Take ear-plugs for this movie

Hulla
Director: Jaideep Varma
Cast: Sushant Singh, Rajat Kapoor
Rating: * and a half

This might give you an idea about Hulla: When you start to think that the film is drawing to a close, you are greeted with the 'Interval' sign. Watching the film after that point is quite an effort. Considering that it is barely two hours long, Hulla seems to drag on endlessly and you want to get out of the dark room as soon as possible.

The plot is interesting, but one that was more suited to a one-hour television sitcom. Raj Puri (Sushant Singh), a stock broker, has shifted with his wife to a Goregaon flat – cheaper than those down South and much quieter. However, a 'Jaagte Raho' type of watch-man keeps Raj up all night with his constant whistling.

On inquiring, Raj finds out that the building secretary (Rajat Kapoor) has ordered the watchman to keep the noise level up at night so that thieves are 'warned' and the building's security is maintained. Unable to convince the secretary to stop the noisemaking, and irate with other raucous neighbours, Raj starts losing his temper at the smallest things; work suffers and his married life is ruined.

The story, about how a seemingly miniscule problem in a man's life can create havoc, is simple and the presentation, realistic. The film has moments, which are typically Mumbaiyya. The problem one faces while living in a community-based setup, differences with neighbours, squabbles during society meets will all be very identifiable to the urban viewer.

However, the film just doesn't seem to move on. Scenes are repetitive, the humour wears off after a while and the shouting and screeching gets on to your nerves. Raj's constant outburst in noisy situations is more irritatingly loud than anything else in the film.

Sushant Singh may be an extremely talented actor, but as the main protagonist here he fails to impress. You wanted an actor the audience can sympathise with, and who brings to fore a vulnerability that Sushant doesn't possess. Besides, there's a difference between watching him in a supporting role and in one where he is in almost every scene. Rajat Kapoor as the Gujrati secretary is sincere as usual. All the other actors fail to leave any impression whatsoever.

Jaideep Varma's script may have looked great on paper, but should have probably been left at that. The film's obviously made on a shoestring budget, and it shows. Technically, Hulla doesn't offer anything and you feel like you are watching a tele-film or documentary financed by NFDC. Not that a film needs to be visually breathtaking to impress. But there's not much content to keep you hooked either.

Finally, with a number of films at the theatres this weekend, Hulla can easily be given a miss. 

g_aniruddha@dnaindia.net