“Madgaon Express: A Rollercoaster Ride of Friendship and Adventure”

‘Madgaon Express’ Review: A Rollercoaster Ride of Friendship and Adventure

In actor Kunal Kemmu’s directorial debut, ‘Madgaon Express’, three friends embark on a trip to Goa and find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of trouble when they stumble upon a stash of cocaine. Kemmu, known for his acting prowess, showcases his talent behind the camera as well, delivering a good-natured and often sharp movie about friendship tested by adversity.

The three lead actors, Divyenndu, Pratik Gandhi, and Avinash Tiwary, bring their characters to life with a lived-in chemistry and dynamic that make their shenanigans believable. Divyenndu shines as the manic-eyed Dodo, a character as bright as the extinct bird but prone to flights of fancy. Pratik Gandhi surprises with his portrayal of a worrywart who discovers his assertive side in special circumstances, demanding the audience’s attention with a resounding “watch me roar!”

While the movie has its highs, Kemmu’s writing is at its best when focused on the friendship between the three protagonists. However, some scenes drag on longer than necessary, losing their edge in the process. Additionally, there are moments where Kemmu’s wackiness gets lost in the chaos, resulting in misplaced humor.

Despite these shortcomings, ‘Madgaon Express’ manages to deliver a rollercoaster ride of adventure and unexpected twists. Like a slow-moving train, it chugs towards its destination, delivering both the obvious and the surprising. Goa, the backdrop for this holiday from hell, barely survives the madness, just as the audience is left exhilarated by the journey.

Overall, ‘Madgaon Express’ is a promising directorial debut for Kunal Kemmu, showcasing his talent for storytelling and capturing the essence of friendship amidst chaos. With its believable characters and moments of brilliance, the movie proves to be an entertaining watch, despite its flaws.