Freaky Ali movie review: Weak plot but Nawaz stands out

Director: Sohail Khan

Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Arbaaz Khan, Jas Arora, Amy Jackson

How far a poor man can go to become rich? Actor-Director Sohail Khan brings you a light-hearted drama, which might entertain you in bits and pieces.

The story revolves around Ali (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), an undergarment seller in a local market, who was brought up by Aai (Seema Biswas). Maqsood (Arbaaz Khan), a rowdy debt collector hangs out with Ali and the two have big plans to become rich. Ali’s life changes in the blink of an eye when he realises that he plays golf really well and starts practicing it with the help of his guardian Kishenlal (Asif Basra).

Vikram (Jas Arora), who has won golf championships five years in a row, meets Ali at the golf tournament and challenges him to beat him in the finals. Bade Bhai (Jackie Shroff ) and Danger Bhai (Nikitin Dheer) also support Vikram in defeating Ali. Megha (Amy Jackson) manages the work of Vikram but soon after when she realises his evil plans against Ali, she leaves him and supports Ali and his family. Whatever happens next is predictable.

Known for making potboilers like 'Auzaar', 'Hello Brother', director Sohail Khan tries hard to impress by showing mindless humor that doesn’t leave any impact. Along with his co-writer Raaj Shandaliya, Sohail tries to narrate a story of an underdog but to no avail. I see that Sohail wanted to tell the story of a poor guy who has big dreams to become rich but there is nothing new to it on screen. As he remains successful in telling the story in a fast-paced manner, the film won’t bore you.

Cinematographer Mahesh Limaye shows the slums of Mumbai through a vivid filter. He tactfully shoots Nawaz’s golf playing scenes and keeps the shots of the ghetto in which the protagonist lives very authentic. Music by Sajid-Wajid is just passable. The film is amusing, but without a plot. It doesn’t serve the audience any purpose.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui is undoubtedly a master of his craft. His aggression and agony as a poor man will win your heart. A special mention to him in the two scenes in which he narrates his story in front of a shrine. The way he carries himself in those shabby clothes and the scenes where he suddenly slips in and out of his funny character are commendable. His performance is a pleasure to watch in every single frame of the film.

Arbaaz Khan as a debt collector and Nikitin Dheer as a local goon are just about average. Amy Jackson and Karishma Kotak have nothing much to do in the film. However, Asif Basra and Seema Biswas do a noticeable job. Jas Arora, who plays an antagonist, looks hot in his chiselled body and bearded face. Last seen as a villain in Ek Paheli Leela, Jas surely fits the bill as an evil golf champion.

Even though Nawaz performs well in 'Freaky Ali', the film is surely not worth the ticket price. Since Baar Baar Dekho also released this Friday, pick this only if you are an ardent Nawazuddin Siddiqui fan. The film holds no promise of entertaining you throughout.