Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos Review - Vir Das’ Film Is Bellyaching Laughter, Destined To Become Cult Comedy

In the sprawling, unpredictable world of cinema, the films that endure are rarely the ones that play it safe. They are the misfits, subversive and may be misunderstood at the beginning, but eventually develop an audience who would quote them during those intense 3:00 AM discussions. Today, we discuss the genre of comedy in Hindi films, which is often perceived as inferior to ‘serious’ filmmaking. It’s a reductive view of genre that has given us some of the most enduring cult classics in Indian cinema. Vir Das’ Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos is a fine recent example. Destined to generate a cult following, the film has the perfect amount of emotion to temper its silliness. Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos Plot From what was made very clear since the trailer release, the plot of the film was simple- an aspired cook, Happy (Vir Das), destined to become a clumsy, well, a spy. Raised in the UK by his British Dads (whom he fondly calls them), who are former agents too, Happy is sent to India on a mission to rescue a scientist from a queenpin (Mona Singh) in Goa. But to understand India, he has to be aware of food, romance, bargaining, the mission, blending in and chai code. After all, are you even a desi if secrecy is not discussed over a cup of chai? In essence, it’s a comedic take on spy thrillers where an NRI stumbles into a real espionage plot, discovering more about his roots along the way. While the plot may not seem overtly enthusiastic but it is the delivery of dialogues, punchlines and satire through the lens of an NRI that hits all the right spots. There isn’t a moment in the film where you wouldn’t laugh. It’s bellyaching laughter throughout. The plot has a little bit of everything- innocence in the central character who is unsure about what the future holds, a mission that leads him to chaos and his roots, a romantic interest, an item number, a drug lord, action scenes, friendship, patriotism and thank god for the cameos! There is even a Delhi Belly reunion; blink and you will miss it. But what makes the movie an entertaining adrenaline is the right amount of soul to temper its silliness. Direction, Writing, Acting By this time, we are all aware of Vir Das’ writing. He is good at it and never shies away from keeping awareness in the spotlight with his humour. No wonder comedians are often centred around controversies. But that’s a discussion for another day. For the film, Das went all out. And his British accent added just the right amount of comedic genius with the risible usages. I mean, how often can you ever think of an old Indian man, who is always right, by the way, having an OnlyFans account, or puns like ‘mamuli insane’ and that ‘There can’t be that many Patels?’ It’s all really silly! Okay, I will stop before giving too much away, but that’s what the...

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