Charlie Ke Chakkar Mein

...had the potential of being a classic, but ends up way below average.

Charlie Kay Chakkar Mein has nothing to offer but a novel concept and a great performance by Naseeruddin Shah. Otherwise, the film is a 'Raita' with too many characters and sub-plots.

None of the cast members deserve a mention, and even The veteran actor, Shah, seems entirely wasted. Perhaps imagined as an engaging thriller, the acting school performances marginalise the story which would've read like a tale of breakthrough twists on paper. If only that sheet made it to the sets during filming, this would've been an entirely different film.

The talented cast does well. But the astute performances cannot save the film that's too clever by half.

If you are keen to watch a thriller this weekend, then Charlie Kay Chakkar Mein won't disappoint. Naseeruddin Shah's performance is the film's highlight. Also, watch it to find out what Charlie really means.

It is like a complex crossword puzzle where the director doesn't want to share the clues and keeps dropping lies to startle you in the end. It is like that child who used to lie that wolf is coming and when one day when the wolf really makes an appearance nobody cares to believe him.