Sanjay Leela Bhansali and UTV. Two names synonymous with qualitative films. Bhansali is a brilliant storyteller who has dealt with myriad subjects in his
films. With MY FRIEND PINTO, directed by Raaghav Dar, Bhansali moves from dark and intense subjects to a light entertainer. But comedy is a tricky territory.
It needs aptness, practice and of course, comic timing or else, the magic cannot be observed on screen. That's where MY FRIEND PINTO falters and falters
badly.
MY FRIEND PINTO tries so hard to be a crazy roller coaster ride. The character of Michael Pinto, portrayed by Prateik, bears similarities to the iconic
characters played by Charlie Chaplin and Raj Kapoor. But what comes across is an exercise in vain. The film stands on a waferthin plot and to make matters
worse, the film tries so very hard to tickle your funny bone. But falls flat on its face!
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Michael Pinto [Prateik] has grown up in a small Goan village, believing everyone in the world to be simple, kind and honest, just like him. When Pinto's
idyllic world is shattered by the sudden demise of his mother, he decides to head to Mumbai in search of the only friend [Arjun Mathur] he knows. What
happens next?
MY FRIEND PINTO suffers on various counts. First of all, it is hard to believe that someone can be so naïve in today's times. Even if one were to believe
that Pinto is indeed the 'innocent' one, the film is packed with ridiculous situations and characters that make you squirm in your seat. If the intention was
to make you laugh, sorry, this film doesn't! Even the music, which has been a hallmark of Bhansali's movies, is plain mediocre this time.
Prateik fails to deliver. He tries so hard to look the congenial but not worldly wise Pinto, but doesn't succeed. Kalki is an effortless actor, but she looks
disinterested here. Arjun Mathur does well. Divya Dutta is passable. Makrand Deshpande is wasted. Amin and Karim are strictly okay. Raj Zutshi is effective.
Shruti Seth is alright.
On the whole, MY FRIEND PINTO is a terrible waste of a terrific opportunity!
