On a very broader, macro level, 'Welcome To Karachi' is heavily inspired from the concept which created Dumb and Dumber franchisee: The protagonists are dumb, half-wit but smart enough to pull it through.
It takes guts to experiment with such cinema in Bollywood, as comedy lies in the crust and everything seems like a spoof, a deliberate alternate take on the realities. The script has to be intelligent, the dialogues need to be sharp, witty and there should be an underlying message for the audience.
I am glad to say that Ashish R Mohan's 'Welcome To Karachi' proves it's mettle on every count, and thus, a new form of cinema has been created which needs attention. If Rohit Shetty's Golmaal series and Sunday can become 100 crore grosser, then Welcome To Karachi at least deserves applause. (Incidentally, Ashish was Asst. Director for Rohit Shetty's previous movies)
I am really appalled by the negative reviews this movie has received from major critics. Considering that the movie is fictional, the characters are dumb (intentionally) and there is high degree of brain dead comic sequences, why has the critics tried to discover logic here.
Arshad Warsi is the pillar of this movie, with his impeccable performance and timely humor, he dominates the screen. But credit should go to Jackky Bhagnani, as he has improved a lot. In some of the comic scenes, he has acted fabulously, as the audience finds hard to resist the laugh.
But the highlight of the movie is the screenplay: its twisted, bended and molded as per the situation and rather builds up the tempo at every point. Yes, the graphics and special effects could have been better, but it's the way of telling a story which makes all the difference, and Ashish has done a remarkable job here. Special mention of the way Pakistan has been shown – its actually funny. Director has thought creatively here, and has tried to interlink global issues, including terrorism with the plot. Songs are again, unconventional and radically different from what regular Bollywood movies churn out. 'Chal Bhag' will remain with you long after you leave the theater.
Dialogues are crispy, hilarious and hard hitting: Apt for such type of cinema, where the main characters have to justify their stupidity at every scene. Somehow, each of these factors are aligned perfectly to create an intelligent yet half-wit laugh riot which will make you laugh out loud, with guarantee.
Due to the daring attempt at creating a cinema which has, unfortunately, few takers in India, I will give 'Welcome to Karachi' 7/10. Go, watch it if you are taking life seriously!
