The cast and crew of “Bachelor Party,” backed by Rakshit Shetty, evidently had a blast bringing this comedy-drama to life. But does their on-set enjoyment translate into an entertaining experience for viewers? Well, it’s a mixed bag.
Abhijit Mahesh’s directorial debut kicks off with promise. The story of a timid protagonist grappling with the woes of being a software engineer trapped in a troubled marriage is effectively set up through satirical yet relatable scenes. Diganth Manchale throws himself into the role of Santhosh, a character struggling with a domineering wife who flies off the handle at the slightest provocation. Add to that the burden of mounting EMIs and an unfair boss, and Santhosh’s professional life becomes a nightmare.
At the outset, while the film isn’t uproarious, it does present moments of amusement. Take, for instance, the scene where Santhosh attends a seminar by Mr. Lobo (a cameo by filmmaker Pawan Kumar) on the secrets of happy marriages. The hilarity peaks when Lobo reveals that even Hollywood star Johnny Depp sought his advice for a flawless relationship.
Exploring the humor in a troubled marriage is a well-trodden path, but to keep it engaging, it requires a fresh perspective. Unfortunately, in Bachelor Party, this familiar theme is stretched beyond necessity, leading to the first signs of our waning interest in the movie.
We anticipate a significant change to inject some liveliness into the film, and it arrives when Santhosh wakes up in Bangkok alongside his old school friend Maddy (played by Yogi) and their physical education teacher (portrayed by Achyuth), following a bachelor party marked by excessive drinking and a subsequent blackout. This twist pays homage to “The Hangover 2,” as, akin to Todd Phillips’ film, there ensues a frantic quest to locate a key individual.
Bachelor Party (Kannada)
Director: Abhijit Mahesh
Cast: Diganth Manchale, Yogi, Achyuth Kumar, Balaji Manohar, Prakash Thuminad, Siri Ravikumar
Runtime: 145 minutes
Storyline: A meek youngster, stuck in a bad marriage, and a miserable life, lands up in Bangkok with his school friend and teacher after a bachelor party. A bigger surprise awaits him even as he gets ready to return home
Bachelor Party sets out to be a comedy that aims to elicit laughter at every corner. In its pursuit of constant humor, it often sidelines emotional depth and a cohesive storyline in favor of quick-witted retorts and absurd scenarios. Consequently, the audience is left reliant on each scene to maintain the same level of amusement as the last. This proves to be a daunting challenge, and unfortunately, Abhijit’s writing falls short in meeting this demand. While certain dialogues succeed in delivering outright hilarity, others fall surprisingly flat.
Regrettably, Abhijit’s endeavor to create situational comedy falls short of its mark. Several flashbacks and chase sequences prove to be arduous to endure, and not all of the eccentric characters succeed in eliciting laughter. For example, Balaji Manohar’s portrayal of a drug dealer, meant to be humorous for his exaggerated claims of danger, misses the mark. Additionally, the portrayal of female characters is laden with clichés, warranting little commendation.
The film builds up its plot points significantly, yet fails to deliver satisfying payoffs, leaving it partially amusing and adventurous but ultimately lacking in true captivation.
Character arcs also suffer from inconsistency. Santhosh, constrained by traditional beliefs that prevent him from leaving his marriage, undergoes little personal growth during the trip to Bangkok with his two contrasting companions. He remains a discontented individual, quick to blame others for his circumstances. Maddy, portrayed as a lovable rogue with a kind heart, lacks any significant realization or development.
Fortunately, the talented cast rescues this largely aimless film. Yogi impresses with his portrayal of a carefree yet directionless young man, delivering his lines with aplomb. Prakash Thuminad shines once more in a comedic role as the owner of a South Indian restaurant in Bangkok with a passion for music. Arjun Ram’s infectious music adds another layer of enjoyment to the film, injecting energy into its otherwise sluggish pace on more than one occasion.
Despite its chaotic climax reminiscent of a Priyadarshan movie, Bachelor Party ultimately caters to audiences seeking nothing more than generic entertainment. While there’s always anticipation when a talented writer transitions into filmmaking, Abhijit, who showcased his creativity in scripts like Kirik Party and Sarkari Hiriya Prathamika Shaale, seems to have faltered in fully realizing the potential of this story. Bachelor Party, blending various comedy genres, appeals to those constantly craving the next joke, even if it comes at the expense of a cohesive and well-constructed narrative.
Bachelor Party is currently playing in theaters.
