Bhoothnath Returns

Nitesh Tiwari enthralled us with Chillar Party a few years back – a movie that I had described as a must watch because of the message it tried to give and because it was entertaining (don’t forget the Chaddi March which was hilarious!!!).  This time around, his movie is packaged as a kids entertainer but it is actually meant for all of you out there who are above 18.  It is a must watch.

There are several moments during Bhoothnath Returns that Tiwari gives a message.  Sometimes subtly but more often than not in a direct, candid, straightforward manner – lest anyone in the audience says, “I didn’t get it”.  If after the 150 minutes (most of which are enjoyable), you do not get the message that Tiwari wants to give then you form that part of the country which is cynically described by Tiwari in several dialogues.

There are 2 dialogues that stand out in Bhoothnath.  One when Amitabh Bachchan tells Yamraj, “Agar mein election haar gaya toh us bachche ko jeene ka haq nahin hai.  Aur woh aise desh mein rehkar kya karega jise apni fikar nahin padi hai” (If I lose the election, this kid has no right to live.  What is the point of living in a country that doesn’t care about itself”. Brilliant line that captures the reason why we are the way we are.

I will not narrate the other dialogue because it is way too long but it will suffice to say that it is delivered by Sanjay Mishra in his characteristic and charismatic drawl.  It is an extremely cynical one that comes towards the end of the movie and is followed up with a counter perspective from the Big B.  Sanjay Mishra and the Big B sharing space coupled with impactful dialogue just made my day.

Bhoothnath Returns has little or nothing to do with its predecessor.  It is a social movie that could not have been released at a better time because it has to do with the election.  A story that traces the journey of Kailash Nath who finds his way to Bhoothworld only to be laughed at because he could not scare a child.  Frustrated, he returns back to prove a point.  Instead he bumps into Akrot (Parth Bhalerao) who is another kid who can see him.

Over the next few days, a friendship develops between Bhoothnath and Akrot.  Bhoothnath sees the depressing world of Akrot in Dharavi and the problems of his fellow Bhooths throw up several questions in his mind.  He eventually decides to fight the upcoming election against local goon Bhau (Boman Irani).

Bhothnaath could not have at a better time.  Bang in between the biggest election that this country has seen in a long time.  It conveys several messages chief among them being GET OUT THERE AND VOTE!!! And while you are at it, VOTE FOR THE PERSON YOU BELIEVE CAN DO THE BEST JOB!!!! Not the person who you hate the least.  HIT THE “NONE OF THE ABOVE BUTTON” if you aren’t convinced.

Bhoothnath Returns is a good watch because of some splendid dialogues and great acting.  None of the support cast are over awed by the Big B.  Parth Balerao is outstanding.  There are several flaws of course that prevents it from being a great movie.  But the reason BR will not cross a 100 crores – as always – we are a country in denial and don’t like it when people tell us we are wrong.

Bhootnath Returns is a movie that is in the garb of a children’s movie but the message is meant for those who are 18+.  I tip my hat to the cast and crew and also SRK and Ranbir Kapoor for doing their bit.  Watch this movie because it will encourage you to do the right thing.  Take your kids along because they will enjoy the ride.  More importantly, they will embarrass you on election day to vote.  6 on 10.  Good work Nitesh Tiwari!!!

Watch the trailer on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpC-Owk5MNY