"Kaun kitney paani mein" should have been a socially relevant satire with all its angst and wit intact considering the assembly line of fine actors.Sadly this socially still relevant film based on water scarcity, proper water storage and its utilization, the existent caste based divide, the broad gap between the rich and the poor on hierarchy which needs to mended and also the prevalence of superstitious beliefs in the rural and even among the socially privileged takes too much into its capacity and the effort does not yield the best results.The Director whose previous works I am Kalam and Jalpari triumphed in spirit for their unadulterated story telling seems to have chosen the commercial route.So its not great to watch the talented Radhika Apte merely swing her hips to a contagious Rangabati number or share a few lip locks with the very under utilized Kunal Kapoor who redefines sexy.Both Radhika and Kunal are good actors and are adequate in the scenario but its the more accomplished actors Gulshan Grover and more so Saurabh Shukla who manage to get the best lines and power packed scenes.Shukla owns this film.As the arrogant, potbellied, alchol consuming king living in a land of no water, Shukla's cynicism is as true as his feelings for his only son.The wordplay between Shukla and Kunal is briliant in a few moments that the director chooses to allow his actors to rise and shine.The music employs native folk music and the camerawork is quite soothing on the eyes.
Thoughtfully written but ill executed like a half baked cake, this one leaves you thirsty and asking for more.