Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? (2010)

English translation: Dear guest, when will you leave?
Director: Ashwni Dhir
Screenplay: Tushar Hiranandani, Robin Bhatt, Rutvik Oza 
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Paresh Rawal, Konkona Sen Sharma
Music: Pritam
Time: 115 minutes
Bottom-line: Nice, simple family entertainer

Ever had a guest who irritated you to the core? Someone you wanted to kick out but just couldn’t? Well then this is just the film for you! Ashwni Dhir’s comedy is a movie that revolves around a family welcoming a guest into their home, only to suffer in his presence. The film stars Ajay Devgn, Paresh Rawal, Konkona Sen Sharma in the lead roles.

Film script writer Puneet (Devgn), his wife Munmun (Sen Sharma) and their son Ayush live in Mumbai. A normal middle class family, they seem to be well off, with the only problem being that they never had, and never have, guests. One day, a man by the name of Lambodar (Rawal) comes to their home, claiming to be a distant uncle. They welcome him, and soon they realise that it was a big mistake to do so. He possesses many habits that irritate them, and does all sort of things (and even gets Puneet fired from work!), but as he is elderly, Munmun and Puneet feel bad to just chuck him out of the house. How they manage, and how, towards the end, the “trouble” in the form of Lambodar turns into a blessing is what the film is about.

Ajay Devgn as Puneet

The first thing I liked about the film: the theme – just a simple story that probably takes place in everybody’s house. All of us have guests now and then, but in my view, other than the fact that they usually bring something to give you (biscuits or chocolates maybe!) they tend to cause more trouble than pleasure. Likewise, Lambodar appears a huge burden to this family. He wakes them up very early with his obstreperous gargling noise, he invites a bunch of friends over and asks Munmun to cook for all of them... but surprisingly, he also has some very good habits. He gives Munmun money just for making delicious food (even blessing her by saying that no one who comes to their home will ever go away with an empty stomach), and he also creates joy in the neighbourhood by singing in the temple regularly.

Konkona Sen Sharma as Munmun

The story is quite hilarious and importantly, it also manages to deliver a message to the viewers towards the end. While you cannot stop laughing in the scene where Lambodar goes to the movie set, you also feel sad when he apologises to Puneet after that, for getting him fired. Most of the humour comes from the way the family tries to send away Lambodar out of the house, but in a seemingly “polite” manner! But towards the end the message the film provides is Athithi Devo Bhava, a popular saying meaning “guests are God”. Any so-called “trouble” of a guest can also turn out to be a blessing.

Paresh Rawal as Lambodar

Paresh Rawal is the star in acting. He almost single-handedly manages to make a super entertainer from such a simple storyline with his acting. Ajay Devgn and Konkona Sen Sharma have also contributed by giving some good performances.

It may not have big stars or expensive set design, but with a simple but effective story, Athithi Tum Kab Jaoge? is quite good for a family entertainer. I like the selection of the theme (and it should have taken a lot of persuasion to choose, I think, for these type of films usually don’t run in the theatres), and the message it delivers. Watch for Paresh Rawal’s classy acting as well!

My Rating: 4/5