We’ve watched films like 3 Idiots andLage Raho Munna Bhai. So what can you expect from cult filmmaker Raj Kumar Hirani’s protégé Rajesh Mapuskar? The standout feature of this film is its simple narration coupled with a substantial story. All this is portrayed in a realistic, down-to-earth way. And when you leave the auditorium, you’ve learnt something about believing in the people you love!

Ferrari Ki Sawaari is a simple tale revolving around a Parsi family. An appealing story line along with a perfect mix of actors blended alongside India’s most treasured game, cricket.

Rustam aka Rusy (Sharman Joshi) is an RTO officer and a devoted single parent. His only ambition is to make his son Kayo’s (Ritwik Sahore) dream of becoming a cricketer come true. This loving father-son duo live with cranky old Rusy’s father Deboo (Boman Irani), who spends his days on a couch doing nothing but watching TV and eating peanuts.

When Kayo gets an opportunity to go to London as part of an influential cricket camp at Lord’s, Rusy somehow managed to muster the fee to send his son to London. He borrows Sachin Tendulkar’s Ferrari for a few hours to loan it to a local MLA for his son’s wedding. But he didn’t actually borrow the car, he stole it! Meanwhile, Tendulkar’s servant and guard are hunting for the Ferrari.

Although the film is a fun ride and makes you smile throughout, there are two scenes that are especially emotional – the one when Sharman Joshi goes to the bank for a loan and shows off his son’s trophies and medals and later hands his son’s name slip to the guard saying in future the manager will be sorry for his behavior. The other scene is the one where Boman Irani plays cricket with his grandson. The emotions showcased in the narrative are honest and heartfelt.

Although the film starts to drag pre-climax, the best part of this entertaining fare is the climax, where you’re introduced to the facts of life. Full marks to the writer and director for portraying the bond between father and son with a rare earnestness. This child, despite the odds, is positive and thinks about his father more than caring for his dream. The climax takes the movie to a different level.

The first half of the film is filled with some well-scripted comic scenes along with some emotional. All of this leaves an impact. Director Mapuskar makes a confident debut with this film. He balances each scene and segue beautifully. Although the story does fall flat in the second half, Mapuskar stabilises the screenplay very smartly.

Cinematography is good. Locations and costumes are apt. Editing is good but could have been sharper in the second half. The scene when Boman Irani is hurt and is admitted to hospital is a drag. Dialogue by Rajkumar Hirani is well written and there are some really witty punches and one-liners. For instance the conversation between the guard and the servant is hilarious. Special mention must be made of the dialogue written for the wedding planner played by Seema Pahawa. The humour is spot on.  Background score and music work for the script and help the narrative. Special mention of Vidya Balan for her Lavani dance number Mala jau de. She enters the screen like a breath of fresh air.

Performance-wise, Ritwik Sahore is cute and delivers a confident and award-winning performance. Sharman Joshi as the underdog plays his part with panache. The helplessness and vulnerability in his character is portrayed beautifully. Boman Irani as a grumpy old man is perfect for the role. He switches from an old and hateful man to a loving grandfather wonderfully. Deepak Shirke is good. Seema Pahawa is fantastic. She brings some very funny moments to the screen with her dialect and characterisation. Satyadeep Misra has very little to do. Aakash Dabhade is fine. Nilesh Divekar fits the bill. Paresh Rawal makes his presence felt in the short screen time he has.

Verdict: High on content, collections should grow with word-of-mouth publicity.