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The year was 2009, and Bollywood was in the midst of a renaissance. Films were pushing boundaries, exploring new genres, and blending styles in ways that had never been seen before. And then came 99, a comedy-crime caper that managed to stand out in a crowded field with its clever script, talented cast, and unique premise.
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The Set-Up: Two Losers, One Briefcase
99 movie follows the misadventures of Sachin (Kunal Khemu) and Zaramud (Cyrus Broacha), two small-time hustlers who always seem to find themselves on the wrong side of luck. Sachin is a gambler with a knack for losing, while Zaramud is a bumbling sidekick who can’t seem to do anything right.
When their boss, a bookie named AGM (Mahesh Manjrekar), sends them to Delhi to collect money from a big-time loser named Rahul (Boman Irani), things quickly spiral out of control. Sachin and Zaramud find themselves caught up in a web of match-fixing, mistaken identities, and mad dashes across the city, all while trying to keep their hands on a briefcase full of cash.
The Humor: Witty Dialogue and Clever Callbacks
Its sharp, witty script sets the movie 99 apart from other crime capers. Directors Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K. (who would go on to helm the hit series The Family Man) have a knack for clever dialogue and situational humour that keeps the laughs coming even as the stakes rise.
The film is full of memorable one-liners and running gags, like Sachin’s constant refrain of “Maa Kasam!” (a Hindi phrase meaning “I swear on my mother”) or the way that seemingly throwaway lines from early scenes pay off in big ways later on. It’s the kind of humour that rewards close attention and repeat viewings.
The Backdrop: Cricket, Scandal, and Satire
But 99 isn’t just a comedy – it’s also a sly commentary on the state of Indian cricket at the turn of the millennium. The film is set against the backdrop of the real-life match-fixing scandal that rocked the sport in 1999 when several top players were accused of taking bribes to underperform.
While the scandal isn’t the main focus of the film, it adds an extra layer of satire and social commentary to the proceedings. The shady bookies, corrupt cops, and high-rolling gamblers that Sachin and Zaramud encounter are all exaggerated versions of real-life figures from the scandal, and the film takes great pleasure in skewering their greed and hypocrisy.
The Performances: A Talented Ensemble Cast
Of course, none of this would work without a talented cast to bring it all to life, and 99 delivers on that front, too. Kunal Khemu and Cyrus Broacha have great chemistry as the bumbling leads, with Khemu’s deadpan delivery playing off Broacha’s manic energy to great effect.
But it’s the supporting cast that shines. Boman Irani is hilarious as the hapless Rahul, while Mahesh Manjrekar brings a sense of menace to his role as the ruthless AGM. Soha Ali Khan also impresses as Pooja, a mystery woman who gets caught up in Sachin and Zaramud’s schemes.
The Music: A Funky, Retro Soundtrack
No discussion of 99 would be complete without mentioning its killer soundtrack. Composed by the duo of Sachin-Jigar, the 99 movie songs are a funky, retro-inspired mix of hip-hop, rock, and Bollywood beats that perfectly capture the film’s off-kilter energy.
Tracks like “Delhi Destiny” and “Tose Naina Lage” have become fan favourites over the years, and it’s not hard to see why. With their catchy hooks and clever lyrics, they’re the perfect accompaniment to the film’s madcap antics.
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Did You Know? The 99 movie was shot on location in Delhi and Mumbai, with many scenes filmed guerrilla-style on the streets without permits. The film’s funky, retro-inspired soundtrack was composed by the duo of Sachin-Jigar, who has gone on to become one of Bollywood’s most sought-after music directors. 99 was one of the first films to focus on the 1999 cricket match-fixing scandal, which rocked the sport and led to the banning of several top players. |
The Bottom Line: A Must-Watch for Comedy Fans
Ultimately, 99 is a film that succeeds on almost every level. Its clever script, talented cast, and unique premise all come together to create a comedy-crime caper that’s unlike anything else in Bollywood.
Whether you’re a fan of witty dialogue, social satire, or just good old-fashioned laughs, 99 movie is a must-watch. And with its iconic soundtrack and endlessly quotable one-liners, it’s the kind of film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
For movie buffs looking to experience 99 in all its glory, there’s no better way than with a high-speed broadband connection from Airtel Xstream Fiber. With speeds of up to 1 Gbps, you can stream the film in crystal-clear HD and immerse yourself in its funky, retro world. So what are you waiting for? Grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready for a wild ride with Sachin, Zaramud, and the rest of the 99 crew.
FAQs
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Is 99 based on a true story?
While the film is fictional, it is set against the backdrop of the real-life 1999 cricket match-fixing scandal in India. -
Who are the directors of 99?
The film was directed by the duo of Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K., who are known for their unique blend of comedy and crime. -
What is the significance of the title 99?
The title refers to the year 1999, which is when the film was set and when the cricket match-fixing scandal took place. It also symbolizes the idea of always coming up just short of success. -
Is 99 available to stream online?
Yes, the 99 movie download is available on several streaming platforms, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. -
Was 99 remade in any other languages?
While there is a 99 movie Tamil remake titled 99, it is a completely different film with a different plot and cast. The Hindi 99 has not been officially remade in any other language.
