Film Review: Madgoan Express

Dr Priyaankaa Mathur

An out an out laugh riot Madgoan Express gives you much-needed lighter entertainment amidst murder mysteries, thrillers and voyeuritic drama.

Written and Directed by Kunal Khemu, his directorial debut keeps you engaged from the first to the last scene. Though many films have been conceptualised on similar lines with three best pals with a Go Goa setting, beaches, carnivals and frolic, this film has an altogether different feel.

Staring Divyendu(Dodo), Pratik Gandhi(Pinku) and Avinash Tiwary(Ayush) who are childhood friends, who always dreamt of going to Goa from their school days. While, destiny separated their ways, as each of them now has a different status, preferences and choices, they reunite to take this trip from Mumbai to Goa on the Madgoan Express. The journey begins with an exchange, which gets them into trouble, changing their fun trip into a roller coaster ride, while they get involved in a drug racket, giving a crime angle to the plot.

The plot involves lots of drama, and funny characters and their reactions in particular situations that somewhat make you remember ‘Andaaz Apna Apna’ the Amir- Salman Khan blockbuster of the 90s. What makes Madgoan Express a laugh riot are the extraordinary dialogues written by Kunal Khemu.

Well-written characters, tight screenplay, fantastic onscreen chemistry and punches with accurate comic timing, make it an audience’s delight. The film displays great attention to detail and nuances of each character, its style of filming with crisp editing without any lingering or stupid comedy,keeps.the audiences glued to their seats.

While, the Poker face Dodo gets the audience into splits, Pinkus’s allergies and utter state of confusion and Ayush’s romantic fantasies keep you engaged on what’s coming next.Tasha (Nargis Fatehi) keeps the spirits high with her ravishing looks and dance moves. Upendra Limaye nails the role of Mendoza, a local don, while Chhaya Kadam plays befittingly a local fisherwoman Kanchan Kombdi. Remo D’Souza does justice to the special appearance of Dr. Danny. As a director, Khemu has successfully extracted the best out of each character.

The film has some interesting action stunt scenes by Aejaz Gulab and Vikram Dahiya in line with the comic sense of the film. D’Souza’s choreography for the promotional song and Sameer Uddin’s background music is befitting as per the comic theme.

Produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment, Madgoan Express presents a relatable journey. Overall a complete family entertainer and a must-watch film for all those who want to relax and enjoy the festivities this Holi season!

⭐⭐⭐