Riteish Deshmukh-Saiyami Kher starrer Mauli finally hit the screens after a lot of buzz around it. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, the film is the sort of a sequel of 2014 film Lai Bhaari that also had the versatile actress Radhika Apte in it. The second installment is everything that a bored individual would like to have in a film- entertainment, entertainment and entertainment! 2018 was a year of content but this film successfully brought back the norm of a commercial film with a rather typical filmy content and surprisingly, I don't have any complaints. The trailer already hinted us about the dialoguebaazi, maara-maari, some naach-gaana and the film stayed loyal to its promise. Riteish Deshmukh's 'Mauli' now Gets Free WhatsApp Stickers, Check Out Funny and Entertaining Images!.

The movie starts with an opening scene that has the much celebrated song "Mauli Mauli" with the visuals from the 'vaari'. Within a few minutes, you see a high-on-energy Inspector Sarjerao Deshmukh aka Mauli (Riteish Deshmukh) who likes to roll his moustache and flaunt his 'Mumbai Police' belt. He saves girls, fights goons with his standard equipment which is a 'brick'. However, the same guy turns into a shy, romantic and humble person when he wears the police uniform.

Speaking of this character, it seems that nothing really changed in four years. Riteish dissolved with the character as easily as water and sugar. He plays the cop who appears out of nowhere, beats the hell out of the baddies of Kapurgaav village, manages to impress the girl, cracks jokes, cries and does everything that every commercial hero is supposed to do. But like I said earlier, I don't complain. The heavy background music, loads of slow-motion sequences and eye pleasing cinematography makes it all bearable or say sale-able! You also get a sense of Déjà vu as if you are watching some moments from Rohit Shetty's Simmba trailer.

The first half also introduces us to prime characters played by Saiyami Kher, Siddharth Jadhav, Jitendra Joshi. Oh and there is a song that features the producer, actress and star's bayko, Genelia Deshmukh. Special mention of her as her presence and chemistry with her husband makes us long for a Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya sequel. Saiyami, who we first saw in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Mirzya, looks pretty but had a limited scope to show her acting skills. Jitendra Joshi plays the ultimate baddie, a liquor seller, who is bent on closing the Vitthal temple in the village and ruling it. You would love to hate this typical light eyed villain who convinces you that he is exactly the opposite of Katekar played by himself (in Netflix original Sacred Games).

I cannot reveal much about the film's plot as that would spoil the only major twist that the makers weaved in the story. But I can bet my popcorn when it comes to VFX and background music of the film. Although not a 2.0 level of CGI, but the scenes manage to make you go back to your filmy self where you secretly root for the hero to beat those 10 goons single-handedly and simultaneously! Speaking of the songs, sadly, it was a huge disappointment for a true-blue Ajay-Atul fan like me. Apart from "Majhi Pandharichi Maay" which again has a "Mauli Mauli" hangover, none of the songs manage to soothe your eardrums. But then you have to give them brownie points for the chest thumping background music which is also melodious. So, yeah, this was all about the action filled film which manages to keep you seated even after the interval. Mauli Song Majhi Pandharichi Maay: Riteish Deshmukh and Ajay-Atul Bounce Back With Another Beautiful 'Vitthal' Track.

 Yay

- VFX and action scenes

- Background music

- An entertaining Riteish Deshmukh

Nay

- Songs

- Too many slow-motion scenes

- Some predictable and extra filmy dialogues

Mauli Trailer

In conclusion, I would suggest you to opt for this movie if you want to see a different Riteish Deshmukh than what you see in Bollywood. Also, if you are done with the preachy films this year and want to just chill in the black room with some snacks,this is the movie for you. Also, if you are a Lai Bhaari fan. Oh and also, if you want to see what Simmba might have in store for us!

Ratings in stars: 3/5

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 13, 2018 11:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).