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Rajat Kapoor as a director never impressed me much; Raghu Romeo was weird and Mixed Doubles was ridicules. But with his latest release Mithya, I believe he has finally hit the jackpot – creatively if not monetarily.

Mithya is based on Underworld-meets-Bollywood subject – a struggling actor, gang war, sexy mistress and a plan. This quirky screenplay has been jointly written by the director himself and another known actor, Saurabh Shukla. Now Shukla is one dude I really like; be it his (tiny but done to perfection) roles in main-stream films, stage plays or his creativity with the pen, he has always been a cinema lover’s delight.

Even though the underworld theme has been done to death over the years, what makes Mithya stand apart is not only the dark humour but the entire package. In clear-cut words – it has all the elements of a “masala” film and thankfully this time round, Mr. Kapoor has tastefully handled them.

The only two down-sides in my opinion:

1. The film’s slow pace in the second half. But I guess such aspects can be forgiven, looking at the larger picture and its totality.

2. Its producer, the IIPM scumbag Arindam Chowdhuri.

On the acting front:

Ranvir Shorey has given a fantastic performance (looks like he’s making this a habit). I especially loved the part where he vents out his frustration at the director after being asked to do countless re-takes for a cartoon film.

Did you know Rajat Kapoor initially wanted Saif Ali Khan for the lead role? Aren’t we glad he stuck with Ranvir though.

Naseeruddin Shah as rival gang’s top-boss is superb. The attitude, the scheming mind and the whole “bling bling” forefront (attire) is carried off brilliantly.

Neha Dhupia as the don’s actress/mistress has given a fine portrayal. The lady is getting impressive more with her film choices rather than her acting capabilities.

Cameo roles have been obediently done by the likes of Iravati Harshe, Harsh Chaaya, Saurabh Shukla and Vinay Pathak (would have loved to see more of him though).

Final Words: Mithya is a multiplex film, made from baby budget specifically for the multiplex audience. Although I sincerely doubt whether it will be successful as previously released multiplex specific films like Bheja Fry or Khosla Ka Ghosla. And one could blame the dawdling second half for that.

However despite the flaws and its (quite) predictable nature – Mithya is a worthwhile 120 minutes watch. So grab it before it’s too late.