The After Hrs review: Life Ki Toh Lag Gayi

Film: Life Ki Toh Lag Gayi
Director: Rakesh Mehta
Cast: Kay Kay Menon, Ranvir Shouri, Manu Rishi Chadha, Pradhuman Singh, Neha Bhasin
Rating: *

A bunch of talented actors, a city called Mumbai and whoa, you have a film tracing the journey of each individual vis-a-vis the city. It’s not the first such film, there have been several with this theme, but the fascination never ceases. Writer-director Rakesh Mehta, who makes his debut with Life Ki Toh Lag Gayi has tried to present the story with droll humour. Problem is, it works only in parts.

As for the story, there’s Salman (Kay Kay Menon) who wants to avenge the murder of his parents, Amol Ganguly (Ranvir Shouri), who has just been mercilessly dumped by his girl-friend, a small-town girl Dolly (Neha Bhasin) landing in the city of dreams to get a foothold in films and a cop ACP Chautala (Manu Rishi Chadha) from Haryana who is on punishment transfer to Mumbai. His crime is that he is an honest cop. Another important character is Ghosh (Pradhuman Singh) a death-obessesed rock star who suggests various ways of committing suicide to his friend Amol, who is struggling to come to terms with his girlfriend’s betrayal.

It is with this motley of characters that the film tries to capture the spirit of the city. So far, so good. What stops you from giving full marks to the narration is the loopholes in the sketches of some characters. You wonder how Amol who is scared to take his own life becomes a maniac murderer in the climax! Dolly’s track is completely predictable and contrived. Also, the pace of the film, specially in the second half is slow.

As far as the actors are concerned Pradhuman Singh stands out for his anti- Christ rockstar act replete with the funky get-up and Saja e maut, tattooed on his lower back. Manu Rishi Chahdha as the Haryanvi cop is likeable, while Ranvir Shouri and Kay Kay Menon are their usual reliable selves.

The film has been pitched as a comedy drama and though there’s drama, the humour is lacking making it a grim tale. The mayhem in the climax puts you off completely. A good cast and a potentially good narrative has been wasted.