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25 years of 'Hera Pheri', a masterclass in comedy

Starcast : Akshay Kumar, Suneil Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Tabu, Gulshan Grover, Om Puri and Mukesh Khanna Music : Annu Malik Direction: Priy...


Starcast : Akshay Kumar, Suneil Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Tabu, Gulshan Grover, Om Puri and Mukesh Khanna

Music : Annu Malik

Direction: Priyadarshan

Hera Pheri is a Bollywood comedy that, over 25 years has since earned cult status among Indian cinema lovers after it first released on March 31, 2000. Directed by Priyadarshan, this film is a remake of the 1989 Malayalam movie ‘Ramji Rao Speaking’, skillfully adapted to suit the Hindi-speaking audience with a distinct flavour of Mumbai’s chaotic charm. Starring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal in lead roles, Hera Pheri blends slapstick humour, impeccable timing, and memorable dialogues into a cinematic experience that remains etched in the minds of viewers even decades later. What began as a modest box-office performer soon transformed into a cultural phenomenon, thanks to its relatable characters and endlessly quotable lines.

Storyline  

The plot revolves around three unlikely protagonists: Raju (Akshay Kumar), a street-smart conman with big dreams; Shyam (Suniel Shetty), a down-on-his-luck everyman desperate for a job; and Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, fondly called "Babu Bhaiya" (Paresh Rawal), a bumbling, near-sighted landlord running a garage called "Star Garage." The trio’s lives intersect when Raju and Shyam rent a room from Babu Bhaiya, setting the stage for a series of hilarious misadventures.

The story takes a turn when Babu Bhaiya receives a wrong-number call from a kidnapper demanding ransom for a wealthy businessman’s granddaughter. Sensing an opportunity, Raju concocts a plan to extort money from both the businessman and the kidnappers, roping in Shyam and Babu Bhaiya. What follows is a rollercoaster of misunderstandings, double-crosses, and comedic chaos as the trio stumbles through their half-baked scheme. The narrative thrives on situational comedy, with each twist amplifying the absurdity of their predicament. While the premise is borrowed from *Ramji Rao Speaking*, the film’s localization to Mumbai’s urban milieu and its distinctly Bollywood flair make it a unique offering.

Direction and Other Technical Departments  

Priyadarshan, a maestro of comedy in Indian cinema, brings his signature style to Hera Pheri. His direction is marked by a keen sense of timing and an ability to extract humour from the mundane. The film’s pacing is brisk, with scenes flowing seamlessly into one another, keeping the audience engaged despite the simplicity of the plot. Priyadarshan’s knack for staging chaos—whether it’s a crowded garage or a frantic phone conversation—is on full display, making every frame visually dynamic.The cinematography by Jeeva complements the film’s tone, capturing the gritty yet vibrant essence of Mumbai’s streets and Babu Bhaiya’s cluttered garage. The editing is tight, ensuring that the gags land without overstaying their welcome. The production design, though minimalistic, effectively sets the stage for the trio’s misadventures, with the garage serving as both a literal and metaphorical hub of their schemes. The film’s technical simplicity works in its favor, allowing the focus to remain on the performances and script rather than extravagant visuals.

Music  

The soundtrack, composed by Anu Malik, is functional but not particularly memorable compared to the film’s other strengths. Songs like "Jab Bhi Koi Haseena" and "Tun Tunak Tun" add a light-hearted touch but lack the staying power of the movie’s dialogues. The background score, however, enhances the comedic tension, punctuating key moments with quirky tunes that amplify the on-screen antics. While the music doesn’t stand out as a highlight, it serves its purpose without detracting from the film’s narrative flow.

Performances  

The heart of Hera Pheri lies in its stellar performances, particularly the chemistry among the lead trio. Paresh Rawal’s portrayal of Babu Bhaiya is nothing short of iconic. His deadpan delivery, coupled with physical comedy (those oversized glasses!), makes him the film’s standout performer. Lines like "Yeh Baburao ka style hai" have become part of Bollywood lore, a testament to Rawal’s comedic genius.

Akshay Kumar, in one of his early comedic roles, shines as the scheming Raju. His energy and sly charm bring a perfect counterbalance to the group, marking a turning point in his career from action hero to comedy king. Suniel Shetty, often typecast in intense roles, surprises with his restraint as Shyam, playing the straight man to perfection amidst the chaos.

The supporting cast, including Tabu as the love interest Anuradha, Om Puri as the harried businessman Kharak Singh, and Gulshan Grover as the gangster Kabira, adds depth and humour to the proceedings. Every actor, no matter how small the role, contributes to the film’s infectious energy.

Hera Pheri is a rare gem in Bollywood cinema—a film that transcends its humble origins to become a timeless classic. Its adaptation from the Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking is executed with such finesse that it feels wholly original, steeped in the quirks of Hindi cinema. Priyadarshan’s direction, combined with a razor-sharp script and career-defining performances, elevates this comedy of errors into a cultural touchstone. More than two decades later, the film’s dialogues are still recited, its scenes endlessly memed, and its charm undiminished. Hera Pheri isn’t just a movie—it’s a mood, a legacy, and a masterclass in comedy that continues to remind us why laughter is the best medicine.

By Ayushmaan Mitra

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