Entertainment, starring Akshay Kumar, Tamannaah Bhatia, and a memorable canine co-star, is a Bollywood comedy set in the contemporary world of Mumbai’s high society. The film, directed by debutant duo Sajid-Farhad, ventures into the genre of slapstick comedy, infused with some unexpected emotional depth. Released in 2014, it blends a story of inheritance and greed with the heartwarming bond between a man and a dog, making for an unusual yet entertaining watch.
The plot centers around Akhil, played by Akshay, a down-on-his-luck man who discovers that his estranged billionaire father has passed away, leaving his entire fortune to someone else. The twist? The heir to the massive estate is not a human but a dog named Entertainment. What ensues is a tug-of-war between Akhil and the dog, with hilarious antics as they both try to outwit each other to claim the inheritance. However, as the story progresses, Akhil finds himself caught in a moral dilemma, and the bond between man and dog deepens. The film is a mix of slapstick comedy, exaggerated situations, and a surprising emotional thread that runs through the storyline.
The acting is one of the strongest elements of the film, with Akshay delivering his usual brand of energetic comedy. His timing is impeccable, and he manages to carry the film on his shoulders, switching effortlessly between slapstick humor and moments of emotional depth. Tamannaah, though in a more decorative role, brings charm to her character but doesn’t have as much room to explore her acting range. The real star, however, is the dog, Entertainment. The film uses clever CGI and well-trained animal performances to make the dog a central figure in the plot. The scenes between Akshay and the dog are both hilarious and endearing, showing off the duo’s unlikely chemistry.
Direction by Sajid-Farhad, known for their comedy writing in films like “Golmaal” and “Housefull,” ensures that the film is packed with laugh-out-loud moments. While the narrative may be outlandish, their expertise in creating punchlines keeps the film from becoming overly chaotic. However, the pacing feels uneven at times, with certain scenes stretched unnecessarily, slowing the flow of the story. Despite this, the directors manage to keep the audience engaged, using visual gags, quirky dialogues, and an ensemble cast to maintain the film’s comedic tone.
Another standout aspect of Entertainment is its music. Composed by Sachin-Jigar, the soundtrack is peppy and in sync with the film’s lighthearted nature. Songs like “Johnny Johnny” became instant chartbusters, contributing to the film’s appeal. The music adds to the fun vibe of the movie, but it doesn’t take away from the storytelling, making it an integral part of the overall experience. The cinematography, handled by Manoj Soni, complements the lavish setting of the film, capturing the grandeur of the billionaire lifestyle while also adding vibrancy to the comedic sequences.
While the film leans heavily on CGI for the portrayal of the dog, the special effects blend seamlessly into the narrative. The animated expressions of Entertainment are well-done and don’t appear too exaggerated, which adds to the believability of the dog’s involvement in the plot. The movie doesn’t push the boundaries in terms of technical innovation, but it uses its effects wisely to enhance the comedic element.
Despite its many strengths, the film does have a few flaws. The humor, while entertaining, often relies on tried-and-tested Bollywood tropes, including over-the-top villains and exaggerated physical comedy, which may feel repetitive for some viewers. The screenplay, though fun, lacks depth and sometimes sacrifices logic for laughs. The supporting cast, including actors like Prakash Raj and Sonu Sood, play stereotypical roles that, while funny, do not add much dimension to the story.
In conclusion, Entertainment delivers exactly what its title promises—a fun, lighthearted comedy with plenty of laughs. It may not break new ground in terms of storytelling, but its unique premise and Akshay’s strong performance make it an enjoyable watch for anyone in the mood for a simple, entertaining film. The chemistry between Akshay and the dog, combined with the film’s humor and emotional core, gives it an edge over other Bollywood comedies. For those who appreciate slapstick humor and want a family-friendly film, Entertainment is worth a watch. However, if you’re looking for a comedy with more substance or originality, this may not fully meet your expectations.
