There are always advantages and disadvantages when a filmmaker decides to make a sequel to a film. A. The identification factor is good enough to bring in the repeat loyalists who were there to cheer the original film the first time. B. There is always a potential for a better (wackier in this case) chemistry amongst the lead stars the second time around. C. The filmmaker already has the blueprint for success. Priyadarshan's 'Hera Pheri' laid a milestone in rustic urban comedy of middle-class. Director Neeraj Vora had a mammoth task of bringing his film to a higher notch than the original or at-least in the same league. So does 'Phir Hera Pheri' cash in on the success of its predecessor 'Hera Pheri'? Yes and No. With the obvious free lunch coming in with the sequel, there is always the fear of the zesty Turkey lacking the home-cooked seasoned taste. 'Phir Hera Pheri' is nevertheless a brave attempt in terms of story, dialogues and direction. The first half is brilliant and chances are that if you don't hold on to your seat tight enough, you might just fall of your seat! After the interval though, the bubble is bust and the comparison between the original and the sequel run subconsciously and markedly in your head. There are too many sub-plots that confuse you and too many characters of the similar dimension or scope, of the same flock that slacken the pace and the plot of the film, not to mention giving only a non-contrasting and blur canvas to the primary characters to display their character strengths. The climax is too long and after a point it starts to annoy you. If you have kids under 10, this is surely a circus time for them with the bonus King Kong attraction. Women in this film are treated even less than glorified extras and the songs are a good time for a quick dash to the washroom. Why watch Phir Hera Pheri? Rib-tickling dialogues, visionary direction, master comic deliverance by Paresh Rawal and the champion of comic expression, body language and comic timing Akshay Kumar. Sunil Shetty also does justice to his role. One actor from the original film whose absence clearly hurts is Om Puri. But by all means, this is a film you don't want to miss, and in a nutshell, is total Paisa Vasool!
Review of Phir Hera Pheri
