BOLLYWOOD

If you believe in fairytales, you can be a part of it. This is what Hitchcock (not Alfred), but Johnny Lever's character keeps repeating. Indeed, if you believe in fairytales, this film is for you. There is no doubt about it.

It's what all fairytales are like and it does not disappoint. Forget the fact that it is a borrowed concept; a remake of Hollywood's BIG, starring Tom Hanks. Though not lifted frame for frame, producer Aftab Shivdasani, who also takes credit as the storywriter does inject his own ideas too. A decent attempt by this first time producer.

The setting is surreal and immediately gets you into a storybook mould. The characters etched are befitting the genre and you should have no complaints with the plot and premise too. Remember, this is a movie for kids, released a day before Children's Day.

Mickey is a young boy of 12 who is besotted by 22-year-old town beauty Mitika (Aamna Sharif). He has a friend in Bonny who he spends most of his waking time with. At home, his father is not too pleased with his 'out of school' activities, while his mother is always protective about him. It appears that Mickey is their adopted son and this fact is known to Mickey during one of the arguments his parents have over him. He also has a kid sister he adores.

Coming back to the plot, Mickey is desperate to woo Mitika and he is helped by Hitchcock, who, it appears, knows everything about everybody. Mickey is helped to make a wish at the wishing well, and the next morning he is BIG enough to woo Mitika. Then begins the process of falling in love and the ultimate marriage day, where Mickey (Aftab) becomes his small self.

Aftab makes an attempt to stay in character. As a 12-year-old trapped in a man's body, he is impressive. Aamna, who made her debut earlier this year with ALOO CHAAT starring Aftab alongside, gives a confident show this time. Though she has not much of a depth in her role, she does enough to impress and send out signals to filmmakers, that this here is a pretty face who can act as well.

However, considering that this is a children's film and passed with a U certificate, I wonder how the censors passed the scene where Aftab meets a 'Commercial sex worker' on the streets and brings her home for the night. It gets extremely embarrassing for parents who have come in with their kids. This for me is the only jarring point. Otherwise, it's a decent film for kids.

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