Review by +Bikram Bathh
Cine Punjab Reviews
April 11, 2014
Anurag Singh and Diljit Dosanjh have almost become a brand in Punjabi Cinema. They have together appeared in the two most loved films of Punjabi Cinema, the Jatt and Juliet series (Part 1 and 2). Now, when they have their next film titled Disco Singh and follow a similar genre (Comedy), it takes the expectations to an all new level.
So does the film work?
The answer isn't so simple. Let me put it this way, the only other Punjabi superstar actor/singer Gippy Grewal and Smeep Kang gave their first hit in the form of Carry On Jatta and followed it up with Lucky Di Unlucky Story and Bhaji In Problem, which were both good films, but could not match their first film. Similarly, Disco Singh is way below the Jatt and Juliet films in terms of entertainment, story and music. It, however, is still watchable.
Synopsis: Disco Singh is the story of a struggling singer who was named Lattu (Diljit Dosanjh) in a moment of inspiration by his parents. However, there is nothing inspirational about his life, which basically involves him performing in marriages and parties for his living. Lattu is a failed singer who runs an orchestra named Disco Singh. He dreams of only two things - success and Sweety. Sweety (Surveen Chawla) is a beautiful and successful model. Lattu keeps on praying to god to send an angel who can make his dreams come true. And sure enough, God does send someone. Bhupinder Singh aka Paaji (Manoj Pahwa) is a dreaded don who is not really an angel but Yamraj. He asks Lattu to do a job for him in return of which Lattu will get all the money that he wants. And so begins Lattu`s hilarious journey where he tries to woo Sweety while trying to save his life from Paaji. Things keep on getting more and more complicated for Lattu and how he manages to escape from all these pangas is what forms the rest of the story.
Story/Screenplay/Dialogues: Disco Singh has screenplay/story by Anurag Singh who has earlier been a writer/co-writer in all his films (Jatt and Juliet series and Yaar Anmulle) but with Disco Singh, he fails miserably. The main plot of Disco Singh is picked up from films such as Rockstar (2011) and Do Knot Disturb (2009). The first half is still enjoyable but the last 30-45 minutes are stretched and unnecessary. All the superman scenes and the entire plot revolving the newcomer Apoorva Arora are lame and were not required at all. Also as mentioned above, the anti-climax makes the film almost a boring affair. Dialogues by Amberdeep Singh and Anurag Singh are the saving grace and should be loved by one and all. Overall, Average
Acting: Diljit Dosanjh is impeccable. Yes, that's all I have to say about this finest actor of Punjabi Cinema presently. He carries the entire film on his shoulders, take out Diljit Dosanjh from Disco Singh and the film will fall flat. Be it comedy, romance, action or emotional scenes, he has proved it more than once that he is here to stay. However, if you ask me to rate this performance viz-a-viz his other films, I will still pick up Jatt and Juliet 2 and maybe give Disco Singh a second spot. Don't get me wrong, Diljit Dosanjh has put his heart and soul into this character but somehow I personally found it repetitive and an extension of Jatt and Juliet 2 character. Surveen Chawla is refreshing and has not only matured as an actress but also looks extremely beautiful in the film. B.N. Sharma surprises one and all. I have criticized his role selection over the last few movies and here he gives something that has never been attempted by any Punjabi actor on stage, atleast not in my knowledge. He plays a stereotypical feminist. His mannerism, face expressions, posture and everything made the audience split in laughter. Karamjit Anmol is good but doesn't get any great scope here. Upasna Singh is over the top though she is funny at times. Manoj Pahwa is another scene stealer and gets a lot of screen space. His accent is ditched once or twice but since he is a fine actor, everything else gets taken care of. New girl Apoorva Arora is fine but her character was not required at all. Chandan Prabhakar is wasted. Overall, Good!
Music: Music of the film is satisfactory but doesn't seem to have a long shelf life except Sweeto and Happy Birthday. Overall, Average!
Direction and Technical Aspects: Anurag Singh is the finest director of Punjabi Cinema and it has been proven more than once. Infact, Disco Singh's second most important component is him. If Anurag Singh or Diljit Dosanjh are taken out of the film, Disco Singh would have nothing left. He along with his DOP Anshul Choubey have shot Delhi in a never seen before way. Action is routine but follows the demand of the script. Everything else is great including a special mention for costumes and production design. Overall, Excellent!
Disco Singh may not be as good as Jatt and Juliet series by the same actor-director team but it still doesn't fail to entertain you. The real killer of this film is expectations (please keep it low) and ofcourse the wafer-thin writing. Watch it only and only for Diljit Dosanjh and B.N. Sharma who keep you entertained in majority of the film, especially Diljit Dosanjh, who makes you laugh, cry and also beats up goons like never before, making you feel entertained.
Rating - ★★½
