Article Updated 13 March, 2006 03:31:32 PM IST   Malamaal Weekly By Prema K. ©2006 Bollyvista.com   At the onset, lets clarify that Priyadarshan's 'Malamaal Weekly' is for a niche audience. It is strictly not for people who only understand crass or English humour. This is for those who enjoy raw, everyday humour. So the so-called refined lot had best stay away from this caper. The film also defies logic but what the hell! Haven't you heard of escapist cinema? Yeah, this film is exactly that! One drawback of the film is Riteish Deshmukh and Reema's romantic track lengthens the film unnecessarily. That could have been trimmed down a bit. The famous Priyadarshan touch is very much there particularly his signature style climax. The music accompanying it will ring in your ears for a while after you've watched the film. The film is about the struggles and survival of people in a small town called Maholi. The villagers are at the mercy of a cruel moneylender, Karamkali (Sudha Chandran). Lilaram (Paresh Rawal), is the only educated person in town. He earns his source of income by selling Malamaal Weekly lottery tickets. He's waiting for someone in the village to win a lottery so that he can make some money out of the commission. One day a miracle happens. He realizes that one of the tickets he had sold has won a Rs. 1 crore bumper prize. As most of the villagers are illiterate, Lilaram thinks that he is the only one who has this information. But the problem is finding the winner out of the 105 villagers he has sold tickets to. He decides to throw a party. He manages to convince his wife to pawn their last asset, his goat, who is regarded like a child by Lilaram's wife. The party is only for his 105 customers on the condition that they bring along their tickets as an invite to the celebrations. All turn up except one; Anthony (Malayalam actor Innocent), a drunkard. Lilaram decides to visit him and convince him to part with some of the prize money. On reaching Anthony's house, he finds Anthony dead in front of the TV with the lottery ticket still in his hand and a smile on his face. He has died of shock on hearing about his victory. Now follows a roller coaster ride full of unusual twists and turns at every stage. The music is functional, nothing spectacular about it. Unfortunately Raakhi Sawant's item number is met with a 'thanda' response. The dialogues are the highpoint of the film. Some of the one-liners have the required effect on the audience; the audience roar with laughter. We also have to add that the director has driven home the point well about people's greedy for money and quick get rich schemes. Now for the performances. Paresh Rawal has a very meaty role and he delivers a mind-blowing performance. He is in terrific form as usual. Om Puri too is brilliant and proves his versatility in yet another role. Ritesh is adequate. Reema Sen is okay. Asrani is excellent. It's a pleasure to watch him after years. Rajpal Yadav is superb. Sudha Chandran is convincing. Shakti Kapoor is good. Arbaaz Khan makes his mark in a special appearance. Don't miss this film if you're a comic film buff. This is one big laugh riot. Overall, a film that will appeal to family audiences that enjoy simple comedies. **** (Four stars) *poor; **average; ***good; ****very good; *****excellent   close   Print this Article http://www.bollyvista.com   http://www.bollyvista.com/article/a/29/6325