Remember that heady cocktail of adolescent rebellion, questionable fashion choices, and enough friendship drama to fuel a K-drama marathon? Vishal Devrukhkar's "Boyz 4" throws you right back into that vortex, with a twist of London, lies, and a whole lot of questionable life decisions.
Dhungya, Dhairya, and Kabir – the three amigos of Std. XII – navigate the treacherous waters of friendship, exams, and parental expectations. Kabir, the brains of the trio, gets shipped off to London, leaving Dhungya and Dhairya to… well, not exactly excel in academics. Enter Naru, the not-so-secret weapon in their London-bound plan, pretending to be "gay" to escape his overbearing dad. Hijinks, heartbreaks, and hilarious cultural clashes ensue.
Parth Bhalerao's Dhungya is the charming rogue, Pratik Lad's Dhairya the endearing pushover, and Sumant Shinde's Kabir the brooding enigma. Gaurav More's Naru steals the show with his deadpan delivery and flamboyant facade. The supporting cast adds layers of humor and pathos, from Girish Kulkarni's exasperated dad to Ritika Shrotri's sassy love interest.
Growing Up, Mumbai-style: "Boyz 4" tackles familiar themes of friendship, ambition, and figuring out your place in the world. But it does so with a distinctly Mumbai flavor – the jugaad mindset, the pressure to please parents, and the undeniable allure of that "London Dream." Devrukhkar balances humor with surprising emotional depth, exploring insecurities, societal expectations, and the messy beauty of growing up.
Laughter with a Side of Reality: The film is a laugh riot, peppered with Devrukhkar's trademark slapstick and witty one-liners. But amidst the guffaws, there's a touch of poignancy – friendships tested, dreams deferred, and the bittersweet realization that adulthood ain't all it's cracked up to be.
Bhalerao and Lad bring an endearing goofiness to their characters, while Shinde smolders with quiet intensity. More, however, is the scene-stealer, his deadpan expressions and flamboyant antics guaranteed to tickle your funny bone.
The plot occasionally veers into predictable territory, and some jokes land with a thud. The film could have delved deeper into the complexities of its characters, particularly the women, whose roles feel underdeveloped. The ending, while heartwarming, might feel rushed for some viewers.
A Nostalgic Trip with Laughs and Lessons: "Boyz 4" is a fun, frothy ride that takes you back to that chaotic, exhilarating time of life – just remember, some baggage comes with the territory.
So, should you watch it? If you're looking for a laugh-a-minute Bollywood comedy with a dash of heart, "Boyz 4" delivers. Just remember, it's not your typical coming-of-age story. It's a messy, Mumbai-style bromance, with all the baggage (and laughs) that come with it.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars
Now, let's get the conversation rolling! What did you think of "Boyz 4"? Did it crack you up? Make you think? Share your thoughts and interpretations in the comments below!
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