Varun Thakur: Vicky This Side, Varun That Side

Varun Thakur: Vicky This Side, Varun That Side is a captivating stand-up comedy special featuring Varun Thakur, one of India's well-known stand-up comedians and actors. This comedy special was released in 2017 on Amazon Prime video, and its central theme encompasses Thakur's life experiences, taking viewers on an amusing journey from Varun’s childhood to his adulthood.

The comedy special gets its innovative title from Varun's most loved on-stage persona, Vicky Malhotra, a stereotypical Mumbai-based gym-going "bro" who loves their protein shakes as much as their social status. The title implies a clash of characters – Vicky, the arrogant self-obsessed gym enthusiast and Varun, the representation of Thakur's real-life persona, showcasing a contrast between the fictional Vicky and the real Varun.

In Varun Thakur: Vicky This Side, Varun That Side, Thakur oscillates between the world of his boisterous alter ego, Vicky, and his own real-life experiences, delivering a power-packed performance filled with wit, humor, and insightful anecdotes. The way he juggles between these two personas, creating a situational comedy, makes this comedy special a unique watch.

Beginning with tales from his childhood, Thakur transports his audience back to the era of the 90s, vividly capturing the essence of the time. He tugs at the viewer's nostalgia strings with descriptions of hard-candy Pop Tarts and the famous orange candies, dial-up internet connections, and the old school video game culture, evoking bouts of laughter and numerous 'me too' nods. These reminiscences not only serve as a comic relief but also provide a nuanced commentary on the changing times.

Gradually, the comedy special transitions into discussing Thakur's bizarre job experiences pre-comedy era, various facets of his acting career, and his hilarious misadventures in Bollywood. Known for his stint in the improv comedy show The Stage, he uses this platform to comment on the industry's quirks. This peek into the less glamorous side of the entertainment industry is equally enlightening and hilarious.

An essential part of Varun Thakur: Vicky This Side, Varun That Side is the introduction and frequent visits with Vicky Malhotra. Thakur masterfully uses Vicky to make fun of "bro-culture," mirroring and mocking societal expectations of 'being a man.' His spot-on portrayal of Vicky Malhotra is charming, and the character comes across as both witty and obnoxious. The banter between Vicky and Varun creates some of the special’s most memorable moments.

Thakur's interaction with the audience throughout the special is unquestionably one of its strengths. His casual, friendly, and occasionally self-deprecating humor accompanied by audience interaction makes this comedy special feel like a personal conversation between Thakur and his viewers. His easy-going rapport with his audience makes him relatable and makes the entire special a joy to watch.

Another feature that distinguishes Varun Thakur: Vicky This Side, Varun That Side is how it encapsulates various social issues within comedy. Whether it's mocking the problematic aspects of the gym culture or highlighting the perils of society's imposed expectations, Thakur's commentary possesses a satirical edge, making us think even while we laugh.

This comedy special is a treat to watch, with Thakur's impeccable comic timing, witty observational humor, and his unique ability to bring alive his characters. His knack for storytelling ensures that every anecdote and punchline resonates, making the audience feel a part of his exciting journey.

Varun Thakur: Vicky This Side, Varun That Side is a perfect example of Thakur's multi-faceted talent. The balance of humor and realism, the overlap of life's mundane and the extraordinary, and his ability to play with characters and their identities make this stand-up special a delightful experience and a must-watch for comedy enthusiasts. It will leave you in fits of laughter and invariably ask for more of Varun Thakur's comedic brilliance.