Most comedies that one comes across in Indian mainstream cinema are either slapstick comedies or those that have the same lame and jaded plots or a bunch of jokers chasing a dame. Amidst the usual chaotic comedies, Bheja Fry was a pleasant surprise. More like a stage play, this one can keep you laughing almost till the end.

Inspired by the French film ‘The Dinner Game’, the movie has a group of rich friends who invite a simpleton with some ‘talent’ as a guest to their weekly dinners and unbeknownst to the guest, poke fun at him. This week it is Ranjeet’s (Rajat Kapoor) turn to find a ‘talent’ and he lines up an imbecile singer Bharat Bhushan (Vinay Pathak).

Just before the fateful night, Ranjeet develops a backache and is unable to make it to the dinner and is also dealing with a wife who may break away anytime. Bharat Bhushan tries his best to help Ranjeet with his backache and his wife, but being an ‘idiot’, he messes up things in the most comical fashion seen in recent Hindi cinema.

I had the least expectations out of this movie but this one turned out to be an absolutely fabulous comedy with excellent comic timing and twists. Set more like a stage play, the focus is all on the central characters. Vinay Pathak is extremely convincing as a dork and Rajat Kapoor, Ranvir Shorey & Milind Soman are convincing in their brief.

Some unforgettable moments include Bharat Bhushan’s voicemail tone, his ‘it’s ringing’, his desi drink, oh boy, I can go on and on. There is probably no moment where one would feel bored. It’s quality comedy, full value for your money. If you are wondering why I am applauding this movie and giving it only a 7, that’s one star less for being inspired.