Welcome is a Bollywood comedy film directed by Anees Bazmee and released on December 21, 2007. The movie features a power-packed ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, and Paresh Rawal. Known for its hilarious dialogues, over-the-top humor, and brilliant performances, Welcome remains one of the most entertaining Bollywood films of all time.
The movie is a perfect mix of action, drama, and non-stop comedy, making it a family entertainer. With whacky characters and chaotic situations, the film keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. Whether it’s Uday Shetty’s poetic gangster persona or Majnu Bhai’s hilarious attempts to become an artist, Welcome is a laugh riot that delivers entertainment in every scene.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Rajiv (Akshay Kumar), a simple and honest guy who falls in love with Sanjana (Katrina Kaif). However, things take a wild turn when Rajiv realizes that Sanjana is the sister of two feared yet comical gangsters, Uday Shetty (Nana Patekar) and Majnu Bhai (Anil Kapoor).
Uday and Majnu, despite being underworld dons, desperately want their sister to marry into a respectable family. However, Rajiv’s uncle, Dr. Ghunghroo (Paresh Rawal), strictly opposes this alliance. What follows is a rollercoaster of confusion, mistaken identities, and uncontrollable laughter as Rajiv tries to win over Sanjana’s family while keeping his own uncle in check.
With unexpected twists, crazy situations, and non-stop humor, Welcome delivers a perfect comedy that is loved by audiences even today.
What’s Good?
1. Brilliant Comic Performances
The film boasts some of Bollywood’s finest actors, each delivering a memorable comic performance.
- Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor steal the show as the lovable yet dangerous gangsters. Their chemistry and comic timing are impeccable.
- Paresh Rawal as Dr. Ghunghroo adds another layer of comedy with his expressive reactions.
- Akshay Kumar, known for his comic roles, plays the confused and helpless Rajiv perfectly.
- Katrina Kaif adds charm and glamour to the film, playing the innocent and sweet Sanjana.
2. Hilarious Dialogues
The film is packed with punchy one-liners and rib-tickling dialogues that have become iconic.
- Majnu Bhai’s painting scene and his explanation of modern art is still one of the most famous comedy sequences in Bollywood.
- Uday Shetty’s poetic dialogues and gangster-like delivery make every scene enjoyable.
3. Engaging Storyline and Direction
Director Anees Bazmee masterfully blends action, romance, and humor. The screenplay is engaging, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. Every scene is well-paced, with humor infused naturally into the storyline.
4. Catchy Music
The film features some hit songs like:
- Kiya Kiya – A peppy dance number featuring Mallika Sherawat.
- Insha Allah – A fun and quirky song that perfectly fits the film’s theme.
- Uncha Lamba Kad – A romantic track featuring Akshay and Katrina.
5. Cinematography and Visual Appeal
The movie is shot in beautiful locations, including Dubai, which adds to the film’s grand and stylish look. The colorful sets and extravagant visuals enhance the film’s overall appeal.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Top-notch performances by a stellar cast.
- Non-stop humor that appeals to all age groups.
- Well-written dialogues that have become iconic.
- Fast-paced narrative with no dull moments.
- Perfect mix of action and comedy.
Weaknesses
- Over-the-top sequences that may not appeal to those who prefer subtle humor.
- Limited character depth, as the focus is primarily on comedy rather than storytelling.
- Predictable climax, which follows the typical Bollywood comedy formula.
Target Audience
Welcome is a must-watch for comedy lovers. It caters to:
- Families looking for clean, lighthearted entertainment.
- Fans of slapstick humor and over-the-top comedy.
- Bollywood enthusiasts who enjoy movies with larger-than-life characters.
- Viewers who love masala entertainers with a mix of action, romance, and comedy.
Box Office Details
Despite mixed reviews from critics, Welcome was a box office blockbuster, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 2007.
| Budget | INR 32 Crores |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross Collection | INR 117 Crores |
First 5-Day Box Office Collection (India & Overseas)
| Day | India Collection (INR) | Overseas Collection (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 5.2 Crores | 1.8 Crores |
| Day 2 | 6.4 Crores | 2.2 Crores |
| Day 3 | 7.1 Crores | 2.5 Crores |
| Day 4 | 6.8 Crores | 2.3 Crores |
| Day 5 | 7.3 Crores | 2.6 Crores |
The film’s success led to a sequel, Welcome Back (2015), which also performed well at the box office but could not match the charm of the original.
Recommendation
Welcome is a laugh riot from start to finish. With powerful performances, unforgettable dialogues, and perfectly timed comedy, it remains one of Bollywood’s best comedy films. Whether you’re watching it for the first time or revisiting it for nostalgia, the movie guarantees unlimited entertainment.
If you love lighthearted comedy with a mix of action and drama, Welcome is a must-watch. Highly recommended for a fun-filled movie night!
