The film, with its title hinting at a triple dose of madness, promised a riot of laughter. Vikram Bhatt, fresh from the success of his horror film Raaz, delivered a clever and largely successful adaptation of Jonathan Lynn’s The Whole Nine Yards. This Indianized version, filled with quirky twists, impressive writing, and memorable performances, outshone the original.
Producer Firoz Nadiadwala ensured the film’s glamour matched its humor. Director Vikram Bhatt excelled in comedy, a noticeable improvement over his work in the low-budget horror of Raaz. The film satirizes gangsterism with a comedic flair.
The plot revolves around the underworld, viewed through a lens of humor. Bhatt’s cast shines, unlike in some other films. He revamped the original, crafting a unique narrative. Akshay Kumar plays Guru, a fun-loving gangster, and Rahul Dev plays his menacing brother-in-law, Vikrant. Their conflict sparks a series of thrilling action sequences, blending Hong Kong-style combat with comedic timing.
Fortunately, Bhatt avoids the melodramatic pitfalls common in Indian comedies, maintaining the humor throughout. The story unfolds in various locations, primarily in an American suburb. Aftab Shivdasani plays a dentist who finds excitement when the mobster Guru moves in next door.
Inspired by Matthew Perry’s character from The Whole Nine Yards, Bhatt populates the film with a cast of characters. Paresh Rawal, as the dentist’s father-in-law, is a standout, delivering hilarious lines. Neeraj Vora’s dialogue adds to Rawal’s comedic brilliance. While some supporting characters have underdeveloped roles, Akshay Kumar, as the mobster, delivers a strong performance.
However, the film’s humor falters in the second half. The climax, with its extended sequences, becomes tiresome. Despite this, the film’s production design and cinematography are visually appealing. The music, however, doesn’t quite enhance the comedic effect. The narrative takes the characters to places like Muscat and a bullring in Spain. The film reminds us of the need for more laughter in Hindi cinema.
