Interestingly she is not one of the central characters. In the tapestry of characters that Raaj Shaandilyaa has woven, she is merely the “Hero ki Behen”. But, what a delight she is. I am talking about Mallika Sherawat as Chanda Rani in Vicky Vidya ka Woh Wala Video.

She is back in a Bollywood mainstream movie after a hiatus of 7-8 years. Her comeback fills every frame where she is a part of the narrative. In this movie with a rather long title, Mallika Sherawat gets a chance to show her prowess in a comic role. And she reminds us that she is a natural. Who can forget her “Zille Ilaahi” in the movie Welcome?

We meet her character for the first time when she has come back to home from her last run-away attempt. While Mr. Bable (played by Tiku Talsania) rants about her character, she closes the argument by saying – I know how to make coffee. “Teen seeti mein banti hai coffee. Teen seeti maarungi, teen sau launde aa jaayenge coffee le ke.” (A coffee takes three whistles. If I whistle three times, there will be three hundred boys with coffee here).

She knows the power of her charm. Her one idiosyncrasy – she hates marriages, while she loves being in love. So, she runs away for love, but when her “love” proposes marriage, she runs back.

She is pitted against two characters in the movie. One, Inspector Laadle – played by ever brilliant Vijay Raaj and another her namesake Chanda the Maid – played by Archana Patel. Laadle immediately falls in love with her, and Chanda the Maid hates her for sharing the name and being the character that she is.

The central premise of the movie is on a burglary that takes place in Vicky and Vidya’s house (the titular characters). Chanda is Vicky’s sister. Inspector Laadle arrives to investigate the burglary and the moment he sees Chanda, the investigation starts. There is no plan of any investigation, if not for Chanda. And Inspector Laadle’s assistant Shukla even quips – “Kanoon geela ho gaya hai, Sir jee.” (Law has gotten wet, Sir).

When Chanda says – “Police par se toh vishwas hi uth gaya hai mera.” (Rough parallel in English: My trust on the Police has evaporated). Laadle responds – “Bitha denge, aur aap kahein toh lita bhi denge.” (We will condense it again, or if you want can freeze also).

Her dressing sense is different from everyone else. Her getup in saaree, sunglasses and matching accessories; glamour of the small town written all over her. One of the best things about this movie is the re-imagination of the song “Tumhein apna banana ki kasam” from the movie Sadak. Wisely the makers have not changed the song, no remix, pure 90s. The original song plays in the movie and Vijay Raaj and Mallika Sherawat dance to it. The original has visuals of night time Mumbai, the new one has visuals of day time Rishikesh and it is refreshing.

Her banter with Chanda the Maid is equally delightful. While there are several witty jokes and one-liners in the movie, the one I loved the most was an exchange between the two Chandas. Chanda Raani (Mallika Sherawat) says – “Aisi chai banana ki man jhoome aur dil naache” (Prepare the tea such that the mind swoons and the heart dances) and Chanda the maid responds – “Bhains ka doodh aata hai, Naagin ka nahin.” (We get buffalo’s milk and not snake’s).

Mallika Sherawat’s character is on the screen for twenty odd minutes. But those twenty minutes are arguably the best thing about the movie. She has the swag, the comic timing, the expressions. I hope that we get to see Miss Sherawat more and more in such roles.