Director Umesh Shukla delivered one of the greatest films of all time – OMG Oh My God – three years ago. Hence, despite the not-so-great promos and songs, one can’t help but expect something from his upcoming venture, All Is Well. But alas, the film is indeed disappointing to an extent. But it has equal amount of plusses as well, making it an average flick.

The story of the movie: Inder Bhalla (Abhishek Bachchan) is a struggling musician in Bangkok. Circumstances compel him to come back to his hometown in Kasol in India and face his father, Bhajanlal Bhalla (Rishi Kapoor), with whom he hasn’t spoken or met since 10 years. Bhajanlal has taken a huge loan from a goon Cheema (Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub) and since Bhajanlal is not able to repay the due, Cheema compels the father and son to sell off their bakery. But that’s not just the only problem that Inder faces. His mother Pammi (Supriya Pathak) is suffering from Alzheimer’s and can’t recognize Inder anymore. And then there’s Nimmi (Asin) who’s madly in love with a commitment and marriage phobic Inder and refuses to leave his side.

All Is Well has a very unimpressive start with the song Tu Milade. However, things get a bit better with Nimmi’s entry and much better when Inder returns to India. A word of caution for those who venture for this film: Don’t look for logic at all. If one really wants their money’s worth, just sit back and enjoy the antics of Bhallas and the madness that they ensue without asking ‘how-when-why-what’. Because this is a film that would be enjoyed only with that kind of a mindset. And the film has its entertaining moments at places. The character of Cheema is damn interesting and whenever he gets into trouble or ends up harming or injuring himself, the film goes on a high. Again, things get a bit convenient at places but the fun remains and hence viewers won’t mind. The intermission point is funny. Post-intermission however, the film does drop again. In fact, in the first as well as second hour, the songs act as a roadblock. This is especially in the second half during the male version of Mere Humsafar. The climax has its emotional moments but could have been better directed.



Surprisingly, the one actor that rocks the most in the film is Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub. The actor is at his funniest best and takes the film to a great level. In fact, he rises above the script. All Is Well might be forgotten but this performance would be remembered especially when Mohd’s finest performances are being listed! Abhishek Bachchan is quite decent and neatly contributes to the fun and madness in the narrative. The actor has a distinct personality that makes him stand out from the rest of the actors. Rishi Kapoor dominates in almost all his scenes. He’s totally into his character – there are scenes where you’ll hate him and there are scenes where you’ll really sorry for his character. Asin is charming as always and leaves a mark. She nicely ensures that her character doesn’t get irritating at any point. Supriya Pathak gives her hundred per cent. However, she gets overshadowed by the towering presence of Abhishek and Rishi. Also, the way her Alzheimer’s progress is questionable. Sumeet Vyas (Inder’s friend in Bangkok) is okay. Others actors do well. Sonakshi Sinha looks glamorous in the Nachan Farrate song.

Music is nothing special and as said above, it acts as obstacles except those tracks that are relegated to the background. Sanjoy Chowdhury’s background music is quite good. Muneesh Sappel’s production design is a bit tacky in some scenes. Umesh Shukla’s story is promising. But screenplay (Umesh Shukla, Niren Bhatt) is faulty and this affects Umesh Shukla’s direction as well. He should have done away with the obstacle-causing songs. Also, the execution should have been engaging from start to finish which doesn’t quite happen. Some scenes are damn good (Inder trying to ‘arrange the marriage’ of his parents, for instance). But somewhere the impact is not made. However, good to see that he has still not got out of OMG oh My God mode and this is evident in the scene of the holy cows!

On the whole, All Is Well seems like a great film on paper but the direction, too many loopholes and too many songs spoil the show to an extent. Abhishek Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor are very good but it’s Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub who steals the show. At best, it’s an average flick and might be somewhat enjoyed if one goes for it without too many expectations and with a correct mindset.

My rating - ** ½ out of 5!