The most successful franchise in Hindi films, Golmaal, strikes again. And, aptly, the title is Golmaal Again. The main faces of the franchise — Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, ShreyasTalpade and Kunal Khemu are very much there so are the other regulars, Sanjay Mishra, Mukesh Tiwari, Johny Lever, Murli Sharma and Vrajesh Hirjee.

However, what has changed is the film’s regular location, Goa, its sun, sea and sand. Golmaal Again is based in Ooty. That is because, the film needs something like British countryside with an old mansion as the backdrop.

The film deals with the supernatural, ghosts, deception and revenge. For a change, the climax here is not a farce as it usually is with this franchise.

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The characters of Ajay, Arshad, Tusshar, Kunal and Shreyash are being tended in an orphanage in Ooty started by a millionaire, played by Uday Tikekar, who forsakes all his businesses to look after orphans. The five are divided into two groups: Ajay and Shreyas on one side while Arshad, Tusshar and Kunal are on the other. Both sides are always at loggerheads. One fine day, Ajay and Shreyas walk out of the orphanage after a scolding from Tikekar; Arshad, Tusshar and Kunal follow suit soon.

Both groups are now grown up and are into the same business: that of grabbing land and property for money on behalf of others. While Ajay does it for Sanjay Mishra, Arshad does it for Prakash Raj.

The five of them learn that the father figure of the orphanage, Tikekar, who cared for them has passed away, and they decide to visit the orphanage to take part in the rituals. But, the reason is more: both the groups are assigned to grab the land belonging to the orphanage along with the piece belonging to a blind ex-army man, played by Sachin Khedekar, Tikekar’s friend.

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Tabu, a librarian in Ooty who looks after the affairs of the mansion, assigns rooms to the five to stay till the rituals are over. Tabu has a special gift in that she can see ghosts as well as communicate with them. At the mansion, the five also meet Parineeti Chopra who is introduced to them as the maid of the house.

After the usual gimmicks and the gags that the divided five go through like in other Golmaal instalments, it is time to lend some purpose to Golmaal Again. It turns out that Tikekar did not die by falling off the terrace. And that Parineeti is not really who she was introduced as. Only Tabu knew who she was.

It is time for the five to join forces along with Tabu and Parineeti to sort out things and bring culprits to book. The change of background in Golmaal Again takes a while for the viewer to get adjusted to. As this one moves from Goa to Ooty, and is a suspense thriller instead of being an all fun film. But, once into the film, it does not fail to entertain.

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The best part, of course, is the dialogue and one-liners that keep the pace going. Shot on scenic, lush green background, the cinematography is soothing to the eye.

The usual Golmaal gang of Ajay, Arshad, Tushaar, Kunal and Shreyas have nothing new to do beyond what they have done earlier.The casting of Parineeti and Tabu brings a fresh look to the film.

The film has a proper villain in Prakash Raj this time and springs a surprise with Neil Nitin Mukesh joining the action in the latter half. The actors mimicking Nana Patekar followed by his sudden cameo make for pleasant viewing.

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Lever, Mishra, Tiwari and Hirjee provide relief from time to time.

Golmaal Again is the right kind entertainer for the festive period. Keeps you happy while you are watching it. The opening day response has been encouraging, and the weekend is expected to help maintain the momentum.

Producer, director: Rohit Shetty.

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Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Parineeti Chopra, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Kunal Khemu, ShreyasTalpade, Sanjay Mishra, Johny Liver, Mukesh Tiwari, VrajeshHirjee,Murli Sharma, Prakash Raj, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Nana Patekar (cameo).