Ugly aur Pagli has a few interesting moments but don't look for a story here, for it's the moments and incidents that bind this 2-hour film together. Mallika Sherawat and Ranvir Shorey are enough to make you forget the wafer-thin plot at times.
The movie tells the story of Kabir [Ranvir Shorey], a carefree guy who has been studying engineering for the last five years and whose life goes for a sixer when he meets the quirky and kinky Kuhu [Mallika Sherawat].
Kabir always wanted a girlfriend, but never in his wildest dreams did he ever think he would encounter a girl who could make him dance around in circles, ride cycles without seats, wear high heeled ladies sandals…
Ten minutes into the film and you realize that Ugly aur Pagli is not the usual prem kahani. Yet, you take to the over-dominating, brash woman and the timid, docile and submissive guy. In fact, you break into a smile as you are introduced to these characters. But the smile surfaces only intermittently.
Ugly aur Pagli belongs to both Mallika and Ranvir. The best thing about Mallika is that she's a complete natural. She's spunky and spirited and that's one of the reasons why this role works. Doubt if any other actress would've carried off the devilish streak so well. Her emotional side is also well captured in the concluding moments.
Ranvir Shorey is an incredible actor indeed! To play a submissive part convincingly requires complete understanding of the craft and Ranvir proves, yet again, that he's one of the most dependable actors around. Again, the best thing about him is that he's not pretending to act. Unfortunately, despite the interesting title and the intriguing tagline of “99 slaps and 1 kiss”, Ugly aur Pagli is, at best, ordinary fare.
