EK PAHELI LEELA MOVIE REVIEW

Bollywood film viewers would be familiar with the adage "Sex and Shahrukh sell". Of late, another 'S' factor can be added on to this list, in the form of the incredibly physical Sunny Leone. Jism 2 and Ragini MMS 2 had her in the lead role and they worked at the box-office thanks to her huge pull among the male populace. As expected and in line with the pre-release promos, Ek Paheli Leela is majorly an unabashed showcase of her sexuality. The director Bobby Khan knows that she is the ace in his pack and as long as she flaunts her ample curves, the male audiences have something to savor.

 

The plot is about reincarnation and the male lead's search to uncover a haunting mystery, and it's a sluggish fare with a little surprise element in the end. The reincarnation angle is multi-fold and it is a dual role for Sunny, as a super model and as a sensual desi girl. The acting is very amateurish and apart from Sunny and the perennial baddie Rahul Dev, it is mostly unheralded actors all over the screen. There are many songs which keep popping up and though they have been filmed well, they just add to the tedium.

 

All the main male leads get a few intimate moments with Sunny and she scorches the screens during these encounters. Otherwise she tries earnestly to 'act' but there is only that much one can do when the basics are just not there. A couple of actors make a mark with their authentic Rajasthani slang and funny lines. But over-the-top, filmy portrayal of gays isn't funny anymore.

 

The film's production value is evident and be it London or native Rajasthan, the visuals have an element of sheen and gloss. A peep into the world of sculptors and their statues is a standout aspect during the film's bygone period.

 

To sum up, Ek Paheli Leela suffers majorly from a lethargic screenplay and bad acting. The first half just ambles on and on and the intermission point is actually a relief. Post that, things don't get any better and save the little reveal in the end, the action just doesn't hit you. Despite the presence of 'spice girl' Sunny Leone and a generally interesting rebirth plot point, Ek Paheli Leela is bland.