Director Priyadarshan paid tribute to renowned filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee through his comedy Malamaal Weekly, which marked its 19th anniversary On March 10.
A Unique Comedy Journey
Priyadarshan revealed, “Hera Pheri was a comedy of poverty. Hulchal was a family comedy. Garam Masala was a comedy targeted at youngsters. Now, Malamaal Weekly is my first real Indian comedy. This is the first time I’m not doing a remake. There isn’t a bit of artificiality this time. Both Kyon Ki and Garam Masala were remakes of my own Malayalam films. Malamaal Weekly is totally and absolutely original. I am willing to offer prize money to anyone who catches me remaking anything this time.”
Star Cast And Storyline
Om Puri and Paresh Rawal played the lead roles in the film. Priyadarshan shared, “They are indeed the heroes of my film who chance upon winning a huge lottery. Riteish Deshmukh follows behind with a slightly less important role. And one of my favorite actors, Rajpal Yadav, plays the villain. It is a crazy comedy but not inspired by any external source.”
A Tribute to Literary and Cinematic Icons
In Malamaal Weekly, Priyadarshan not only honoured Hrishikesh Mukherjee but also paid homage to celebrated novelist R.K. Narayan. He revealed, “While making the film, I had one clear visual picture of novelist R.K. Narayan’s fictional South Indian town, Malgudi, from Malgudi Days.”
On Working with Paresh Rawal and Om Puri
Speaking about the immensely talented duo of Paresh Rawal and Om Puri, Priyadarshan shared, “They are like Pran and Ashok Kumar in Brij Sadanah’s Victoria No. 203. Like Navin Nischol and Saira Banu in Victoria No. 203, there’s a romantic subplot with Riteish Deshmukh and Reema Sen.”
He further added, “My job becomes much easier when working with actors like Om and Paresh. I don’t have to guide them. There was a definite edge of competitiveness between them. It was very healthy, but also very fierce. One could see their determination to outdo each other. However, the maturity with which they handled their rivalry made their on-screen chemistry even more positive. I have rarely felt so proud after completing a film. My earlier films took away my sense of achievement because I had made them before. This time, I was not remaking my own film, and that makes me feel very good.”
The Film’s Inspirations and Execution
Once the initial surprise wears off realizing that the film is actually adapted from the celebrated Irish movie Waking Ned Devine viewers find themselves immersed in the film’s humor. The story revolves around a lottery ticket and its impact on a group of villagers who are constantly fueled by rustic energy.
The comic chaos unfolds with a large ensemble cast, much like Priyadarshan’s Hulchal. The film thrives on the chemistry among the loud, quirky characters who engage in an ongoing vocal battle in this comedic marathon.
A Lively On-Screen Experience
Priyadarshan’s signature touch is evident in the way he crafts chaotic yet entertaining sequences. The narrative is filled with a variety of characters, though not all of them are equally funny or bearable. However, the dynamic between Paresh Rawal and Om Puri stands out, creating a frictional brotherhood reminiscent of Ashok Kumar and Pran in the 1970s comedy Victoria No. 203.
The sheer delight of watching two seasoned actors engage in this farcical ride keeps the audience hooked, making Malamaal Weekly a memorable addition to Priyadarshan’s comedy legacy.
