Govinda Naam Mera Review: Vicky Kaushal shines in this 90s-style masala entertainer

Story: Govinda Waghmare (Vicky Kaushal), a struggling choreographer, is wedged between his marriage to Gauri (Bhumi Pednekar), who dominates and insults him at every opportunity, and love for dancer girlfriend, Suku (Kiara Advani). But his problems snowball and life turns into a roller coaster ride when Gauri is found dead, and he becomes the prime suspect.

Review: Set in Mumbai, the movie quickly establishes Govinda Waghmare’s (on his birth certificate, his name is misspelled as Govind A Waghmare) backstory of how he and his mother Asha (Renuka Shahane) inherited ‘Asha Niwas’ and are now owners of this bungalow worth Rs 150 crore. Cut to their current dispute over the same property with Asha’s husband’s first wife Charulata (Veenam Naair) and her son Vishnu (Akshay Gunawat). Not only that, but Govinda is also juggling his wife Gauri, who wants a divorce but demands two crores in exchange, and his girlfriend Suku, who wants to marry him. Most of the time, we know what will happen before Gauri is found dead and Govinda is charged with her murder. But by this point, the film is fully loaded with fun, drama, oodles of suspense, and a quirky murder mystery.

Writer-director Shashank Khaitan sets out to deliver an entertaining mix of comedy and mystery, in this 90s style thriller. The premise is lighthearted, with just the right amount of humour and unexpected twists and turns. When new characters (like six-pack Sandy and his father) are introduced in the film, they bring their own drama with them. For the most part, the film’s breezy vibe and back-to-back hilarious lines keep you entertained. The first half is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, but it also slows down in places and the repetitive jokes (such as “My name is Govinda, not Govind”) become stale. However, the latter half is crisper and more enjoyable.

Vicky Kaushal is outstanding in a never-seen avatar that is reminiscent of a quintessential masaledar 90s Bollywood hero. He imbues Govinda with the right amount of energy and comic timing. Kaushal’s dance performances to some famous songs—like Bang Bang, Kajra Re, Radha Teri Chunri—as well as his dream sequences, are hilarious. Bhumi performs earnestly as the domineering Gauri, but her complicated relationship with Govind could have been developed more. Kiara Advani plays Suku admirably and with the zeal that her character demands. Renuka Shahane as Govinda’s paralysed, wheelchair-bound mother is a pure dramebaaz. Amey Wagh, who plays their lawyer Kaustubh, and Trupti Khamkar, as their housekeeper Manju, are both naturally funny characters.

Both the upbeat songs, Kyaa Baat Haii 2.0 and Bijli will get you grooving. The film’s background score (John Stewart Eduri) is designed interestingly and blends in with the story’s tone.

Right from Vicky and Kiara shaking a leg to the track Pappi Jhappi to donning matching outfits, everything reminds you of the madness and quirks of the 90s comedies. Govinda Naam Mera is definite crowd-pleaser that entertains with ample laughter, confusion and comedy.