Comedy is a tried and testedformula and although a well-madecomedy seems effortless, there’s plenty of room to go wrong. The filmmaker needs to pay close attention to the screenplay, cast, comic timings of the actors and punches in the script. Moreover, there are different types of comedy, including slapstick and just witty.

Daal Mein Kuch Kaala Hai! is a film based on a comedy of errors. Sadly, it lacks comic punches. The screenplay is weak and there’s some really bad acting. ‘Confusing’ best sums up this film. It does not hold your attention, is not entertaining, and lacks message. The only thing the film can boast of is Veena Malik, who will grab eyeballs from front-benchers.

The film is the story of an upcoming actress (Veena Malik), who is overambitious and wants to be an integral part of the Hindi film industry. Anand Balraj is a middle-age slacker who has a weakness for the good life and for women. He is head over heels in love with Malik. One day, Balraj inherits a large sum of money and wants to share his inheritance with her. The story takes a turn when they get stuck in a series of comic situations.

This film is a series of loopholes and cinematic liberties. Director Anand Balraj puts together a bizarre story in an absolutely disorderly manner. One scene runs into the next with no logical connection and this is evident right from the beginning. There are moments that are either unnecessary and fail to evoke any reaction.

The second half gets very ambiguous after a certain point. Although the intermission is well-timed, the irregularity of the screenplay is demeaning. Except for a few bits post-interval, the proceedings are tedious.

Editing could have been better as the transitions between many scenes are jerky. Cinematography is ordinary. Locations and costumes are apt. Music and background score are dreary.

Performance-wise, Veena Malik fails to impress. However, her dance numbers and show of skin are the only highlights of the film. Anand Balraj is irksome. Jackie Shroff is stricktly okay. He has much more potential than to be a part of a film like this. Shakti Kapoor is good. Razaq Khan, Vijay Raaz, Bobby Darling, Aman Verma, Lilliput, Sudesh Berry and Raja Chaudhary fit the bill with their mediocre acting.

Verdict: Dud