Review: 'Govinda Naam Mera' is a masala entertainer that takes you on a crazy ride with implausible twists

Govinda Naam Mera Review

To all those who were yearning to see the fun Vicky, and actually witness Vicky Kaushal in his element, well here he is as Govinda Waghmare and how. From cliched plot twists to implausible ones, from humour to the rat-cat chase and the golmaal-ish world of Shashank Khaitaan, Govinda Naam Mera has it all. Having had the chance to watch it, this is what I think about the film-

Plot of a 'no-brainer entertainer'

Govinda Waghmare is a lower-middle-class man who struggles daily with a host of issues and is at odds with his stepbrother over the possession of a piece of property. The main character's wife, Gauri Waghmare and girlfriend Suku, mother Asha Waghmare, lawyer friend Kaustubh Godhbole, and other secondary characters join the picture to elevate the tension. This property dispute serves as the central theme of the entire narrative, which includes both anticipated and shocking plot twists that intensify the suspense and drama. Almost without thought, Shahshank Khaitaan's rendition will have you enjoying your popcorn while dismissing the episodes' logic and timing.

Govinda Naam Mera almost gives an impression that you are in a multiverse where the likes of Priyadarshan, Rohit Shetty, and Abbas-Mastaan have contributed their elements to the narrative. 

A cocktail of genres

Another aspect of the movie is that it doesn't confine itself to any one genre. You get to taste everything, from humour to romance to thrill. The movie begins as a conventional family drama before swiftly switching to a suspense saga in which the main characters are the suspects in a shocking murder. All of this is interspersed with some hilarious punchlines that really click. The central story looks cliched and something you've previously encountered in some capacity,  however, the subplots are engaging and worthwhile. 

Surprising cameos and meta humour

You would actually be excited by some of the amazing cameos and supporting characters that Shashank has included, (him being one of them.)

With a single phrase of dialogue, one of the most unexpected cameos (I won't give it away) takes over the show and will get you hooting and whistling if you catch his reference.

You're taken on a crazy ride by the movie's meta humour.  A scene shows a maid conversing with an inspector ( CID fame Daya),  to whom she claims to know everything about the crime as she has seen it all in 'Crime Patrol. A bald and lean film producer, with the backing 'agar film nahi chalti toh producer aisa hi dikhta hai', and lines like these add up to the entertainment quotient.

The Performances

And I reiterate, Vicky Kaushal as Govinda Waghmare is a treat to watch on screens. With the local slang Mumbai accent and the conviction with which he does it, the same surely makes an impact. The swag, the sorrow, the aura, it all lands. Vicky nearly seems to be portraying the silly version of himself.

Kiara Advani as Suku gets decent screen time, but there isn't anything we see that we don't already know she is capable of. However, her character is given a substantial arc.

As Gauri, Bhumi Pednekar is a great fit. Even though her character isn't particularly complex or deep, she invariably captivates the audience.

Renuka Shahane makes an impressive comeback, yet at times the paralysis and delivery seem overdone.

Gauri's boyfriend (played by Viraj Ghelani), Inspector Dayanand Shetty, and Sandy's father (played by Sayaji Shinde) - all play roles that add to the cat-and-rat chase by keeping things authentic.

Dialouges and Music

The dialogues give a sense of the comic-timing and actually crack you up. With the touch of the tapori dialect in the character's tone, it all seems more conventional and raw. 

The film's music album composed by Meet Bros, Taishk, B Praak, Sachi-Jigar, and Rochak Kohli is quite captivating. Bijli and Kya Baat Haii 2.0 are the perfect mood busters. 'Bana Sharabi' not a part of the film but portrays the never-seen-before romantic side of 'Vicky Kaushal' also giving the thirst trap vibes. 

The Verdict

'Govinda Naam Mera' is probably that no-brainer film you can enjoy with your family and friends and spice up the atmosphere with the 'seetis' and 'taalis'. 

Rating: ***1/2 (3.5 stars)