Director: Rohit Dhawan
Writer: Rohit Dhawan (based on the story by Trivikram Srinivas)
Cast: Kartik Aaryan, Paresh Rawal, Kriti Sanon, Manisha Koirala, Ronit Roy
Rating – 2
Shehzada, directed and written by Rohit Dhawan, attempts to be a cheap and cheerful entertainer in the style of David Dhawan's classics. However, even when judged on the basis of its intended nonsense, Shehzada falls flat and fails to deliver as a vapid dramedy.
Starring Kartik Aaryan as Bantu, a poor but rakish hero with a heart of gold, Shehzada follows the clichéd storyline of a switched-at-birth plot borrowed from the Telugu film Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020). Bantu discovers that he is the biological son of a billionaire industrialist, setting the stage for a series of rich-people-problems that lack both humor and coherence.
The film attempts to be a nostalgic throwback to the '90s entertainers but ends up being a disaster in both execution and delivery. Aaryan's performance lacks timing, turning Bantu into a character reminiscent of a nosy plumber rather than a charismatic hero.
As Bantu navigates through the issues of his newfound wealthy family, the film stumbles over logic and consistency. The lack of effort in the staging becomes apparent, with scenes that defy any semblance of reality. The private hospital setting, for instance, raises eyebrows as a comatose patient wakes up after 25 years only to die moments later in a seemingly deserted and incompetent medical facility.
The ensemble cast, including Paresh Rawal, Kriti Sanon, and Ronit Roy, fails to salvage the film. The romantic interest (Sanon) disappears without explanation, and additional family members emerge randomly, contributing to the overall confusion.
Shehzada attempts to be silly, but the lack of logic becomes a glaring sign of the film's overall lack of effort. The film's setting, portrayed by St. Xavier's College in Mumbai, seems to be the only actor that convincingly plays its role.
In the end, Shehzada is a failed attempt at nostalgia and humor. The film's incoherent plot, lackluster performances, and questionable staging make it a forgettable addition to the genre. While one might be tempted to leave their brains at home, the movie's shortcomings leave viewers wondering who will surgically stitch their expectations back together after the credits roll.
In conclusion, Shehzada is a joke without a punchline, a farce without a funny bone, and a reminder that sometimes, even embracing a film for what it is proves to be a challenging task.
