Table No. 21
Year: 2013
Director: Aditya Datta
Cast: Rajeev Khandelwal, Tena Desae, Paresh Raval

The promos of this film looked interesting. So how is the real deal? Is Rajeev Khandelwal’s checkered career going to receive a fillip from this suspense thriller?

What’s the plot?

A young couple (Rajeev Khandelwal, Tena Desae) wins an all-expenses-paid holiday package to Fiji. While happily enjoying the vacation, they encounter the quirky resort owner (Paresh Rawal), who offers them a huge sum to participate in a web- reality show. The game is apparently simple. Just answer 8 questions related to their personal lives and perform 8 related tasks. Only one rule applies – you lie, you die!

The game begins with easy questions and simple tasks. But soon it takes a sinister turn and starts becoming more and more complex. The couple realizes that the game is no game at all; it is somehow linked to their past and thy have a lot to lose. As the tasks start to test their sanity and demean their dignity, they have to find the reasons behind this dangerous game! What is in store for them?

What’s good?

·         The movie begins well and creates intrigue and interest.

What’s not?

·         The plot with its back and forth narrative loses steam soon and the film meanders.

·         The performances – even from the ever-reliable Paresh Raval are run-of-the-mill.

·         The central theme is revealed too late to make any meaningful impact.

·         Reminds of many past films like Zinda, Luck and Game; not to mention the umpteen number of B-grade thrillers from the Bhatt stables.

Verdict

Table No. 21 is a passable B-grade thriller, which could have been made much tauter and slicker. But the notable thing is that it has managed to make a decent profit at the box-office!