
All About: Phas Gaye Re Obama Full Movie Review: Plot, Cast, Ending Explained, Ratings & More
In a world dominated by slick action and over-the-top thrillers, every now and then comes a film that blends satire, social commentary, and clever humor in the most unexpected way. That’s exactly what Phas Gaye Re Obama does — a 2010 Hindi-language black comedy that remains relevant, hilarious, and deeply ironic, even over a decade later.
If you’re searching for a complete Phas Gaye Re Obama movie review, including the plot, cast performances, ending explained, and IMDb rating, you’re in for a treat.
What is Phas Gaye Re Obama About? (Plot Summary)
Set against the backdrop of the 2008 global recession, the story centers around Om Shastri (played by Rajat Kapoor), a once-rich Indian-American who finds himself financially ruined. Desperate to save his home in the U.S., Om travels back to India hoping to sell off his ancestral property in Uttar Pradesh.
What follows is a comedy of errors as Om lands in the clutches of local kidnappers. But instead of a traditional ransom story, the movie flips expectations. Every kidnapper, gangster, and political figure who nabs Om ends up trying to sell him off to the next bidder — hoping to profit from an American’s “riches” in the middle of a recession.
What’s genius is that everyone in the movie is broke, corrupt, and trying to cash in on globalization — even when it’s clearly not working. The film satirizes India’s obsession with the West and its bizarre get-rich-quick culture during economic downturns.
Phas Gaye Re Obama Cast & Standout Performances
- Rajat Kapoor as Om Shastri – Calm, composed, and subtly sarcastic, Rajat delivers a restrained yet impactful performance.
- Sanjay Mishra as Bhai Saab – Steals the show with his impeccable comic timing. His portrayal of a debt-ridden local gangster is both hilarious and oddly relatable.
- Neha Dhupia as Munni Gangster – Fierce, funny, and far from your typical Bollywood female lead. She plays a woman who’s as dangerous as she is cunning.
- Manu Rishi, Amole Gupte, and Anupam Shyam add strong support, rounding out a cast of unforgettable characters.
The cast’s chemistry and raw performances elevate the film from just a comedy to a memorable satire.
Direction & Writing
Directed by Subhash Kapoor, Phas Gaye Re Obama is a brilliant example of low-budget filmmaking done right. The writing is sharp, layered, and full of subtle digs at both Indian and global politics. Subhash’s direction is grounded — he lets the characters and situations drive the humor rather than forcing slapstick or melodrama.
What makes the movie stand out is its social relevance, especially in small-town India. The way it links local crime with global economics is smart, funny, and frighteningly accurate.
Genre & Style
- Genre: Satirical Comedy / Political Drama
- Tone: Witty, sarcastic, and deeply ironic
- Language: Hindi (with English dialogue sprinkled in)
- Run Time: Approximately 108 minutes
It’s a satire wrapped in a kidnapping comedy, with subtle political undertones and cultural commentary.
Ending Explained (Spoiler Alert!)
After being kidnapped, sold, and resold by multiple groups — including corrupt cops, power-hungry gangsters, and an opportunistic politician — Om finally takes control of the situation. He uses his wit and understanding of global economics to trick everyone into believing he’s worth millions.
In a twist of poetic justice, Om escapes with just enough money to save his house back in America. The crooks, on the other hand, are left empty-handed, proving that greed never wins in the long run.
The ending wraps up the chaos perfectly, leaving viewers laughing — and thinking — long after the credits roll.
IMDb Rating & Critical Response
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Critics: Applauded the film’s originality, performances, and socio-political satire
- Audience: Labeled it a hidden gem of Indian cinema with cult-classic potential
The film received praise for its clever writing, grounded storytelling, and hilarious performances, especially from Sanjay Mishra and Neha Dhupia.
Box Office Performance
Despite being a low-budget film, Phas Gaye Re Obama performed well at the box office, largely due to positive word-of-mouth. Its unique concept and sharp humor resonated with audiences tired of formulaic Bollywood content.
It became a surprise sleeper hit, with strong viewership in both urban and rural areas.
Why You Should Watch Phas Gaye Re Obama
- It’s funny without being silly
- Packed with smart social commentary
- Features some of the best performances in offbeat Hindi cinema
- A refreshing break from the usual commercial film formula
- A reminder of how recession and globalization affect even the unlikeliest corners of the world
If you’re a fan of films that make you laugh while also making you think, this one’s a gem.
Final Verdict
Phas Gaye Re Obama is a razor-sharp satire that punches way above its budget. With hilarious performances, smart writing, and a surprisingly touching message, it remains one of the most underappreciated comedies in Indian cinema.
Final Rating: 4.2/5
Whether you’re into indie films, political satire, or just want a fresh comedy to watch — don’t miss this one.
FAQs About Phas Gaye Re Obama
1. What is the IMDb rating of Phas Gaye Re Obama?
The film holds an IMDb rating of 7.4 out of 10, making it one of the better-reviewed satirical comedies from India.
2. Is the movie based on real events?
No, it’s a fictional story, but it cleverly uses real-world issues like the 2008 recession to drive the narrative.
3. Who directed the movie?
Subhash Kapoor directed the film, who later went on to make Jolly LLB and other acclaimed works.
4. What genre does the film belong to?
It’s a satirical black comedy, blending crime, politics, and humor.
5. Why is it called “Phas Gaye Re Obama”?
The title is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the fact that even someone like “Obama” (symbolizing wealth/America) isn’t safe from the clutches of a global economic crisis — especially in rural India.