Madgaon Express (2024) Review!!

Synopsis – The journey of three childhood friends who embark on a trip to Goa that goes completely off-track.

My Take – Having well proven his comedic skills in films like Dhol (2007), Dhoondte Reh Jaaoge (2009), Golmaal 3 (2010), Guddu Ki Gun (2015), Lootcase (2020), and of course, the blockbuster Golmaal Again (2017), it was only inevitable, following his excellent showcase as a dialogue writer for the cult classic Go Goa Gone (2013), Kunal Khemu would plunge towards the next step: taking up directional duties.

And as one could have expected, director Khemmu, who is also credited for the story, screenplay, and dialogues, aces it by creating a legit situational comedy that strikes the perfect balance between humor and heartfelt moments, making it a must-watch for audiences craving a dose of laughter and warmth.

Backed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani under the banner of Excel Entertainment, and marketed as an antithesis to ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, Khemu‘s directorial debut comes as a breath of fresh air in the comedy genre with its perfect blend of quirky characters, witty dialogues, and hilarious situations reminiscent of the Govinda led classics that once tickled audiences’ funny bones.

Of course, it helps that the ensemble cast, particularly the lead trio, who have been killing it in the OTT space, bring their A-game, infusing each scene with charm, infectious energy and comic brilliance.

The story follows three childhood friends, Dhanush “Dodo” Sawant (Divyenndu), Pratik “Pinku” Garodia (Pratik Gandhi), and Ayush Gupta (Avinash Tiwary), who since a young age have aspired to go on a low-budgeted trip to Goa. But life eventually got in the way.

While Ayush moved to New York and Pinku to Cape Town with his family, Dodo had to stay back in Mumbai. As the latter two build credible careers and began living their best lives, Dodo is stuck mostly in the past, only picking up small-time jobs like a pizza delivery boy. But never revealing the truth to his friends, even going as far as creating a whole fake social media luxurious lifestyle to keep them impressed.

However, when a few years later, when the three reconnect, they decide to take the reunion finally to Goa. Unknown to them, this train trip through Madgaon Express becomes the catalyst of a dangerous and crazy adventure that turns their lives upside down.

Thrown into this mix are some zany characters like drug dealer Mendoza (Upendra Limaye), his rival smuggler Kanchan Kombdi (Chhaya Kadam) and Tasha (Nora Fatehi), who claims to have solutions to all kinds of glitches. From drugs, guns, and a gangster to an all-female gang and police on the chase, the trio finds themselves embroiled in the quirkiest of situations.

Kunal Khemu‘s directorial debut shines as he skillfully navigates a diverse ensemble cast through a series of comedic escapades on the journey. Even with a runtime of 143 minutes, the film keeps you hooked throughout the tumultuous and tizzy ride with the narrative never dropping pace. The film is wacky, loud and chaotic and unapologetically revels in its own eccentricities.

Here, Khemu has penned a screenplay that’s all kind of hilarious and packed with oodles of funny one-liners, repartee and situations. The characters are endearing, the jokes are cleverly crafted, and the comedic situations are both outrageous and relatable. While the screenplay and story are engaging, it’s the dialogues that truly elevate the film. Also, there are a lot of references to past Excel films, in terms of songs and statements, and it hits the nostalgia chords well.

There are no big acts or forced gags, especially in the climax, making the film more delectable. Despite the chaos and laughter, the film maintains a tight grip with drama too. Giving the trip characters equal opportunity to accept one another with all their flaws.

While Ayush appears to be the sanest and most level headed of the lot, Pinku is an over-protected, hypochondriac and accident prone Gujarati man who hyperventilates over anything and everything. Dodo, on the other hand, is a typical hack who ends up causing more harm than good every time trouble erupts.

It helps that the camaraderie between Divyenndu, Pratik Gandhi, Avinash Tiwary is well-knitted and believable. Though Pratik Gandhi is known mainly for his dramatic performances, he steals the show here by proving his versatility and skills at physical comedy. Emerging as the surprise package, particularly in scenes where his character accidentally inhales cocaine and the pandemonium he creates.

It is a pleasure to see Divyenndu return to comedy and despite his idiosyncrasies, you’ll find yourself rooting for him. Though, Avinash Tiwary has the least of the comedy moments among the three, he emerges as the quintessential hero, keeping you glued with his restrained performance. Nora Fatehi, for a change, gets a chance to show off her acting range, delivering an impeccable performance, infusing the film with the necessary female energy and charm.

Chhaya Kadam and Upendra Limaye manage to leave you in splits with their portrayals. Choreographer/ director Remo D’Souza too appears in a minor role, adding a bit of action into the mix. On the whole, ‘Madgaon Express’ is a rib-tickling comedy ride that delivers a delightful mix of humor and heartwarming moments.