The first-look of Raat Gayi, Baat Gayi? (RGBG) was out in early 2007, soon after the success of Mithya and the movie has released nearly two years later. There was a positive buzz around RGBG, because one associates their team (Saurabh Shukla, Rajat Kapoor and Vinay Pathak) with quality films. Luckily, the film doesn’t disappoint. Though it was promoted on the lines of The Hangover, it is nothing like it; not even a remake because it went into production even before The Hangover was released. Also, it isn't as laugh-out-loud funny as Bheja Fry.

In RGBG, Rahul (Rajat) wakes up with a hangover after partying all night. He can’t remember anything about the previous night except fleeting visions of getting dangerously close to Sophiya (Neha). His wife Mitali (Irawati) ignores him making him wonder if she has discovered his secret. Meanwhile, his friend Amit (Vinay) is thrown out of his house by his wife played by Anuradha because of his porn addiction. Their older friend Saxena (Daleep) lectures them on fidelity as his wife Jolly (Navneet) tries to mend Amit’s marriage. Rahul has no choice but to meet Sophia to find out what actually happened at the party.

RGBG is a well-made, niche film aimed at couples in their 30s, 40s and 50s. The first-half is slow but the second half ties up the loose ends and is a tad more entertaining. The humour is mature, subtle and laced with sexual innuendo, capturing the nuances of events at a party, of friendship, society, romance and married life at different ages. The characters are well-defined. Everything is very real and identifiable, from Vinay’s addiction to cyber porn, Irawati’s boredom and low self-esteem, Neha and Rajat’s loneliness to Navneet’s effected enthusiasm and optimism and Daleep’s self-righteousness. You know that certain things are too good to be true and you can almost predict which skeletons will fall out of whose closets.

Memorable scenes include the sequence at Neha’s apartment where the boyfriend and the fling come face to face, the reconciliation between Anuradha and Vinay and the encounters between Neha and Rajat. Saurabh Shukla’s narrative is non-linear but not confusing. He knows what he is doing. The production values are glossy, upscale and contemporary. The music is peppy, especially Love in C major (great video) and the title track. The other songs are situational and well-placed.

The opening titles of RGBG are sparkly pink, very Sex and the City and Neha Dhupia dazzles from the title track itself. She is uber-sexy, attractive and unapologetic about it, which is most appealing. She more than a bombshell; a seriously underrated actress! Her sassy, layered role gives her immense scope to act and she delivers, using her body language effectively. This film should shut up her critics. She tantalizes, deceives, emotes and displays her vulnerable side with equal ease.

Rajat Kapoor, a bored husband and Vinay Pathak, a hen-pecked husband have great chemistry and deliver effortless performances. Rajat looks good and is restrained and mature; you can feel his guilt and confusion. Vinay is spontaneous and frank, delivering funny one-liners. Navneet Nishan’s character is very sweet, likeable and identifiable. For a change, she entertains without going over-the-top and you even sympathize with her towards the end. Daleep Tahil is perfectly cast as the seemingly perfect husband and does full justice to his slimy character. ‘Mate’ mouthing Ranvir Shorey entertains in his cameo of a typical Desi pretending he was born and raised in Australia. Anuradha Menon looks pretty and is quite a natural actress. You don’t think of Lola Kutty. As the bored and confused housewife, Irawati Harshe Mayadev is a delight and we’d love to see more of her.

RGBG isn’t for everyone but for people who like classy, slice-of-life films starring Rajat Kapoor, Vinay Pathak and Ranvir Shorey. PNC’s best film since Pyaar Ke Side Effects won’t leave you with a hangover and is your best bet this weekend