Much of the second half is evidently inspired from Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, but there is none of that film’s sparkling wit at display here. The final scenes are unabashedly schmaltzy, and while the message itself is important, it is conveyed with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. Promising but doesn’t quite take flight.

ETKS is strictly a one-time watch if you have to choose among the host of films that have released this week simply because of its noble intentions and great acting jobs.

Neither is Ekkees Toppon Ki Salaami unbearable, nor is it a good film by any standards; it’s somewhere in between…

…If your idea of going for a film is to get entertained and have a good time, then this is not something you would want invest your time in.

Ekkees Toppon Ki Salaami is not a work of genius but is earnest at what it does. Anupam Kher’s performance shines and though the plot has its peaks and lows, the story’s soul wins eventually. You can give it a try because it isn’t cinematic beat but definitely a story that should be. Discrepancies and logic lapses aside, you won’t exactly hate the film.

Some of the blemishes no withstanding, Ekkees Toppon Ki Salaami is a cut above the rest.

This is probably the most entertaining out of the five films this week-with set pieces that crack you up and manipulate you-but invariably has you pulling out your hair in frustration. Such fine actors, but an opportunity lost.