A man’s quest to find the true purpose of his life ends and then begins a new chapter in his life-changing his spirit and desire to live, that’s all Chhalaang is about. An Amazon Prime original film helmed by Hansal Mehta also marks his sixth collaboration with actor Rajkummar Rao. But Chhalaang fails to leave its impression on the hearts of the audience compared to the previous projects the actor-director duo has given. With nothing more to offer, it remains to be named as another movie that came and gone.
The story revolves around Manjit (Rao), a PT teacher in a Haryana school whose job is at the stake, and so he challenges the man who has replaced him to a sporting duel. Then a series of events lead us to the duel, everything comes across as you expect, no surprising element and no detailings makes it a boring watch. Yes, that’s how random Chhalaang is.
The protagonist is ready to challenge the world and troubles, leaving his carefree attitude behind. We see this vast change in the protagonist’s life especially when the new computer teacher Neelima (Nushrratt Bharuccha) joins the school staff. Montu’s transformation and his journey are covered in the whole story, from being a free-spirited guy to the one taking life seriously, that’s how Rao’s presence is directed from frame to frame, a factor which needs to be appreciated definitely.
The plot somehow takes a contradictory turn when it aims to wash away the stereotypes about gender inequality in a game but at the same time Montu and Mohan Singh (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub) race over to prove their masculinity indirectly also fighting over a girl..or love. Ayyub is a scene-stealer but here his character is underwritten which is one of the major flaws of the film.
Bharucha marks her presence throughout the story, and she’s definitely one of the best actors from the Luv Ranjan clan. Saurabh Shukla plays a decent part as well, whenever he and Rao are on screen they definitely enlighten your mood.
Overall, the script could’ve been better, the performances are truly decent, Mehta’s venture into ‘mass’ filmmaking is a great attempt but the story lacks the depth and detail it needed. Chhalaang is a good one time watch.
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