Terrific cast with performance issues

MADE IN CHINA

Direction: Mikhil Musale Actors: Rajkummar Rao, Mouni Roy, Boman Irani

MMehta, a Gujarati wannabe entrepreneur with many unsuccessful attempts to his name. No sooner has one enterprise fizzled out, than he casts about for another ‘fresh opportunity’. Desperate beyond measure, he goes on a trip to China with his cousin, Devraaj (Sumeet Vyas), hoping something will click for him there. Sure enough, he bumps into a successful Gujarati businessman (Rawal) and a local who offer him the ‘life-changing’ idea of selling a ‘Magic Soup’ that helps boost the male libido (terms and conditions apply, of course).

Raghu decides to act a little outside the law this time, and sets up an underground venture with the guidance of a senior sexologist (Boman Irani).

It should have been hilarious, with touches of pathos. Instead, 40 minutes in, you’re still wondering what’s going on.

The humour is forced and unfunny. Musale’s Gujju characters are spot-on, with the stereotypical depictions full of quirks, affection and humour (it’s a pity the script doesn’t match up). Rajkummar is perfect as the middle-class husband and father desperate for success.

Mouni Roy as his prim and proper wife doesn’t bring much to the table. Even the song sequence where she tries to arouse her husband with some pale shades of kink falls flat.

The saving grace is Boman, who is at his best when answering some of the strangest questions about sex, with an absolutely straight face. The scene set at a PTA meeting is a highlight of the year.

The climax is certainly fun. You’ll enjoy watching Mouni and Rajkummar groove to Odhani. But the film? Rajkummar and Boman are terrific, but that would be the only reason to watch it.