Milap Zaveri's "Mastiii 4," starring Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, and Aftab Shivdasani, has arrived in theaters, attempting to revive the adult comedy franchise. However, the film has been met with largely negative reviews, with many critics finding the humor juvenile and the execution lacking.
The film's plot revolves around three married friends, Amar (Riteish Deshmukh), Meet (Vivek Oberoi), and Prem (Aftab Shivdasani), residing in the UK, who are bored with their domestic lives. Inspired by a friend's "love visa," which grants him a week of freedom from his marriage, they demand the same from their wives, leading to a series of misunderstandings and chaotic situations. The second half of the film reportedly descends into a circus of mistaken affairs and toilet humor.
Critics have pointed out several shortcomings in "Mastiii 4." Many find the jokes to be recycled, unfunny, and often crossing the line into vulgarity. The writing is described as hollow, with the humor feeling forced and the pacing collapsing after the interval. Some critics suggest that the film confuses chaos with actual comedy. Despite the negative reception, some viewers appreciate the film for sticking to its core identity and providing over-the-top entertainment. Some netizens have described the movie as "silly but cringe".
Despite the criticism directed at the movie overall, Riteish Deshmukh's performance has been singled out as a highlight. He is seen as genuinely committed to the film, portraying his character with sincerity. Aftab Shivdasani is also noted for understanding the tone of the franchise. However, Vivek Oberoi's performance has been described as exhausting, and the supporting cast, including Arshad Warsi and Tusshar Kapoor, are considered underutilized. Tusshar Kapoor's character, Don Pablo Putinwa, had the potential to be absurdly funny, but the writing did not allow him to reach that level.
Director Milap Zaveri, known for his work in the mainstream Hindi entertainment genre, attempts to cater to the franchise's fans with a mix of imagination and audacity. While the music is noted for having a classic Hindi film edge, the background score is intentionally over-the-top. Some social media users have praised the film for its structured gags and improved roles for female actors. However, others feel that the humor is repetitive and that the "Love Visa" concept lacks clarity.
Overall, "Mastiii 4" is viewed as a tired franchise running on fumes. While it may appeal to die-hard fans of the "Masti" series who enjoy unapologetic, adult humor, it is unlikely to win over new audiences or impress those seeking clever comedy. The film struggles to recapture the breezy and mildly naughty fun of the original "Masti".
