One plate Chicken Khurana coming up. Everyone's welcome to dig in. Pure vegetarians, hard-core non-veggies and others. Because, this dish is more a slice of life, than a chicken drumstick, really. So bite into it (with a pinch of salt, of course). A decade after fleeing to the Punjus' very own phoren land, UK, Omi Khurana (Kunal Kapoor) returns home to Lalton village, Punjab, only for selfish reasons.
A UK gangster wants his 'pound' of flesh (Omi owes him big moolah) and the only way to 'chicken' out of this mess is to run home to the rest of the Khuranas (he 'makes no bones' about being a good-for-nothing, loser). His homecoming is met with mixed reactions, while some are overwhelmed, like cousin Jeet (Rahul Bagga) and maa-like-chachi, the rest like the curious chachu and bhooka Titu Mama (Rajesh Sharma) don't break into a bhangra routine immediately. The head-of-the-house, Daarji (Vinod Nagpal), has lost his memory, and with it the family has lost its biggest secret - his trademark Chicken Khurana recipe, which was the hottest item on their dhaba menu. Everyone remembers the taste, but no one has cracked the secret ingredient. Hungry for more, read on. Omi's plan to swindle money off his family goes kaput, and in the meanwhile luv-shuv steams with doctorani Harman (Huma Qureshi), and with zero culinary skills he's on a new mission to rediscover the lost recipe, reopen the family dhaba, and reawaken his other senses (of love and life). A lot of interesting characters blend into this mix: a half-crack Mama (Rajesh Sharma) who lives to eat 'Chicken Khurana' once again, Jeet who's spineless and confused, Daarji who believes that a kala kaua is his long-gone dead wife, and the as-holy-as-hep, buaji (Dolly Ahluwalia)who preaches and 'pots' with as much gusto.
Kunal Kapoor (with his well-boned and clean-shaven look) has finally grabbed a 'meaty' part to chew on. He's subtle, easy and grows on you, dishing out a fine performance (if not grilled to perfection).
Huma Qureshi, with her spunky act, adds spice to the story (slurp, slurp!) just when it's going bland. Rajesh Sharma with his wisecracks throws in good humour for flavour, Vinod Nagpal says little but makes you laugh more, and Dolly Ahluwalia entertains with her sinfully saintly act.
Sameer Sharma, has an interesting recipe here for wholesome entertainment, with clean comedy (pure vegetarian, if you like!). The actors stir up good performances, moving you with tender, emotional touches (minus cliches, stereo-typical dialogues, and over-the-top Punjjuisms). With Punjabi folk tunes and a dash of hip-hop flavour - the music (Amit Trivedi) blends into this broth. Now let's pick a bone. The story makes our tummies growl too long before a whiff of the real thing. Yes, the cook-time seems a bit much for hungry filmi foodies. This isn't the perfect chicken recipe for your soul, but never mind, it's the simplicity of emotions that fill you up, leaving a good after-taste.
So go and chakh loh, your taste buds will slurp it up. Swear on the wishbone!
Author: Madhureeta Mukherjee
