Reviews & Ratings for
Hasmukh (2020)

A weak script, poor execution and inconsistence are, unfortunately, the terms that end up defining ‘Hasmukh’ despite its very promising plot. Even as a Vir Das fan, this show is hard to like and even harder to watch.

Hasmukh (played by Vir Das), is a meek aspiring comic who has been treated like a doormat his whole life, until one day, when after being denied the opportunity to perform on stage by his "mentor"- Gulati (Manoj Pahwa) despite his many promises, Hasmukh snaps, murders Gulati, walks straight onto the stage only to end up delivering a very successful stand-up performance. That's when he realizes that 'murdering' is actually his ‘Viagra’ which helps him channel his art.

Vir struggles to capture Hasmukh, he struggles with the supposed UP accent, he struggles with the comedy and we as a viewer struggle to get through the shoddy screenplay. On the other hand, his smarmy manager and partner in crime - Jimmy (Ranvir Shorey), is rather convincing as both - a duplicitous human and a shrewd businessman. His portrayal of a morally dubious and conflicted man is far more palatable than Vir’s.

In spite of a very exciting opportunity to create a dark comedy that treads the slippery slope of morality, the show falls flat and ends up as a trite and tiring story of a small-towner leaping for his long shot in show business. Except for a couple of funny one liners and gags, the writing is mediocre and at times repulsive.

The show disappoints in multiple ways, but the good thing is that episodes are only about 30 minutes long, so the disappointment is rather brief and easy to move on from.

Does India has a answer to Hollywood’s Joker!! If yes then it would be Vir das who can counted as an exception to Joaquin Phoenix. Netflix’s sleek black comedy soars high with the uncanny plot with exclusions to minor glitches.
Vir das seems to have arrived at the perfect destination of his career with the versatility of such neat and succinct performance. The film which is co-written by Das himself along with Nikhil advani is remarkable despite short fluctuations. Das who explores intensity in humour with his menacing trait by killing people is an ultimate spin-off that is very likely possible to grip you with the scene.
The show revolves around Hasmukh Sudiya who is from a small town Saharanpur in Uttarpradesh aspires to be a stand-up comedian. However his chances are always dodged by his boss-guru Gulati (Manoj Pahwa), who thinks Hasmukh as a clown and infantile to this job. After working under him for years by fetching drinks and caring for his costumes, he meets with a constant refusal from gulati to introduce him as a comedian. Meanwhile being fraught he murders Gulati, this is where the treasure of the whole Tv series is unravelled. The eccentricity is constantly ignited by Hashmukh’s action that he can perform in the stage if he will kill someone. The microscopic vision that is rhetoric throughout the series is between the conflict and assimilation of morality and ambition and how both intersect them.
There are some spectacular scenes that are beautifully constructed to make you fall in love with Vir Das. Hasmukh’s character which would have otherwise filled much disdain from audience does not topple due to the brilliant writing and portrayal of Vir das with much vulnerability.
As the story moves forward we get to see Hasmukh travelling to Mumbai (Sapnon Ka seher) and participate in a music show. Here the show seems to be a little lacklustre as it tries to matchup with Bollywood props and norms. However the duo combination of Hasmukh and his wealthy manager Jimmy (Ranvir Shorey) works as a perfect feast for the audience. Its an absolute cynosure to see both of them like an exploding firecracker. Jimmy who knows Hasmukh’s secret gives him a tainted crook before every show to murder. In a hilarious scene, Jimmy says to Hasmukh “Agar to star hai, toh mai star maker hoon.” Its a clear depiction of how everybody wants to have their part in the show business.
The other cast includes Ravi kishan, the show manager and Raza murad as the Don of Film city who adds much hues to the incredible. The series however loses its pace and intensity at the bottom where the narrative pointlessly oscillates about inane things. Despite everything it is a must watch for Vir das who plays the character with much grip and intensity that you never seem to lose the thrill with humour.
The ten-part long Netflix series is an absolute treat to the fans of unexplored genre of dark comedy in India.
Hasmukh is currently streaming on Netflix.