'The King of Bollywood' is a finely made spoof on Hindi film industry. The film takes a humorous dig at the way films are made in Bollywood by taking a tongue-in-cheek look at what usually goes on behind the scenes. At the same time, the movie deliberately incorporates some of the clichéd and browbeaten plots that have remained a part of Hindi films for ages.
At the center of the plot is an ageing star KK who keeps an entire wardrobe of wigs and gaudy outfits, and sports them unabashedly as a constant reminder to himself (as well as to others) that he is still able to play hero in films. His surrounded by his loyal and meek secretary Ratty, and an astrologer Guruji, who is always coming up with auspicious dates for movie mahurats and the numerological alterations in names and titles - something so commonplace in present day Bollywood.
Through his witty script, director Piyush Jha also takes a satirical dig at various other elements of the film industry. For instance, the way KK introduces his comeback film Dhak Dhak Karta Hai Father India Ka Dil as a 'hatke' film in which everyone 'worked like a family', is a subtle reminder to the way every film in Bollywood is promoted as a 'different' film.
The film also takes potshots on top-notch actors dancing in businessmen's weddings and how the financing of films in Bollywood is linked to the underworld.
'The King of Bollywood' solely belongs to Om Puri who literally slips into the skin of his character KK and brings out his vanities and delusions with such conviction that actually makes him the king of Bollywood in a way. Sophie Dahl is gorgeous but very clumsy when it comes to speaking Hindi.
In marginal roles, Manoj Pahwa is impressive while Diwakar Pundir looks bland.
In short, 'The King of Bollywood' is witty, entertaining and satirical.
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