After Bas Yun Hi, Barah Aana is Raja Menon’s second film. It is one of those films with a lot of potential that has not been exploited completely. The story’s a good one, so is the cast but the narration is mediocre, until the second half when it actually takes off.

Barah Aana is a comic thriller that narrates the story of three unlikely friends comprising of a stubborn but dependable driver Shuklaji (Naseeruddin Shah), a naughty watchman Yadav (Vijay Raaz), and an ambitious waiter Aman (Arjun Mathur). Driven by an unfortunate situation, Yadav stumbles upon a crime. On realizing that it is quiet a low risk way to make some extra money he lures his two pals Yadav and Shuklaji into it as well. But as money starts coming in all three of them start showing personality changes. Soon things start going out of hand and it all leads them individually to destinations that they had never planned.

Raja Menon’s Barah Aana is a total fun ride that delivers what it promises. Despite made on a shoestring budget this song less movie is a watch for the brilliant chemistry and fun filled mockery between its three diverse personality characters enacted by Vijay Raaz, Arjun Mathur and Naseeruddin Shah. The Italian girl played by Violante Placido’s love angle with Aman however slows down the story a bit. Shot on actual locations in the slums of Dharavi, Mumbai the movie has many relatable incidents. The very beginning of the movie where a living man (Naseer) is officially considered dead sets the ball rolling and the fun never stops. The camerawork however could have been better as the low lighting at times gets a bit frustrating.

Arjun Mathur who freshly impressed with his act in Luck By Chance gets better scope to showcase his acting prowess this time and he succeeds. Naseer should be lauded for encouraging new filmmakers by being a part of their projects enthusiastically. Tannishtha Chatterjee in a small but significant role is very good. Manabanoo Mody Kotwal as the Cutlet Aunty is very funny. But the one to watch out for in this one is Vijay Raaz. It is certainly his greatest performance till date.