Bollywood Adda

Cast: Zain Khan, Swini Khara, Sarika, Jackie Shroff, Lilette Dubey, Saurabh Shukla, Vijay Raaz

Director: Lucky Kohli and Rajesh Bajaj

The child actors have an excuse - they don't know any better, they can't tell a good script from a bad one. But what excuse do Sarika, Jackie Shroff, Lilette Dubey, Saurabh Shukla and Vijay Raaz have? What are they doing in this puerile piece of nonsense called Hari Puttar - which you should have guessed from its television trailers, is a shameless and blatant rip-off of Home Alone!

Ashamed as I am to admit it, I couldn't sit through this entire film, I walked out during intermission -- and believe me, even the first half was too much to take.

I'll get to the kids in a bit, but let's talk about the older actors first: Why does Jackie Shroff look like he's run away from rehab; what's with the indecipherable dialogue delivery and the tortured acting? What's with Lilette Dubey making a joke about her ten-year-old nephew walking in on her changing her clothes? Why does Saurabh Shukla have that Medusa-like wig; and can't he get his flatulence problem examined by a doctor, especially if he needs to crouch down every few seconds and let out a burst of gas?

Hari Puttar stars Zain Khan in the title role of a precocious adolescent who's left behind at home by accident when his family takes off on holiday. Also left behind, and giving him company this weekend is his little cousin Tuk Tuk (played by Swini Khara, who you might remember as the annoying tyke who played Amitabh Bachchan's over-smart little friend in Cheeni Kum). It's the same old drill. The kids protect themselves and their home from being broken into by a pair of thugs in search of some computer chip.

I can't think of very much to say about this film, except that it doesn't work on any level - as a children's film, or as a comedy, because none of the characters are endearing, and because its plot is too juvenile even for five-year-olds who'd rather watch Tom & Jerry reruns which are more enjoyable.

I can't believe it took two directors to make this film. If you ask me, Lucky Kohli and Rajesh Bajaj who are credited with directing Hari Puttar need to go to film school right away.

And the kids in this film should just go to school.

I can't rate this film. That's beyond me. I called a friend who watched the entire film to ask if the second half got any better. I was told it didn't. If you still want to find out for yourself, the risk is all yours to take.

Rating: 0 / 5 (Such Trash!)

by ibnlive.com

Hari Puttar, a children's film, has been in the eye of the storm ever since Warner Bros claimed the title was too similar to their blockbuster Harry Potter series.

However, director Lucky Kohli feels otherwise. He tells Nithya Ramani that he has nothing to worry, as his film has nothing in common with Harry Potter or the Hollywood film, Home Alone, about a child and two bumbling thieves.

Starring Zian Khan, Swini Khara along with Sarika, Jackie Shroff, Sourabh Shukla and Vijay Razz, Hari Puttar is slated to release on September 19. Over to Lucky:

What is the film about?

It is about 10 children, who happen to live without adults. The protagonist Hari Prasad (Zian Khan) saves the day by saving a secret from being stolen by two goons Filter and Diesel (Saurab Shukla and Vijay Raaz). It is a complete laughter riot and a family entertainer. I've tried to make it as funny as possible.

The story sounds similar to Home Alone and the title is similar to Harry Potter.

There is no resemblance in the name or script with either of the films. I don't want to waste time justifying myself. Hari is a very common name, and 'Puttar' is a word every other person uses to address their son, especially in Punjabi. In the film, the protagonist is called Hari Puttar by his family and hence the title of the film.

As far as the script resembling Home Alone is concerned, there is no similarity at all. My film has 10 children, songs and graphics that Home Alone didn't have. Hari Puttar is very different from Home Alone and Harry Potter, as this is not about magic or wizardry.

Was directing so many children tough?

It is a myth that children are very difficult to direct. I didn't have any problem in directing Zian or Swini Khara. Children are mature in their own way. Initially, I was scared too. But when I started, it was smooth.

Why did you choose Zian Khan?

I auditioned over 100 children and zeroed in on Zian. I had seen his previous works and thought he would be the perfect match for Hari.

What do you have to say about the trend of making children-oriented films?

People should make children-oriented films. It gets very monotonous when you make multi-starrer films with big names from the industry with the same kind of story. Making children-oriented films is refreshing. Nobody wants to experiment and that is why they do not venture into something new.

What is the inspiration for the film?

My children. The story was by Rajesh Bajaj and the pranks were adapted from a film called Carry On.

What next?

A martial arts films. It may be based on children again but it will a complete family entertainer. I will also be producing an animation film.

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