Saat Uchakkey review: Interesting idea suffers due to bad execution

Film: Saat Uchakke
Rating: 2/5

It is not often that skilled artists like Manoj Bajpayee, Kay Kay Menon, Anupam Kher, Annu Kapoor and Vijay Raaz come together for a film. But it is quite often that an impressive cast doesn’t guarantee or translate into good content. Debutant director Sanjeev Sharma’s Saat Uchakkey is yet another example.

The film is set in the interiors of old Delhi in today’s times. Pappi (Manoj Bajpayee) is a street urchin who struggles to make a living. As he is unable to sustain himself through legitimate means, he resorts to petty crimes. He is constantly at the receiving end of the hot-headed cop, Tejpal (Kay Kay Menon). Pappi is in love with a cunning girl from his neighbourhood, Sona (Aditi Sharma). 

Pappi and his friends plan to rob a mentally unstable rich old man, Diwan (Anupam Kher) in order to lay their hands on a substantial amount. But he is sure Tejpal would instantly suspect his hand in the crime. To solve this end, Pappi collaborates with Jaggi (Vijay Raaz), another goon, and plans to fake his own murder. Hence, the gang of seven, Pappi, Sona, Jaggi and their associates, join hands for a crazy idea. 

Saat Uchakkey is basically a heist drama. But it doesn’t follow a done-to-death treatment in narration. The main idea of robbery is delayed and the viewer is given a realistic glimpse of the world of street urchins of old Delhi. Such deep exploration of the typical old Delhi flavour is hardly seen in our films. The production design also deserves to be lauded for getting the detailing right.

The road to the robbery isn’t free of potholes though. The conversations, confrontations and humour aren’t enough to keep you hooked or entertained, although there is some laughter here and there. The film might rank number one in the cuss words departments. In fact, the word ‘bhen****’ is used almost every minute in the first half, and quite a few times in the second. So, obviously, the dramatic effect brought by gaalis drops down soon. 

Despite these issues, you don’t give up on the film as you are somewhat curious to witness the robbery and its outcome. But there is a disappointment in key areas in the second half. Firstly, the screenplay brings in the heist incident late. The events leading up to it don’t do much apart from providing a few giggles. Worst of all, the out-of-the-box climax does take you by surprise, but logic is lacking. The length of 139 minutes is also not justified. 

Songs like ‘Neat Quarter’ and ‘Chhap Tilak,’ from Abhishek Ray’s compositions, bring alive the old Delhi flavour. John Jacob Payyapalli, the DoP, has earnestly captured the everyday scenes of this part of the world. The background score is effective enough.

One expects actors like Bajpayee and Menon to take the overall effect several notches higher. They do play their parts well, but they are far away from their best. Raaz is the best of the lot. He brings in the right quirkiness needed. Sharma is the pretty surprise package who shows some decent acting skills. Playing an unusual character, Kapoor does what was required. Kher is over-the-top in an extended cameo. 

Overall, Saat Uchakkey doesn’t live up to its potential. With too many films releasing alongside, it doesn’t stand a chance at the box-office.

Director: Sanjeev Sharma
Producers: Wave Cinemas
Writers: Sandeep Saket and Sanjeev Sharma
Cast: Manoj Bajpayee, Kay Kay Menon, Aditi Sharma, Vijay Raaz, Annu Kapoor, Anupam Kher
Music: Abhishek Ray
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 139 minutes