Thank God Movie Review: Ajay Devgn, Sidharth Malhotra’s film is no Diwali dhamaka, but it has enough spark to keep you entertained

Movie: Thank God

Where to watch: In theaters

Review by: Russell D’Silva

Bollywood has a pretty good track record when it comes to comedies with religious themes. As it is, the Hindi film industry is synonymous with tickling our funny bones with a litany of memorable comedies, but it especially raises the bar when it comes to conveying a social message with a religious undertone, as seen in films like OMG, PK and Taqdeerwala. Now, Ajay Devgn, Sidharth Malhotra, Rakul Preet Singh starrer Thank God directed by Indra Kumar comes in an attempt to brighten up our Diwali with laughter and a well-intentioned lesson.

Is he joining the club? Well, the road is a bit bumpy at first, but it makes it through the gate with enough distinction. So, are you excited about what to watch this weekend or what to watch this week and wondering if Thank God is worth your time? Scroll down for my full Thank God movie review below…

What are you talking about

Ayaan Kapoor (Siddharth Malhotra) never appreciates his wife Ruhi (Rakul Preet Singh) and other loved ones and always screams for his life. Once very successful, a series of bad decisions brings him to the brink of bankruptcy when fate leaves him hanging between life and death, literally speaking, in front of Chitragupt aka CG (Ajay Devgn) and the rest of heaven. His future is now under the weight of the way he lived.

Watch the Thank God trailer below:

What’s new

Thank God, it’s like an escalator in a mall, rising higher as it goes, resulting in loads of goodies at the end of the line, just like you probably get off an escalator and land at a food court. While the first half features a few funny moments, the second half really takes off, flowing from one emotional punch after another without going overboard, the sentimentality elegantly offset by an easy, relaxed charm and subtle humor. Some moments like between Ayaan and his mother, then with his father and sister and finally the climax leave you on an emotional level while forcing you to introspect with some beautiful but not preachy life lessons.

What is not

Back to the escalator reference: Just as some people have a little trouble getting on an escalator, Thank God takes a long time to really get going and it’s not until the second half that it settles into its groove. The first half isn’t without moments, but they don’t add up as a whole. You won’t feel bored or anything that heavy, but the proceedings just go along, as if knowing that better things are waiting for you around the bend. None of the songs really work either – quite surprising for an Indra Kumar film that has always boasted at least one or two good tunes.

BL Judgment

Thank God it may not be a PK, OMG or Taqdeerwala in the pantheon of religious comedies, but it does enough to shine this Diwali, especially with the second half packing a real emotional punch balanced with subtle humour. Ajay Devgn shines as only he can, while Sidharth Malhotra and Rakul Preet Singh are adequate enough. All in all, a nice watch with your family this festival weekend. I’m going with 3.5 out of 5 stars.

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