‘Chintuji’ to bring out Rishi Kapoor’s funny side (IANS Preview)

NEW DELHI - After playing character roles in big-budget hits, 1980s’ chocolate boy Rishi Kapoor is ready to make his presence felt with a full-fledged role in comedy “Chintu Ji - Naam Ka Neta! Hai Yeh Abhineta”. Releasing Friday, the film is partially based on his real life.

Produced by Bobby Bedi, the laugh riot is the directorial debut of writer-turned-director Ranjit Kapoor, who has scripted movies like “Halla Bol”, “The Legend of Bhagat Singh” and “Lajja”.

The movie is also a comeback of sorts for Priyanshu Chatterjee, who will be seen in a meaty role after his cameo in the 2008 release “Bhootnath”.

The title of the satirical comedy is inspired by Rishi’s real life nickname Chintu. The film revolves around Chintu Kapoor (Rishi) who returns to his fictitious hometown Hadbahedi after staying in Triphala for a long time.

The citizens of Hadbahedi are honest and hardworking, while those of Triphala are devious and corrupt. Newspaper owner Arun (Priyanshu) is the leader of the Hadbahedians and he welcomes Chintu-ji, but Triphala’s influence on Chintu is not liked by many.

Throwing light on his character, Rishi had said: “My character of ‘Chintu Ji’ doesn’t quite have any intentions of reforming the life of the villagers. However, he does eventually bring in a turnaround even though it is done unknowingly.

“The film’s script has been done quite innovatively because it’s quite a difficult task to build a story around a real life personality, add on elements of fiction to it and make it a cinematic engaging experience as well,” he added.

“Even though it’s a small film, it comes with a good idea…it is part fiction, part reality and part illusion,” said Rishi.

The movie also features Saurabh Shukla and TV actress Kulraj Randhawa.

With a slew of average films releasing every week courtesy the lean Ramadan period, distributors are hoping that “Chintu Ji” will manage to pull in some crowds.