Well Done, Abba (Benegal, 2009)

[shariqq]

Well Done, Abba
Shyam Benegal | India | 2009
135 mins



Shyam Benegal, a celebrated director of the revolutionary “parallel cinema” movement of 70s India, moves a step-down with his latest feature, Well Done Abba, a satire based on the corruption that permeates India’s government schemes for the poor. Even so, this mediocre effort by Benegal’s standards leaves its mark. Abba (an over-acting Boman Irani getting his Hyderabadi accent way off-mark) faces corrupt officials at every step of the way when he tries to avail of a government scheme that finances the building of wells in a village. Each man wants his cut, eventually leaving Abba with no money, no well and documents saying all was done. Not to be victimized, Abba and his daughter (Minissha Lamba) decide to play the system instead. They file a report at the police station for a stolen well, presenting all documents to prove they officially had one. As departments collide, pandemonium ensues. Well Done Abba was made with one purpose in mind: to use the mass-media of cinema to make a statement on the socio-economic condition of present-day India. Within that context, the movie does and will serve its purpose. But to present it to an audience not meant for it or to appraise it purely on cinematic terms not only diminishes the necessity of the movie, but also brings the tag of mediocrity to Benegal. The director may not be too bothered though, he is probably deep into composing his next socio-political statement.

My rating --> 3 of 5

[sandeep]

Synopsis  (DIFF website)

In this cheery, upbeat comedy drama, Armaan Ali returns to work after a mysterious three-month break. Asked by his irate boss to explain himself, Ali embarks on a colourful and fantastical tale that takes in his attempts to marry off his wayward daughter, the vexations caused by his irresponsible relatives, a mysterious tale of a stolen well and ultimately a farcical state of affairs that threatens to bring down the Government. Do we believe this hilarious, fantastic yarn, or is Armaan Ali spinning an elaborate lie?

Review

I found little comedy and more frustration in the film. The story was interesting and truly represented what many poor people must be facing in corrupt India. But that is not what I went to see. It was misleading, to say the least. But the acting saved the film, everyone did a great job and the language, backdrop, costumes were all appropriate. Songs were definitely not the strong point. Boman Irani, Minissha Lamba and Samir Dattani were present for the screening, Boman being very popular, of course!

3/5