a_2 Nothing about this movie should attract you if you are a selector when it comes to watching a Bollywood movie, but Subhash Kapoor has made a mighty big impression with this incredible story if you have or happen to be watching the ending credits. If there is something called as sensible humor, then this movie draws upon a real world theme and blends it with a tactfully written plot which only gets increasingly entertaining and curious before the perfect finish.The movie draws the audience with true to happen, yet hard to believe state of affairs in village gangs and Anni is a character that sticks like glue right away. While the pristine performances of all not so popular actors are brilliant, the true hero here is the script. Backed by authentic, crackling, and situational dialog's, the movie paces comfortably and makes every scene enjoyable. And if that is not impressive, a few scenes like the YES WE CAN chant and the English class turn this into truly memorable movie watching. Rajat Kapoor is very himself in the role while Neha Dhupia and Amol Gupte are very good. The page turner and the star of the show is Manu Rishi (Anni) and his brilliant performance. His portrayal of aspiration, honesty and comic timing will make you watch this movie again. Sanjay Mishra is over the top again with the character of Bhaisaab.Not plaguing this story with item numbers, unneeded songs or illogical twists makes this a "Diamond" in the golden Bollywood ring!

saur-78 Picked up the VCD from the store and it was lying around for 2 weeks. Decided to watch it today and enjoyed it. Love the way they have cracked satires on recession and the kidnapping racket in India. Rajat Kappor of "Mahesh Uncle" fame gives a measured performance but the most likable character for me is "Anni" in the film. Remember the actor who played Abhay deol's friend in Oye lucky lucky oye.The movie had its quota of comical moments and gave me some good laughter. The narrative slacks a bit but the plethora of hilarious characters and moments saves the day. Only if they could have found a way get around neha dhupia.

dadru Phas Gaye re Obama (PGRO) based at the time of the global economic recession, is the story of Om Shastri (Rajat Kapoor) who, once a successful business-man in the USA, is now broke and faced with the prospect of finding himself and his family without a home to live in. Left with no other choice he decides to visit India to sell his ancestral mansion and honor his financial obligations in the US. While the horrified attention of the world was fixated on badly faltering giant corporations, the little heard-of Kidnapping Industry in Om Shastri's village was going through times as rough as any other. Not only did the hostage's family reduce the ransom negotiation into a ridiculous Palika-Bazaar bargain they even asked back the kidnappers for loans. But as Om Shastri sets foot in his village kidnappers' sentiments soar as if Barack Obama himself had sanctioned a billion-dollar bail-out for this ailing industry. Through a series of hilarious plots Om Shastri touches the lives of several kidnapping gangs climaxing at the big-daddy of this Industry.Even though the plot of PGRO is virginal the concept has similarities to films like Khosla Ka Ghosla, 99, Sankat City, Ek Chalees Ki Last Local etc. in terms of the main protagonists getting unintentionally involved in the matters of the mafia, illegal money and through their ingenuous wits coming out unscathed and even richer on the other side.As is common to such films, PGRO also relies on well-crafted characters with ridiculous peculiarities and ironic scenes such as Mantriji (Amol Gupte) sacrificing a goat during the inauguration of a bridge while holding the portfolio of Ministry of Animal Welfare. The humor is restrained and at times subtle as opposed to cocky, laugh-out-loud wisecracks.Special mention for the background score that cleverly puts a variety of music ranging from 60's style Nirupa Roy-ish sitar twangs to Chak De India style exhorting crescendos to the most unexpected of scenes and characters.A slightly faster screenplay could have raised the prospects of PGRO's box-office success but if you are used to subtle humor then you will not complain.Quite liked the movie - 7 on 10.

CastleToe A gangster relieving himself...camera moves up...zipper closed in time...Phew! Points a gun at a blindfolded groom but fires his own hand...Bad Luck. Kidnapping business not going good for "Bhai"Sahab(Sanjay Mishra, convincing) and gang(Manu Rishi, Amit Sial and 2 others). Reason...People cant pay up ransom due to Recession!Entry of NRI Om Shastri(Rajat Kapoor, controlled & in top-form) who has received a Bank notice to clear his $100,000 debt within a month. He returns to India from New Jersey to sell his ancestral property & gets kidnapped. This is where the Movie begins...Unfortunately, this is the only place where PGRO falls short...the initial pace, clearly a fault of the screenplay rather than direction. The initial scenes were certainly needed to provide for character development but a crisper editing before the interval could have elevated the movie to an altogether different level. It takes around the interval to climb the slope but certainly gives the promised thrill, thereafter. My only fear during the movie was that such an original story should not have a sudden or an over the top or an ending leaving you in bad taste. Thankfully, it did not!On the acting front, Rajat Kapoor was spot on. The supporting casting was very well done too; Manu Rishi as the small-time gangster(Ani) inspiring his gang with Obama-speeches & Sanjay Mishra as a broke gangster with a dream to become a politician. Neha Dhupia as a man-hating Sculptor-Gangster (Munni with no Zandu balm!) tried to look her part but was overshadowed in her comparatively smaller role. Sadly, Amol "Bhope-Bhau" Gupte (Kaminey) got a smaller screen space, too but did his best. The slightly lower budget cinematography as well lack of songs (except one in the credits) enhanced the narration process. The humour in the writing bounced about from crude(interpretation of "Yes, we can") to good(Receipts for kidnapping ransom, English coaching scene) but didn't distract the storyline.PGRO is a good example of what a good original script can do in the hands of a capable director(both by Subhash Kapoor) without an A-list star cast and Music/Dance sequences and high budget props.Me and my friend were planning for Rakta Charitra 2 but landed for this as there were no shows for the former. I was greatly apprehensive of taking the risk of watching a movie I knew nothing about, on first-day-first-show (especially after the outrageously disastrous Raavan...shudder!).I know this one wont be bothered by the Luv-SOrryyy & Ud-Ud-Bangg crowd. It's not a deep thought provoking or ROFL-hilarious drama either. But for once, I'm glad I took the chance.Sense & Simplicity7/10