Review: Patiala House

Verdict: Good!

"K" Rating: 3

Watch: Theater/DVD

Patiala House is a full on family drama with sports and racial discrimination as the backdrop. It sheds light on the fact that often due to prolonged suffering/bitterness racial discrimination victims  turn around to be racists themselves. Sometimes they need a reality check, even if it means standing up to them. Patiala House conveys a strong message to its global NRI audience while exploring the  meaning of patriotism.

Patiala House is about a father-son relationship and "doing what one was born to do". A cricket prodigy Gattu (Akshay Kumar) gives up his sport and dream for his father's false pride. A strict,stubborn patriarch played by Rishi Kapoor who still harbours animosity towards the "goras".The stern "Bauji" reminds one of the likes of Chaudry Baldev Singh in DDLJ and Thakur in Sooryavansham. Together Akshay and Rishi carry the film solely on their shoulders in this formulaic melodrama by Nikhil Advani.

An old proverb says 3rd time is a charm - and it certainly holds true for Comedy King Akshay Kumar, who's last 2 attempts (8x10 Tasveer and Blue) at serious cinema failed at the box office. Akshay is back with Patiala House- his portrayal of restrained emotions, vulnerability and profound sadness are powerful and moving.Anushka Sharma adds freshness even in her chatterbox avatar. However the Anushka-Akshay track comes across as half baked. Dimple Kapadia suits well as the diligent devoted Punjabi housewife  howbeit she has little scope. Ensemble cast of the film is apt but the storyline flounders to develop its characters to be convincing. 

Shankar-Ihsaan-Loy have given memorable music to the film - apart from some hardcore Punjabi Number's like "Laungh da Lashkara",the album also has some soft soulful numbers like "kKyon main Jaagoon"  and "Aaddat Hai Vohi".


On the whole it is an entertaining drama!