How would you like a life where you are constantly transported from one place to another? Another super magical power that's in your grasp is how you can change a person's fate with your mere presence in their life? Well, it is a hopeful dream and might not become reality. However, it is a story worth the risk! Dhanush's Hollywood debut, The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir circles around this very idea as it takes us through a rollercoaster ride! The film brings out the essence of how you can be the change to so many but also enable to realise yourself in the process. So does it manage to impress us? Does it have what it takes to receive all the applause at various international film festivals? Read on to find out! The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir Trailer: Dhanush's Exemplary Antics As A Magician In His Hollywood Debut Is Compelling!
The story of Ajatashatru or Aja (Dhanush) begins with him meeting a bunch of hooligan kids who have been sentenced with 4 years in juvenile prison. Aja has come to tell them a story about his life. He introduces his story to be a tragic one as he ventures into it. After the death of Aja's mother, the young fakir gathers all the wealth he can accumulate or steal to head for France and track down his father, whom he never knew. However, things don't go as planned when he reaches Paris as the rest of his journey becomes a series of unexpected and slightly unfortunate events.
Aja falls for Marie (Erin Moriarty), a young American woman who is also galivanting the streets of Paris after leaving her betrothed at the altar. Aja promises to meet her at the Eiffel Tower the next day and hands her his most treasured asset, a copy of the newspaper that his mother saved of his father. Of course, things only turn for worse as he sleeps in a wardrobe but wakes up in a truck full of Somalian refugees headed for England. Madaari Song from The Extraordinary Journey of The Fakir: Dhanush Dances His Heart Out and We Can't Take Our Eyes Off Him (Watch Video)
The rest is how he keeps hopping from one country to another and tackles one after another conundrum that bowls his way. It's not easy being a fakir in a foreign land where you don't have your passport or any money. During his journey, he undergoes a lot of adventures including being shot by a hitman, travelling in a private jet, being held hostage in a bureaucratic war, bring together two estranged lovers, escaping in a hot air balloon, being robbed off his earned fortune, stealing back what belongs to him and eventually turning his odyssey into a story of hope for all!
Tamil and English posters #pakkiri pic.twitter.com/AoL9bHKRjZ
— Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) May 21, 2019
What's really great about the film is how director Ken Scott managed to bring the most ridiculous adventures of the fakir such a feel-good manner. Of course, the movie is a bit too good to be true. But hey, Aja does give a reason for the same at the end of the film. I won't spoil it for you because that specific dialogue is my favourite in the entire film! Dhanush Exclusive Interview | The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir | LatestLY
For those who don't know this, the movie is an adaptation of Romanian Puertolas titled The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir Who Got Trapped in an Ikea Wardrobe. A shoutout to all the supporting cast namely, Erin Moriarty, Bérénice Bejo, Barkhad Abdi, Gerard Jugnot, Abel Jafri, Stefano Cassetti, Ben Miller, Amruta Sant, Sarah-Jeanne Labrosse and Kay Greidanus for their performance. Every actor had a strong role to play that would further the story and they did justice to all their parts.
Yays
- Beautiful story of hope
- Dhanush is fabulous as always
- Ken Scott brings out a well-lit story
- Colourful and mood pleaser
- Good soundtracks for situations
- Fun adventure with unexpected twists
- Not at all offensive to any class, creed, religion, sect, etc.
Nays
- Not as comical as the trailer promises
- Unnecessary Bollywood dance sequence
- Too optimistic with respect to migration
Final Word
Dhanush's Hollywood debut film The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir is so amazing that I had to take a break before writing the review. Oh no, no sarcasm intended there. The story of hope, with its beautiful outlandish scenarios, actually make for an astounding watch. It is engineered to make people feel good about their lives, accept whatever comes their way and continue to survive against all odds!
Everything about this film makes you feel so grateful for the life that you'll go back with a big smile plastered across your face. Honestly, there is no reason why you should miss such a good film. Go ahead and get yourself a good weekend by watching a film about hope, love and the extraordinary feeling of happiness!
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 20, 2019 06:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).