Phata Poster Nikla Hero

The film is worth more than a few laughs. More because of the way the director spoofs Bollywood's tried and tested conventions and the jokes he cracks at the expense of an industry he is only too familiar with.

...will entertain if you are willing to overlook its little indulgences.

'Phata Poster Nikla Hero' has several themes that are similar to 'Andaz Apna Apna', but its slapstick is not as sharp. 'Phata Poster...' misplaces its funny bone and begins to wobble when it's barely half way, and though it tries to resume the gag, it's just not up for the task. Which is not to say that 'Phata Poster...' is not fun or funny. It is. In parts.

Phata Poster Nikhla Hero is a caper comedy that rides on pop culture and, in full awareness, cliches... Essentially a gimmicky two-star film that entertains in bits, a half star extra for Salman Khan's epic, self-deprecating cameo.

Regardless of Phata Poster Nikhla Hero's uneven pace and indecisive disposition, Shahid Kapoor, armed with a kooky grin, gives it his best shot.

Phata Poster Nikhla Hero looks like a film of the 70's and 80's – very little logic, lots of melodrama, plenty of songs and a climax that looks like it was written using the Andaz Apna Apna template.

This movie is supposed to be a comedy, though it's cacophony for the most part with assorted dons, fake cops, real cops, and general unexplained madness.

Very predictable, the film is a concoction of all the films by Santoshi.

For a filmmaker who has made movies like 'Lajja', 'Damini', and 'Ghayal', this one is a let-down. And, with hints of a sequel for his classic comedy 'Andaz Apna Apna', we'd just hope it just doesn't end up in a mess, like this one.

The most fun moment in Phata Poster Nikla Hero is the one in which Salman Khan makes a cameo appearance. It lasts for just about two minute, which means for hours, you just sit there wondering what on earth you're watching.

Phata Poster Nikhla Hero is an entertaining fare and will keep the audience as well as the distributors smiling. But its dull start will affect its final tally. Its business in single-screen cinemas will be better than in the multiplexes because the classes would not approve of the cinematic liberties like the masses.