Filmy Gallery

*Cirkus* (2022), directed by Rohit Shetty, takes inspiration from Shakespeare's *The Comedy of Errors* and Gulzar's *Angoor* (1982), but falls short in delivering the comedic charm of its predecessors. The film revolves around two pairs of identical twins, both named Roy and Joy, separated at birth and raised in very different circumstances. One set grows up in a circus in Ooty, while the other set is raised by a wealthy businesswoman in Bangalore. The twins share a psychic connection, and the circus Roy experiences electric shocks that affect his Bangalore counterpart, which sets up a series of mistaken identity situations.

The film's central premise—about the nature versus nurture debate—is somewhat overshadowed by chaotic comedy that struggles to land. Dr. Roy (Murali Sharma) acts as the narrator, overseeing the twins' lives from a distance, but his philosophical musings feel detached from the comedic events unfolding on screen. The mistaken identities and physical gags involving electricity lose their novelty quickly, and the humor largely falls flat. The antics of comedians like Johnny Lever, Siddhartha Jadhav, and Sanjay Mishra, although talented, come off as forced and out of place, hindered by weak material.

While the film's visual style is bright and colorful, it can feel overwhelming and jarring at times. The best part of the movie is the song *Current Laga Re*, which showcases the sizzling chemistry between Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. Unfortunately, the rest of the film does not match the energy or style of this sequence.

Pooja Hegde's character, a suspense novelist, is underdeveloped, and Jacqueline Fernandez's role is barely a cameo. Varun Sharma, who typically excels in light-hearted roles, seems miscast here, playing both Roy and Joy with little variation in expression. Ranveer Singh, known for his exuberant and flamboyant performances, is given a role that feels restrained and underwritten, which is a missed opportunity considering his comic timing and charisma.

Overall, *Cirkus* offers a few moments of potential but falters in execution, failing to live up to the comedic legacy of its influences. Despite a star-studded cast and a colorful presentation, the film is more style than substance, leaving its deeper messages about orphans and family lost in the noise.