I had high hopes from Madgaon Express, especially due to most of the ‘positive reviews.’ Also, the trailer looked promising. It looked similar to Go Goa Gone but the movie was nothing like the trailer. Though it looked like a mix of two films – Go Goa Gone and Dil Chahta Hai, the plot was also reminded me of Prajakta Mali and Vaibhav Tatwawadi starrer Marathi movie, Teen Adkun Sitaram.
If I have to compare it to Teen Adkun Sitaram and tell you which one was better – the answer is none! Both the movies were boring, Marathi was a bit more boring as it did not have Pratik Gandhi in it to entertain us.
Having said that, a talent like Pratik Gandhi has also been wasted in this movie. This is what happens with good actors who finally get their dues. Everyone wants them as they are the only plus point these films have. Eventually, their careers go down the drain. I don’t want to say that about Pratik Gandhi because I believe that he has a strong foothold in the industry. A few bad movies where he still shines won’t impact him.
What Went Wrong With Madgaon Express?
Both, the script and the direction. Madgaon Express had excellent names associated with the film – Divyendu, Kunal Khemu, Chhaya Kadam, and Upendra Limaye, but the film couldn’t do justice to them. Though the cast gave their best, a weak storyline and poor direction can never hold the audience’s attention for long.
When it comes to Kunal Khemu (you must be aware that Madgaon Express is written and directed by him), I truly feel that it’s always ‘almost there’ with him. You know his work has that potential to set a benchmark for others but it never meets those expectations of ‘being the best.’ Hopefully, going forward, he will transition from ‘almost there’ to ‘reached the destination.’
