The high-octane comedy that turned London streets into Bollywood sets
In short: When Anees Bazmee took his production to the UK, he didn't just film a movie; he transformed historic landmarks into a chaotic playground of action and absurdity. From fireworks shops in Faversham to car chases at Chatham Dockyard, Pagalpanti turned British heritage into a backdrop for Indian cinematic madness.
Pagalpanti (2019) is an ensemble action-comedy that centers on Raj Kishore, a man plagued by chronic bad luck. Alongside his friends Junky and Chandu, he navigates a series of comedic disasters, including the immediate burning of their firework shop and a failed package delivery business involving an expensive sports car. The narrative follows their descent from small-time scammers to disposable servants for two rival gangs, eventually leading them into a high-stakes confrontation with a businessman-turned-don named Niraj Modi.
The production was a logistical undertaking that began in London on February 17, 2019. Director Anees Bazmee described the experience as a 'roller-coaster ride' due to challenging weather conditions. Faversham provided the desired look, featuring a fireworks shop within the old Guild Hall and Market Street acting as a bustling London marketplace. They also filmed a car chase at the Historic Dockyard Chatham along several landmarks including Museum Square and Anchor Wharf.
Despite its ambitious scale—including an ensemble cast featuring Anil Kapoor and John Abraham—the film received polarized critical reception. While some outlets praised the cinematography, production design, and background score, others dismissed the humor as 'clichéd' or 'unintentionally funny.' The film grossed approximately ₹49.17 crore worldwide by late 2019, with a domestic opening weekend of ₹19.50 crore.
The project was designed for longevity, with producer Kumar Mangat Pathak announcing plans for a sequel shortly after the initial release. This highlights the 'franchise' model in modern Bollywood, where high-budget action comedies are built to sustain multiple installments despite varying critical reviews.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Pagalpanti (2019 film)
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