By BollywoodMDB Team - Aug 9, 2013 07:44 AM

Rating: 4.5/5

One Line Review: A culture-clash action-packed train jammed with hollow lunacy and running without knowing its destination.

Positive Points: Out of the blue performance by Deepika Padukone, Marvelous South backdrop settings, Excellent cinematography, Zippy music tracks.

Negative Points: Unnecessarily packed comic punches.

Plot: 40-years old bachelor Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) is a Mumbai-based Halwai, who lives with his grandparents. Suddenly, his 99-years old grandfather goes to heavenly journey. The grandfather holds a last wish in his mind that Rahul has to immerse the ashes in Ganga as well as in Rameshwaram. Post the death of grandfather, Rahul plans to go on a vacation to Goa along with his friends, who just arrive in Mumbai from abroad. Unable to tell about this trip to his grandmother (Kamini Kaushal), Rahul fakes of catching a train to Chennai, with the plan to get down midway at Kalyan station and runs to enjoy his vacation.

Now, boarding Chennai Express train changes the entire life game for Rahul. His fate leads him to meet a South girl, Meenamma Lochni (Deepika Padukone) in this train. Meenamma is the daughter of a south Don (Sathyaraj). She attempts to run away from her home, as she does not wish to marry a herculean muscleman, Thangabali (Nikitin Dheer). A jeopardy awaits for Rahul and Meenamma in their proceeding journey.

Direction And Other Technical Aspects: The director Rohit Shetty has undoubtedly turned up with a whistling and applauding family entertainer. But still, it can't be grouped into typical Rohit Shetty ishstyle mounted movie like earlier contenders, such as 'Golmaal' series or 'Singham', as expected. There are no great shakes in the overall storyline. However, the film is adorned with rich South backdrop settings, ventilating a pure desi flavor. The glossy teaser itself showcased this flick as a sibling of 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge', by having a glimpse of Shah Rukh Khan helping Deepika Padukone to board the train, just as he did in DDLJ. Must say, Rohit Shetty has designed the action sequences in a mind-blowing stance, which lives up to its anticipated image of a South-based wonder.

'Chennai Express' imparts a good dose of romance and action, but yet annoys with some unnecessarily crammed comic punches without any so-called logic. It could have been better, if the director could have come up with an immense tale of love, instead of sprinkling unwanted comedy drops. This factor takes away this film very far from being an impressive slapstick comedy. The second half of the movie gets laced with some more interesting quotient.

Not to forget, the movie depicts out of the blue cinematography, which seizures the mood of the film and colorful music. Snubbing the blemishes, the film can be tagged as an astutely packaged light-hearted entertainer for youngistan as well as for their moms and pops.

Performance: Even though, Shah Rukh Khan's performance is delightful and magnificent, there is a dearth of a boyish charm that was expected for his role in the film. He delivers certain comic sequences in an exaggerated style, which does not go well. However, Shah Rukh with a trump card of 'King of Romance' remains the soul of the movie.

The dimpled diva Deepika Padukone looks stunning, as always and most importantly, she looks an authentic South chick. The actress has traveled a long way in terms of her acting since the beginning of her career. Deepika displayed a spunk in a polished way and her hard work mirrors well looking at her fluent and impressive South accent spoke by her in this film.

Nikitin Dheer has exhibited his villainous side in a convincing demeanor. Sathyaraj didn't get much scope to display his real acting skills, but he was good in his respective role. The other star-cast lent a good support in the film.

Music: The adored music director duo Vishal and Shekhar caters the music-lovers with peppy music with quirky lyrics. The vibrant visuals gel well along with the catchy tunes of songs, making it a visual delight. The songs like 'Kashmir Main Tu Kanyakumari' and 'Tera Rasta Main' sound hummable. The track '1 2 3 4 Get on the dance floor' makes a rocking music piece. The film also offers a treat for Rajinikanth fans in the form of racy 'Lungi Dance', which would be definitely loved by one and all.

Final Verdict: Though the film fits into a type of foot-in-mouth action-comedy, it is worth to mention that it is a clean family entertainer and a 'wannakum' feast on this Eid. One can definitely splurge on it for seeing Deepika Padukone's stunning act and obviously, the 'brand' Shah Rukh Khan.