Bhool Chuk Maaf Movie Review: A Quirky Slice-of-Life With a Moral Compass
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Wamiqa Gabbi, Sanjay Mishra, Seema Pahwa, Raghubir Yadav, Zakir Hussain, Ishtiyak Khan
Director: Karan Sharma
Script Analysis:
Karan Sharma, along with co-writer Haider Rizvi, presents a well-intentioned story about morality, merit, and misplaced shortcuts. The film centers around Ranjan, who buys his way into a job through a middleman named Bhagwan (played amusingly by Sanjay Mishra). This seemingly simple act triggers a series of comic and emotional events—especially when the deserving candidate, Hamid, is pushed to the brink.
The screenplay shines in its first half with satirical punches and quirky realism. However, the second half occasionally stumbles into repetition and odd jumps, making the flow slightly disjointed. While the message of choosing merit over manipulation is noble, certain ideological contradictions — like undermining the importance of employment in marriage — create thematic inconsistencies.
Still, the film’s small-town Benares charm, laced with humor and a light narrative tone, makes for a pleasant experience. The secular angle involving a Muslim character feels a bit dated in its execution, but doesn’t dilute the film’s overall impact.
Star Performances:
Rajkummar Rao is effortlessly relatable in his comic avatar. He brings warmth, sincerity, and sharp timing to his portrayal of Ranjan. Wamiqa Gabbi, though underutilized, leaves a mark with her natural presence.
Sanjay Mishra and Ishtiyak Khan are comedic gold, while Akash Makhija’s deadpan take on Hamid adds an emotional edge. Seema Pahwa and Anubha Fatehpuria bring maternal gravitas and earthy charm. Even side characters like Jay Thakkar and Pragati Mishra add delightful color to the narrative.
Direction & Music:
Karan Sharma shines brighter as a director than as a writer. His ability to infuse humor through subtle visual cues (like a falling flowerpot or an awkward terrace jump) proves his flair for detail. The film brims with Benares’ flavor, from streets to households, capturing both spiritual and chaotic vibes.
Music is average. Tanishk Bagchi’s “Koi Na” lingers slightly, and the reused “Chor Bazaari” is easy on the ears. However, ‘Saawariya Tera’ feels excessive with five different singers. Ketan Sodha’s background score, on the other hand, subtly supports the narrative without overpowering scenes.
Bhool Chuk Maaf Movie Review: The Last Word
Bhool Chuk Maaf sits comfortably in the same space as Bareilly Ki Barfi or Shubh Mangal Saavdhan — small-town comedies with social relevance. While it’s not flawless, it’s warm, humorous, and meaningful enough to deserve a one-time watch.
Verdict: A charming, flawed, yet relevant dramedy with Rajkummar Rao in fine form.
Recommended For: Fans of feel-good small-town tales and light social satire.