In troubled waters

Johnson Thomas

Lack of conviction is a major flaw for a film that hopes to score points with the audience based on fractious humour, generated from conflict between contrary religious practices and stereotypical perceptions. And coming much later than better productions like Oh My God, Bakrapur and PK makes it that much more difficult to get the audience interested — even if it now seems like a successful formula of sorts. To top it, this film doesn't have anything new to offer (self-confessed remake of the 2010's British comedy film, The Infidel).
Dharam Pal (Paresh Rawal), a successful Brahmin caterer who doesn't much care for the religious practices of Muslims, suddenly finds out that he is an adopted child and his biological parents were actually Muslim. Imagine his quandary! On further surreptitious investigation, he also finds out that his biological father is still alive and in a sanatorium for the aged managed by an Imam (Murli Sharma). On the other hand, his only child, a son, is in love with the daughter of an avid Swami Neelanand (Naseeruddin Shah) devotee. In order to convince the girl's father of his suit, Dharam Pal's son wants him to pretend to become more pious about his Hindu faith while on the other hand, in order to see his ailing father, the Imam expects him to learn the practices and teachings of a pious Muslim. That's where the conflict lies. Unfortunately it's not a very valid or believable set-up. Paresh Rawal more-or-less reprises his OMG role, as an atheist whose individual dilemma spurs the unmasking of fraudulent religious leaders, with relish. Annu Kappor's role as a lawyer-neighbour and eventual friend to Dharam Pal, appears a little too convenient and not really necessary. Naseer dons the Baba-suit (a la MSG) and looks, sounds ridiculous — as he is meant to be.
Ultimately, it's the script with loose convictions and faulty characterisations that fails the movie.