‘Freaky Ali’ movie review: Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s champion act strikes like a perfect entertainer

Directed by: Sohail Khan
Produced by: Sohail Khan
Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Amy Jackson, Arbaaz Khan, Jas Arora, Seema Biswas
Duration: 2 hours 00 minute
Bollywood Bubble Rating: 3.5/5

One of the freakiest things actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui claims he did was that he pursued acting as a career and never gave up for almost a period of 12 to 13 years. What could be a better start to the movie review of this talented ‘freak’ performer’s latest release titled ‘Freaky Ali’. Teaming up with director Sohail Khan, this sports rom-com features Nawazuddin Siddiqui entering the golf course for the first time. A game considered to be for the elite upper-class society, how a common man can rule just entering it by chance, and then pursuing it through his sheer hard work is the prime soul of ‘Freaky Ali’. So would this Freak be able to win over the viewers by hitting the ball directly into the hole and making a way straight into their hearts? YES, we definitely think so!

The movie starts off with Ali, an orphan who dreams to make it big for the mother who has adopted him. Doing odd jobs like undergarment seller, turning into a local extortion collector with his friend Maqsood for Danger Bhai, life goes up and down for Ali till he arrives on the golf course for collecting an extortion amount. Destiny has it that Kishenlal, a coach living in his neighbourhood witnesses his game and encourages him to choose golf as a career. Learning from scratch, Ali develops a fondness for this game and soon he arrives in front of Vikram Rathod as a competent. Vikram is the undefeated champion from five years and Ali is the new entrant in an upcoming Golf tournament. Will Ali be able to defeat Vikram? What role Maqsood and Kishenlal play in Ali’s rise as a golf player? Will Ali be able to win the love of his manager Megha? All answers lie in this brilliant sports rom-com ‘Freaky Ali’.

Talking about performances, Nawazuddin Siddiqui is an effortless performer as we all know. He carries the film on his shoulders and is a winner throughout. The portrayal and journey of underdog Ali to the champion Ali proves his versatility as a performer. Amy Jackson as Megha is strictly okay, she doesn’t have much to perform in this movie. Arbaaz Khan and Asif Basra shine in their respective roles of Maqsood and Kishenlal. Jas Arora as Vikram Rathod is convincing. Seema Biswas as Nawaz’s mother is just fine but very less utilised and the rest of the actors Nikitin Dheer, Paresh Ganatra and Jackie Shroff (in a special appearance) provide a good amount of laugh.

‘Freaky Ali’ sees the return of writer-director Sohail Khan on big screen after his debacle ‘Jai Ho’. Writer Raaj Shaandilyaa has been credited for co-writing the screenplay along with him. Plus Raaj has penned the dialogues. The writing is very taut, inspiring and entertaining. Though there are some over the top moments, but in the end, you feel rejoiced and happy. This is Sohail Khan’s one of best work as a director.

The music composed by duo Sajid-Wajid is good and equally holds you throughout the narrative in their respective situations. There are only three tracks where ‘Ya Ali Murtuza’ and ‘Parinda Hai Parinda’ have been shot well. Whereas ‘Din mein karengey jagrata’ is just worth to see Nawaz dancing. Another special mention should be given to this talented duo for their effective background score.

Technically, the film again fetches some brownie points. Mahesh Limaye has done an outstanding work as a cinematographer. The editing of Prashant Singh Rathore is brilliant during the golf matches but could have been crisp in the first half.

To wrap it up, ‘Freaky Ali’ is a sure shot winner for Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s champion act and Sohail Khan’s brilliant storytelling. Definitely, you wouldn’t be disappointed as it is worth a watch.

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