By Priyanka Khanna, IANS

The season of laughter is upon us with the release of some comic cinema capers and the promise of some fun films in the days ahead.

Never mind if "Waqt - The Race Against Time" that released Friday and Kamal Haasan's "Mumbai Xpress" managed to tickle our ribs only sporadically. Hindi filmmakers are focusing on the audience's funny bone, even if they may not laugh all the way to their banks.

Vipul Amrutlal Shah's got the comic timing right with the talented duo of Boman Irani and Rajpal Yadav coming together for his latest release "Waqt", but failed to keep up the tempo throughout the film.

"Waqt" revolves around Akshay Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan with Priyanka Chopra and Shefali Shah cast as their co-stars, respectively. Though Amitabh is at his comic best in some portions, the film flounders in trying to be all encompassing.

On the other hand, Kamal alias "Mumbai Xpress" has gone overboard in trying to be too funny as a good-hearted thief. His much-hyped film could not live up to the expectations raised by the promos. Kamal's silent movie "Pushpak" and even the comedy of disguises - "Chachi 420" - were much missed.

The two new films, nevertheless, signal the return of the funny genre.

"These are films that went on the floor following the success of four comedies - Priyadarshan's 'Hungama', Raj Kumar Hirani's 'Munnabhai M.B.B.S.', Indra Kumar's 'Masti' and David Dhawan's 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi'. Filmmakers have regained confidence in the genre on the whole," says filmmaker Arjun Sablok.

Such is the clamour that leading men and women in Bollywood are lining up for any decent comic opportunity that comes their way. Strangely though, character actors like Paresh Rawal and Om Puri who made hay while the sun shone have decided to go easy on the laughs.

The scenario today replicates the one in the 1960s when Mehmood had to move away from his pun platform when Shammi Kapoor donned the giggly garb in "Professor" and other films.

For now the heroes are tickled pink. And they don't mind sharing their joke with us.

From long-delayed actor-cum-politician Govinda's "Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karen" and Sunny Deol's "Jo Bole So Nihaal" to the much-awaited Yashraj Films' "Bunty Aur Babli" and the Salman Khan-starrer "Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar", the scales are tilted in favour of the funnies.

Making people laugh is the most difficult task for a filmmaker. Even Kundan Shah who made what is perhaps Indian cinema's greatest satirical work - "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron" - could never replicate his feat.

Some classic comic capers were "Bhoot Bangla," "Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi" and "Padosan" that showcased the impeccable comic timing of Mehmood and Kishore Kumar.

Much before gag shows took to mocking Bollywood, "Pyar Kiye Jaa" starring Mehmood-Kishore Kumar-Shashi Kapoor was a tongue-in-cheek spoof on Bollywood. And in "Chameli Ki Shaadi," Amjad Khan gave us some great tips on ways to a woman's heart.

Comedy has emerged as an important ingredient in Bollywood films. Films like "Sholay," "Ram Aur Shyam," "Chaalbaaz," "Judwaa," "Namak Halal," "Satte Pe Satta," "Naseeb" and "Amar Akbar Anthony" showcase this talent.

More recently, "Rangeela," "Dil Chahta Hai" and "Kal Ho Na Ho" weaved light moments beautifully into the script.

Govinda returns to the silver screen after a long sabbatical with "Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karen". The film by Harmesh Malhotra, co-starring Preity Zinta, Satish Kaushik and Sadashiv Amrapurkar, is slated for release Friday.

It promises to be archetypical Govinda entertainer on the lines of David Dhawan's "Coolie No 1" and "Hero No 1" that were marked with impossible situations made possible only by his presence.

Govinda is credited with mastering the art of slapstick. The week ahead will be a good test of whether he has a fighting chance to continue dancing around trees.

Shah Rukh Khan will give Govinda a tough fight on the marquees with his special appearance in "Kaal" that releases alongside Govinda's "Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karen". The film, by Red Chillies Entertainment and Dharma Production, is directed by Soham.

The lead cast of the film comprises Ajay Devgan, Vivek Oberoi, John Abraham, Lara Dutta and Esha Deol. Shah Rukh, known as the "Badshah of Bollywood", performs a sizzling item number along with the too-hot-to-handle Malaika Arora-Khan.

May the best man and genre win.