Welcome To New York is anything but a cohesive film. Here is what it actually is:
A two-hour long promo for IIFA.
A Bollywood home video in which the entire industry gets credited under the category “Thanks”.
A smarmy attempt to score points with the prime minister with “zindabad” slogans for Mr Modi and Gujarat slipping in now and then.
- Director: Chakri Toleti
- Cast: Sonakshi Sinha, Diljit Dosanjh, Karan Johar, Riteish Deshmukh, Lara Dutta, Bomab Irani and almost the entire Bollywood
- Run time: 117 minutes
- Storyline: Two talent hunt winners go all the way to New York to attend the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards and run into some Bollywood stars and a villain
A deliberately self-depracating act by Karan Johar (playing himself and his lookalike) that could have been fun what with his brand peddling, bitching, pout and selfie; all mocked at by KJo himself. Sadly the joke gets stretched and turns terribly loud and grating.
An acting lesson from, believe it or not, Katrina Kaif. “Is that what you call acting?” she tells Diljit Dosanjh, her face as impassive as ever.
A standout dialogue: “ High fashion ki kasam, designer jooton ka paap lagega .” KJo would have definitely squirmed at saying that.
As for the film being in 3D, what was the point really?