Toilet-Ek Prem Katha review: Akshay's comic timing, dialogues stand out

Director: Shree Narayan Singh

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Bhumi Pednekar, Anupam Kher and Divyenndu Sharma

Gone are the days when Indian films were made to bring about change in the society. But, with ‘Toilet- Ek Prem Katha’, the trend has surely come back. Since the time it was announced by the makers, the film has caused a storm all over.

Contributing to the honourable PM Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or cleanliness campaign, ‘Toilet- Ek Prem Katha’ is a social satire which is directed by Shree Narayan Singh. In recent years, Akshay Kumar has been doing a lot of realistic cinema-- from ‘Airlift’ to ‘Rustom’ and now ‘Toilet...’

Keshav (Akshay Kumar) runs a small cycle business in a village near Mathura with his father and younger brother Naru (Divyenndu Sharma). His family is keen to get him married and, in the meantime, he incidentally meets Jaya (Bhumi Pednekar), a city topper, and falls for her. Later, Jaya agrees to marry him but their lives flip upside down when Jaya realises that there is no toilet in Keshav's house. What happens next is what the film all about.

Akshay Kumar's comic timing is impeccable. He is so smart in tackling serious subjects in his own funny manner that he deserves brownie points for it. The best part of the film is Divyenndu Sharma, who just blows away with his extremely hilarious dialogues. He is like a breath of fresh air. Yet again Bhumi Pednekar proves that she is a brilliant actor. Also, her choices of films are apt and ‘Toilet’ is one such film after her big Bollywood debut in ‘Dum Laga Ke Haisha’.

The film doesn't look preachy at all; rather the issue of no toilet is shown in a quirky way. The USP of the film is its dialogues, which are written well. The first half is a little slow and overstretched but manages to sail through till the interval because of its comic punches. Despite all the positives, the length of the film is an issue.

Director Shree Narayan Singh remained successful in keeping a small town flavour and earthy essence throughout.  The famous ‘Lathmaar’ Holi of Mathura is shown nicely. The typical farms of Uttar Pradesh, riversides, and congested shopping streets are shot well. The film not only widely talks about sanitation issues but also women’s liberty and safety. Although, the film has its own agenda of creating a social reformation, primarily it is a fun love story between two individuals with different mindsets and lifestyles.

Overall, Toliet Ek Prem Katha is a perfect weekend getaway for your family, unless you don’t enjoy such soft yet propagandist cinema.