Review: 'Cirkus' reminds that even Rohit Shetty can get it wrong with barely any comedy and lots of errors

Cirkus

If the mass-man Rohit Shetty can get things wrong, there cannot be worse news for Bollywood in the on-going scenario where barely any films are working. Responsible for bring people back to theatres with Sooryavanshi last year, the director comes with a Christmas bonanza in the form of Cirkus. However, things go south too soon and too much. Having had the chance to see the film before hand, here is what I thought about it-

Where is the Comedy?

It is such a pity to see how a director like Rohit Shetty, who is basically known for his impeccable knack for comedy just getting it entirely wrong with Cirkus here. The film, while entirely original in its sense takes a Golmaal sort-of route when it comes to situations and the jokes leading to it. However, the result is just one unfunny situation after the other. Veteran artists Sanjay Mishra and Siddharth Jadhav have the maximum screentime and the most amount of over-the-top and slapstick humor to exhibit. To their credit and talent, they deliver their best and even have you chuckle in a few situations but obviously, that isn't enough to keep you entertained. Some of the finest character actors and even Ranveer Singh are entirely wasted with the idea of comedy in this story.

Tiring & Boring Execution

One thing that Shetty is known for and respected the most - is his conviction to commit to his vision and world. That is what has always worked for him even if an array of critics continue to slam him for 'illogical' scenes. However, here in Cirkus, even that is not done well. Somehow, it seems like Shetty wasn't convinced himself in the story and the execution as what could have actually been a hilarious comedy of errors ends up being just banal and boring on multiple instances. Especially the first half is literally nothing but actor Murli Sharma's character breaking the fourth wall time and again and just narrating the story.

Fantastic Production Design & a Few Moments of Salvage

In a film that somehow doesn't have anything going right for itself. you are yearning to find any redeeming qualities. In this one, it has to be the sets and production design. Because the film is set in the 40s and 60s, it focuses on keeping it era appropriate. The vibrant colors, beautiful locations and appropriate fashion atleast makes sure that visually, you are buying into this world. And of course, the biggest hoot and most fun moment arrived when Deepika Padukone made her entry in the song, Current Laga Re. The foot-tapping number and real life couple exhibiting brilliant chemistry on-screen was indeed a delight.

Ranveer Singh looking entirely out of form

It is no secret that Ranveer Singh is undoubtedly one of the best and most versatile actors of this generation. His rise and rise to stardom has been amazing where he can do a Gully Boy, a Simmba and ape Kapil Dev brilliantly in 83 as well. However, with Cirkus, the actor looks entirely out of form and out of sorts more than ever. To his credit, not much is given to him in the written material as well. Inspite of playing a double role, Singh isn't able to leave an impact with of the character and instead just tries way too hard.

An Overdose of Shetty-verse

It was novel and absolutely insane fun when Rohit Shetty became the one to be joining universes as his cop universe is unparalleled. Having Simmba, Sooryavanshi and Singham in one frame in multiple films will always be exhilarating. However, with Cirkus, the director tries to give a Golmaal recall as the five characters of Golmaal series make an entry in the end of this film as kids into the Jamnadas Orphanage (which was the beginning of Golmaal Again). This should have been a whistle-worthy moment but instead felt forced and left almost no impact.

The Verdict

It was expected that Rohit Shetty would close out an abysmal 2022 for Bollywood with a bang but when it comes to the content and looks of it, that doesn't seem to be the case. Of course, we cannot predict the box office figures yet but atleast when it comes to the content and classic Shetty style, Cirkus is a huge miss.

Rating - ** (2/5)