Ramesh Powar. The name always brings on a smile.

I went for The Pink Panther last weekend.

Steve Martin is such a draw. He is one of the best actors we have today. Very often, we underestimate Martin by considering him simply as a comic actor. Oh sure, he has superb comic timing and he did begin his career as a stand up comedian. But anyone who has watched his Roxanne, Shopgirl and Parenthood would know that Martin has considerable talents as a dramatic actor. And in Father of the Bride, though the comedy might have been derived from Martin getting caught in situations and his reactions to them, his portrayal of the pain of losing his little girl was what stayed. Similarly in Roxanne, his nose was definitely comedic and CD Bales definitely took it sportingly but when it came to the woman of his dreams, didn’t his eyes have a wistfulness which suggested the presence of a romantic soul suffused with kindness.

My argument is when you go for a Steve Martin movie, you have certain expectations of it. Because you know that Martin himself has expectations of himself. And he is an intelligent man himself, a grounded person not given to self-adoration.

So when I went for The Pink Panther, I had certain expectations from it. Perhaps the whole problem was ‘expectations’. The movie certainly had its moments of fun, mostly physical comedy and at times, corny too. Probably, I have seen those Martin movies which has made me think of him as an intelligent man and therefore, could not really believe him as the idiotic Clouseau.

I really liked the Jean Reno character – the experienced gendarme sent to keep an eye on Clouseau’s antics. He looks like a classic detective, notepads, questions, sleepy eyes, slouchy walk and an unobtrusive manner. The man whom no one would ever notice. And Reno plays him so quietly that in come scenes you have to look at him to know he is there.

Beyoncé is her usual sexy self. Nothing much to do for her than just be herself.

All in all, a complete timepass movie. Unless you are a Martin fan.