm, and their respective arcs would suffer. This would also diminish the impact of some of the other performances. 

Avinash Tiwary takes a departure from his usual serious and dramatic roles to try his hand at comedy as Ayush. He seamlessly blends in with the other actors and consistently delivers his best performance. However, his character, being the sanest of the three, doesn’t have the same uproarious lines and situations as the others, which causes him to be overshadowed at times.

Upendra Limaye’s portrayal of Mendoza Bhai, whose name the three protagonists unwittingly tarnish along with his entire business, was utterly hilarious.

Limaye effortlessly oscillates between seriousness and humour, showcasing his unique acting style. His interactions with his wife, Kanchan Kombdi, played by Chhaya Kadam, are particularly amusing.

I found myself in fits of laughter at the mere sight of the Kanchan Kombdi gang, their outrageous attire, and their antics. Kadam’s performance adds depth to the character and accentuates the over-the-top nature of both the character and the situations, making her performance standout in this portion of the film.

Superb Direction of the Film by Kunal Kemmu:

Kunal Kemmu takes on the roles of writer and director for this film, which might evoke memories of numerous popular Bollywood films from yesteryears. This is because Kemmu’s cinematic journey has been punctuated by these very films.

While he may not have been the star, he was certainly one of the most appealing aspects when it came to situational comedy. Consequently, he adeptly incorporates the best elements of these films into his own style of storytelling, creating a narrative that, while feeling familiar, remains captivating enough to hold our attention.

Add to that a healthy dose of situational, slapstick, and buddy comedy, and you have a film that is immensely enjoyable and refreshing, one you wouldn’t mind rewatching with friends and bursting into laughter. Kemmu skillfully harnesses the best qualities of the various actors, orchestrating reactions and interactions that contribute to a drama that is as humorous as it is engaging. Despite its 2 hours and 25 minutes runtime, the film feels remarkably brisk and captivating, resembling a much shorter 90-minute feature. This marks a fantastic directorial debut for Kemmu, and his two cameo appearances were also delightful.

Final Words:

In an era where the quality of Bollywood comedies seems to have declined drastically, “Madgaon Express” shines as a beacon of above-average entertainment. Despite its flaws, it stands out as one of the better offerings in recent years, offering a source of pure enjoyment and comedy. For today’s generation, the film holds a special resonance that enhances its impact and makes it a worthwhile watch. From the performances to the direction, the story, and the ensuing madness, there are plenty of reasons to give this film a chance. Just be prepared for a slight dip in comedy in the second half.

Rating: 3/5 (3 out of 5 Stars)

The views expressed in this article are that of the reviewer and do not reflect EastMojo’s position.

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