Watch it for Irrfan who gets every shade in, from self-respect to bafflement to misery, in his portrayal of a poor man who’s got too much pride to remember himself to a friend who’s gone so far ahead of him in life’s sweepstakes. And for SRK playing SRK. Just don’t pay too much attention to the film.

…the story of a poor man and God has been turned into the story of a poor man and a movie star. I’m not denying it accuracy, for in this world without towering figures in politics and sports, the stars are the ones who bestow the nation with wonderment — it’s just as valid as America now calling superheroes the new Greek Gods. And while the analogy may be correct — and no offense to Mr Khan — isn’t it at least a little disturbing?

The flamboyant SRK has colourful sets, slick costumes and three of Bollywood’s current hotties — Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor — for arm candy. Irrfan has his crumpled shirts, bewildered expression and his trusted umbrella hooked on to his arm. Priyadarshan orchestrates a classic face-off and when they finally come face to face, it is a brief encounter, but one to remember.

The film may not have done well in its Tamil version (Kuselan), but Priyadarshan has suitably peppered it with some heart-tugging moments to make it a moving ode to friendship and ordinariness. Of course, Irrfan manages to invest the ordinary with kingly glow, even as Shah Rukh lends the glamour quotient with his filmy naach-gaana.