Sometimes,
big
things
come
in
small
packages.
The
expectations
from
Chintuji
are
zilch.
Even
the
pre-release
promotion
is
extremely
low-key.
Also,
the
awareness
is
as
good
as
nil.
But
Chintuji
springs
a
pleasant
surprise.
It
packs
in
a
solid
punch
in
those
2
hours.
No,
this
isn't
the
best
film
made
this
side
of
the
Atlantic.
Nor
does
it
boast
of
A-list
stars
or
gloss
and
scale
to
catch
our
attention.
But
Chintuji
works
because
it
narrates
a
simple
story
of
simple
people
in
a
simplistic
manner.
The
township
[Hadbahedi]
is
Utopian,
but
the
characters
are
very,
very
real.
Writer-director
Ranjit
Kapoor
narrates
the
story
of
do-gooders,
which
only
reinforces
your
faith
in
goodness
and
humility.
Also,
Chintuji
wouldn't
be
what
it
is
had
it
not
been
for
a
performer
of
the
calibre
of
Rishi
Kapoor.
Take
a
bow,
Chintuji!
Final
word?
Chintuji
is
a
sparkling
gem
that
deserves
to
be
watched.
Strongly
recommended!
Hadbahedi,
a
beautiful
town,
is
forward
looking
but
honest.
The
Hadbahedians
believe
that
they
have
been
totally
neglected
by
the
state
and
seek
an
identity
of
their
own.
Things
brighten
when
they
discover
that
Rishi/Chintu
Kapoor
was
actually
born
in
their
town.
They
send
an
invite
to
him
and
he
accepts
as
he
is
looking
at
politics
to
make
a
comeback
in
a
big
way
and
Hadbahedi
could
well
be
his
constituency.
Rishi
arrives
in
Hadbahedi
along
with
Devika
[Kulraj
Randhawa],
the
intelligent
executive
of
the
PR
agency
hired
for
Rishi's
political
dreams.
Rishi
is
a
nuisance
at
Hadbahedi
and
treats
the
innocent
people
of
Hadbahedi
with
contempt.
Tension
erupts
when
Rishi
gets
a
lucrative
offer
from
a
neighbouring
town...
Inspired
by
a
play
The
Man
Who
Came
To
Dinner,
Chintuji
abounds
in
humour
and
the
comic
sequences,
sprinkled
generously
throughout
the
film,
are
truly
funny.
At
times,
hilarious.
In
fact,
substantial
footage
is
devoted
to
Bollywood
and
even
those
portions
are
beautifully
integrated
in
the
storyline.
But
the
film
slows
in
the
second
hour.
Actually,
portions
linking
Priyanshu
with
an
act
of
terror
were
just
not
required.
In
fact,
these
portions
only
add
to
the
length
of
the
film.
Besides,
the
pact
between
Rishi
and
Annu
Kapoor
[playing
a
power
broker]
could've
been
stronger
as
well.
However,
the
end
is
simply
brilliant.
It
moves
you!
Ranjit
Kapoor
is
a
director
to
watch.
His
writing,
in
most
parts,
is
super.
Camerawork
[Sunny
Joseph]
is
perfect.
Rishi
Kapoor
is
the
soul
of
Chintuji.
The
veteran
has
essayed
a
wide
variety
of
roles
in
his
illustrious
career,
but
Chintuji
is
special.
This
is
amongst
his
most
accomplished
works.
Priyanshu
Chatterjee
looks
perfect
for
his
part.
Kulraj
Randhawa
is
highly
competent.
Amongst
the
assorted
characters,
Grusha
Kapoor
and
Saurabh
Shukla
are
excellent.
Kamal
Chatterjee
Shabnam,
the
septuagenarian
who
plays
the
dai,
is
very
good.
Sophie
Choudry
is
alright.
The
remaining
actors
are
also
well
cast.
On
the
whole,
Chintuji
is
a
gem
that
deserves
a
watch.
Yes,
there's
no
awareness
for
this
film,
the
pre-release
hype
is
also
zero
and
of
course,
it
has
to
contend
with
a
bombardment
of
new
films
week
after
week
and
chances
are
that
this
film
may
get
ignored
due
to
these
reasons.
But
here's
a
request
to
all
cine
lovers
and
also
multiplexes,
from
this
writer.
Give
this
film
a
chance.
Let's
nurture
it
well,
so
that
genuine
efforts
like
Chintuji
don't
go
unnoticed.
Story first published: Friday, September 4, 2009, 14:16 [IST]