Obviously not. With a cast that is
so full of talent and a story line with full of promise and a director with the
OMG repute, this just over two hours at the theatres is more disappointing than
entertaining. Umesh Mehra somewhere down the line makes very obvious
compromises and is in tearing hurry to close shop.
Thematically it is nice to deal with the tale of a young guy out in the wild in
search of his dreams called upon to return to his roots where circumstances
force him to do a reality check. The conflict between dream and reality; the
one between idealism and practical life, the pros and cons of the institution
of marriage-nay commitment; the blame game Vs the art of owning up responsibility
– all these make for a wonderful base for a narrative. Unfortunately, they
remain so.
Inder Bhalla (Abhishek Bachchan) is at Pattaya making music and fighting the
businessman Dingra (Tikku Talsania) till he gets a call from back home Kasol –
where Dad Bhajanlal Bhalla (Rishi Kapoor) is at the mercy of the local goon
Kartar Singh Cheema (Zeeshan Ayub). Cheema would want the dad and son to sign
up a document alienating the Bakery land of the family. The Bakery which in
many years has not seen too many customers, is any way not doing well and the
debts increasing. Inder as a child has been mute witness to constant domestic
bickering between his dad and mom Pammy (Supriya Pathak). Inder is also in a
relationship with Nimmi (Aasin) but refuses to marry her since he entertains a
mental block on marriages- thanks to his parents.
Back in India from Pattaya he with his parents and Nimmi are on the run trying
to escape from the clutches of the local money lender Cheema ironically in
Cheema’s car. Chasing them is Cheema and his team in a police van. The vehicles
get exchanged too and the chase goes on for a good part of the film. The chase
is just as good as it lasts- thanks largely to the motley group with Cheema and
some fine performances from the cast.
The film maker now goes about finding simple – very simple solutions to put
everything right and sign off All is Well. The messy process is far bumpier
than the road travel that the characters make. The speed of conclusions also
make the process a tad suspect on credibility. The film maker also goofs up in
a major way when he gets this Punjabi family headed by Seema Pahwa as the
overbearing aunt with an eye on the jewellery of Pammy. The entire episode is
crass to put it mildly. The contrast with the rest of the narrative which is
often subtle makes it ever more unbearable.
With the kind of cast, they obviously are the strength of the film. Supriya as
the victim of Alzheimer is called upon to look blank and is out with arguably
the worst screen presence in her career. Asin looks trendy and pleasant. She
adds her quota of grace and sincerity to the film. Abhishek Bachchan continues
to be the enigma he is. Will some one please, please tell him to change his
dress designer!! He interprets the role of the angry son so totally different
from what Big B did in Shakti or Sharabi and yet is so full of credibility. He
deserves far better than he has earned in his own right. Rishi Kapoor is the
master of the craft. From the lover boy without compare to the villain of
Agneepath to the Dad who is angry but with a story to tell in All is Well the
range is awesome.
All is not well with All is Well. What you can however say of All is Well
without summary rejection is well…..
Rating 2.5
+ Performances
– Narative.
L. Ravichander.