99

About the film

99 is a 2009 Indian Hindi-language crime comedy film directed by Raj and D.K., starring Kunal Khemu, Boman Irani, Soha Ali Khan and Cyrus Broacha. The film is set in the year 1999, with cricket controversies of that year as the backdrop. It was produced and distributed by "People Pictures", and was released on 15 May 2009.

Plot

Sachin and Zaramud are two small-time crooks in Mumbai who make a living out of duplicating mobile phone SIM cards. After the overuse of a duplicated SIM by a customer, the police raid their premises and destroy all their equipment. Sachin and Zaramud escape in a stolen car, which eventually crashes. Although Sachin and Zaramud escape with minor injuries, the car is damaged beyond repair. AGM, a bookie based out of Mumbai, is the owner of this car and tracks them down. They are hired to work for AGM till the time they are capable of paying the compensation for the damages.

Rahul, an executive in a currency exchange company in Delhi, has a penchant for betting and gambling. He borrows money from AGM after being introduced by a Delhi bookie, Bhuval Ram Kuber, and bets on India winning a cricket match against New Zealand. However, India loses. In spite of owing money to AGM, Rahul continues in his gambling ways and plays teen patti with JC, who is a big businessman and bookie. After Rahul goes all-in and JC raises on the bet, Rahul identifies JC's bluff and ends up winning. JC jokingly vows to beat Rahul some day.

Sachin and Zaramud prepare a list of individuals who owe money to AGM. Top of this list is Kewal Pandey, a Bhojpuri film actor, and next on the list is Rahul. Since Rahul is based out of Delhi, which is outside the area of AGM's operations, AGM sends Sachin and Zaramud to Delhi to retrieve the money Rahul owes him. They reach Delhi and put up in a 5-star hotel. Sachin develops a liking for Pooja, who is a floor manager in the hotel. The two bond over their mutual desire of owning an independent business, and Sachin informs Pooja about his idea of owning a coffee shop someday and 'scoring a century in life'.

Music

The film's music received mixed reviews from critics. Indiatimes gave the soundtrack three stars out of four, saying the songs "What's Up", "Soch Mat Dobara", "Punjab Size" were average while praising "Kal Ki Tarah" and "Delhi Destiny". Bollywood Hungama's Joginder Tuteja gave the album two and a half stars out of five.

Reception

Aseem Chhabra of Rediff.com gave the film 4 out 5 and told the viewers that "they will leave the theater laughing and entertained." Conversely, Elvis D'Silva writing for same website gave the film 2.5 out of 5, writing ″All told, 99 rates a solid B+ for effort and a C for actual delivery -- or in our star-studded vernacular, two-and-a-half of those five pointed little fellas.″

Indiatimes.com gave it 3.5 stars. Nikhat Kazmi of the Times Of India gave the movie 3 out of 5 stars stating that it has "a tangy, tongue-in-cheek tenor that ensures you never really lose the plot." Boxoffice.com said the "Bollywood flick should catch on with American audiences" and that "99 has potential to set new standard."

Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama gave the film 2.5 out of 5, ″On the whole, 99 appeals in parts, more towards the second half. The film holds appeal for the youth and should find patronage from this faction of moviegoers at multiplexes mainly.″

Key details