Sometimes a film that promises to be a quirky comedy ends up being an unusual mix of genres, and that’s what Bank Chor manages to deliver. Released in 2017, this Bollywood heist comedy stars Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, and Rhea Chakraborty. Directed by Bumpy, the film is set in modern-day Mumbai and revolves around the chaotic series of events that occur when a bank robbery goes terribly wrong. Despite its humorous tone, it also touches upon elements of suspense and action, making it a blend of comedy and thriller.
The story follows Champak (Riteish), a small-time thief from Delhi, who, along with two clueless accomplices, plans to rob a bank. Things quickly spiral out of control when they realize that their amateurish robbery has gone awry. What was meant to be a simple heist turns into a nightmare, especially when CBI officer Amjad Khan (Vivek) is called in to handle the hostage situation. As the drama unfolds, with the media, police, and hostages adding to the chaos, Champak and his team must figure out how to escape. But as more secrets are revealed and hidden agendas surface, the situation becomes much more complicated than just a bank robbery.
Riteish, known for his impeccable comic timing, is undoubtedly the heart of Bank Chor. His portrayal of Champak—a bumbling, endearing, and somewhat naive thief—is delivered with charm. Riteish’s ability to blend humor with his character’s vulnerability allows the audience to root for him, even when his plans go horribly wrong. One of the standout comedic moments is when Champak tries to mask his nervousness while negotiating with the hostages and police, showcasing Riteish’s knack for physical comedy and dialogue delivery. On the other hand, Vivek plays the no-nonsense, tough CBI officer Amjad Khan with a certain gravitas. While his role is more serious, he brings intensity to the film, creating a stark contrast with Riteish’s light-hearted character. Vivek’s scenes add suspense to the otherwise comedic narrative, making the stakes feel real. Rhea, as the journalist covering the robbery, brings a fresh presence to the film, though her role doesn’t offer much beyond that of a side character.
The direction by Bumpy, known for his quirky style from his work in the youth-centric MTV Roadies, brings an unpredictable and offbeat tone to the film. His approach to mixing comedy with suspense is evident in how the narrative unfolds. The first half is loaded with comic elements, but as the plot progresses, there’s a sudden shift towards a more serious tone. While this change is intriguing, it does make the film feel uneven at times. For instance, moments of light-hearted comedy are often followed by dramatic plot twists, which may leave viewers feeling a bit disoriented. The film’s pacing is also a bit erratic, with the second half feeling rushed compared to the slow build-up in the first half.
One of the more interesting aspects of Bank Chor is its cinematography by Adil Afsar. Given that the majority of the film takes place within the confines of a bank, Afsar manages to create tension and a sense of claustrophobia through his tight framing and sharp camera angles. He captures the chaos of the bank robbery with a frenetic energy, particularly during the moments when things start to unravel for the robbers. The visuals maintain a certain dynamism despite the limited space, and the use of shadows and lighting adds a subtle layer of tension in key moments. This is especially effective when the film shifts into its more suspenseful territory.
The film’s music, composed by Rochak Kohli and Baba Sehgal, contributes to its quirky tone. Tracks like “Hum Hain Bank Chor” are fun and upbeat, matching the comedic vibe of the film, while the background score supports the narrative transitions between comedy and thriller. However, the soundtrack doesn’t leave a lasting impression and feels more like a functional element rather than a memorable one. The film’s editing, on the other hand, is crisp, especially in the scenes that involve rapid exchanges between the robbers, hostages, and police. The fast-paced cuts help maintain the energy, even when the plot takes a few detours.
One of the more unique aspects of Bank Chor is its use of satire and social commentary, particularly in how it portrays the media’s involvement in the hostage situation. The way news channels sensationalize the robbery, with reporters competing for the most dramatic headline, adds an interesting layer of humor while also making a subtle point about the nature of modern-day news reporting. These moments add depth to the comedy, elevating the film beyond just a simple heist gone wrong.
Despite its strong performances and interesting premise, Bank Chor does suffer from tonal inconsistencies. The film tries to balance too many genres—comedy, action, suspense—and in doing so, struggles to maintain a cohesive narrative. While the comedic moments work well, especially with Riteish at the helm, the sudden shift to a more serious thriller in the latter half feels jarring. The screenplay, written by Baljeet Singh Marwah, has its witty moments but could have been tighter in terms of storytelling. Some subplots feel unnecessary, while others aren’t explored fully, leaving certain threads hanging by the time the film reaches its conclusion.
Overall, Bank Chor is an entertaining watch for those who enjoy light-hearted comedies with a dash of suspense. While it doesn’t break new ground in the heist genre, it offers enough laughs and plot twists to keep viewers engaged. Riteish’s performance is the highlight, and his comic timing is what keeps the film afloat even when the narrative falters. For fans of Bollywood comedies with a twist, Bank Chor is worth a watch, though it may leave some wanting more in terms of consistency and depth.