Directed by: Shyam Benegal
Producer by: Raj Pius, Mahesh Ramanathan, Rajesh Sawhney
Starring: Boman Irani, Minissha Lamba, Sameer Dattani
Music Dir: Shantanu Moitra
[Watch Songs]



'Well Done Abba' has Shyam Benegal's inimical imprint all over! So, it belongs to the right kind of cinema. It's an unconventional movie with a message, without sermonizing though. Much in the genre of Benegal's earlier movies - 'Zubeidaa', 'Manthan', 'Ankur', 'Sardari Begum' and 'Welcome to Sajjanpur' - that impart a message through fun and amusement.




'Well Done Abba' is about Armaan Ali played by Boman Irani who works as a driver in Mumbai. Armaan takes leave and to go find a suitable groom for his daughter. When he returns to work after three months his boss is angry and wants to sack him. But, the boss needs to rush for an urgent work, and asks Armaan to drive him to Pune. En route, Boman narrates to his boss the story of his three months' stay in the ancestral home where he had left his daughter Muskaan, played by Minissha Lamba, under the care of his irresponsible brother Rahman, played by Boman himself in a double role, and wife, Salma, played by Ila Arun.

His daughter Muskaan, who is a firebrand, welcomes her father back home. She also informs dad that the husband-wife duo (her uncle and aunt) had deserted the village after stealing water from a protected well! Armaan tells his boss that he had gone back to his ancestral home to find a groom for his spunky daughter, Muskaan. Armaan finds his village in complete disarray. The villagers still walk miles to get water and therefore even refuse a glass of water to the thirsty and weary. That's why Arman's twin brother Rehman and wife Salma deserted the village. While at his village, Armaan came across a hoarding, which displays a government scheme inviting people to dig wells with official loans.

The government through its various schemes meant for the welfare of the people falling below poverty line (BPL) and also NREGA claim bright prospects to the 'aam aadmi'. But, the reality is otherwise. Those making the laws and those implementing them know that only a trickle reaches the beneficiaries. This happens to Armaan Ali too as he borrows the loan but derives pittance. The well dug by him exists only on false documents and is even reported as stolen.

Through the movie, Benegal digs at the entire Indian system based on corrupt politicians, engineers, bureaucrats and cops. Armaan takes things in his own hands. Arif Ali, played by Sameer Datani, is a motor mechanic and works at his father's garage. He is often made fun of on account of his limp! Arif gives up his studies and job in Hyderabad to come back and support his ailing father. He finds a friend and confidant in Muskaan.Boman Irani shoulders the movie as the story revolves around his daughter, twin brother and brother's wife. The USP of the movie is that reality unfolds, told in a very funny way. It is a comedy but based on realities of life. Boman's plight as India's aam admi will have the audience identify with the character.

Shyam Benegal's script is solid, with a proven direction. Boman Irani's double performance is lent full support by Minissha Lamba's comeback as a young, beautiful rural girl and Ila Arun. Minissha looks a funky firebrand and Ila Arun playing an unscrupulous Salma are delightful. Ravi Kissen and Sonali Kulkarni deserve special mention as the newly weds who are wondering whether a silicone job would add more spark to their nocturnal tumbles.

Shantanu Moitra's melodious numbers go very well with the movie's script and the lyrics of Ila Arun, Ashok Mishra and Swanand Kirkire. Ashok Mishra of the 'Welcome to Sajjanpur' fame has provided masterful screenplay and dialogues. The film stands out with crisp sound design, authentic art direction, styling and cinematography.

Overall, Shyam Benegal's work again is worth watching, waiting to become a box office hit and is more than paisa vasool!