Plot Summary:

In a rustic village, a ne’er-do-well alcoholic takes on the formidable task of fasting until death to advocate for a ban on alcohol. His motivation stems from a vow his wife makes to abort their child unless he relinquishes his addiction. As he confronts influential figures during his protest, the protagonist battles withdrawal symptoms, raising the question: will he triumph in his quest?

Review:

The film kicks off as a comedy in the quaint town of Jagodhar, where a politician’s henchman, Gannu (Jitendra Kumar), pledges to fast until death to eradicate alcohol. The catch? He is a dedicated alcoholic and publicly admits this during a hangover. The narrative unfolds as Gannu’s protest gains momentum, attracting media attention, and he emerges as a savior for local women fed up with their husbands’ drinking habits. The story delves into the hurdles he encounters, grappling with withdrawal and resisting the allure of the bottle, all while contending with powerful adversaries like Dauji (Annu Kapoor) and his loyal followers.

Written and directed by Saurabh Shukla, the first half of the film follows Gannu’s attempts to establish a favorable image for his bid as a local corporator. His drunken antics and half-baked schemes with his sidekicks provide entertaining moments, though the story takes time to solidify its foundation.

While the film addresses alcoholism, it does so with subtlety, making certain sequences feel abrupt and less convincing as the plot progresses. The narrative weaves through multiple tracks, occasionally relying on tropes and cliches, especially in the climax.

Shukla adeptly handles the directorial duties, smoothly transitioning the film’s tone from comedic to serious. Cinematographer Adri Thakur captures the small-town ambiance beautifully in top and wide angles.

Jitendra Kumar delivers a compelling performance, convincingly portraying both the rowdy character in the first half and the transformed man in the second. Shriya Pilgaonkar, as his wife Nirmala, delivers a commendable performance, establishing a believable on-screen chemistry. Annu Kapoor shines as the politician, perfectly embodying the pretense of a supportive and affectionate senior. Shrikant Verma deserves recognition for his portrayal of the cunning liquor shop owner.

While the film has entertaining moments, it could have been more engaging. Nevertheless, it offers a decent one-time watch, particularly for its portrayal of the small-town world and its quirky atmosphere.