This review might come a bit too late but believe me, I was not sure whether I wanted to see this film or not. It was a launch pad for another star-kin who didn’t look like a hero. The heroine seemed like one of those bubble-gum girls and the director was a newcomer. But I guess that’s where I was in for a surprise.
From the title sequence to the end-titles, the film was a fun-filled ride with amazingly good performances, beautifully thought-out scenes, natural dialogues and melodious songs.
Abhay Deol fitted the role to a T. From his apprehensions regarding proposing the catholic girl he loves to the friendship he shares with the heroine to the mess he keeps up ending in, he has delivered the needful with wonderful performance.
Ayesha Takia is a girl to watch out for. She looks cute, acts well, can be made to look simple as well as gorgeous and above all, she reminds us of what natural performances used to be in Hrishikesh Mukherji and Basu Chatterji’s films.
Director Imtiaz Ali deserves a huge round of applause. No wonder, Karan Johar is praising his work and Subhash Ghai is giving him a film to direct. Imtiaz knows what expressions to capture, how to take a shot, how to design a mise en scene with perfection.
He also knows how to introduce a song in the film without breaking the flow of the film. In fact, all the songs help in carrying the story further. I wish his cameraperson had complimented his work. The lighting jerks are too prominent, which even a layman would notice.
Sandesh Shandilya has once again given good music after Piya Basanti, Road, K3G, Rules and Chameli. Title Song, Abhi Abhi Mere Dil Mein, Zindagi, Bolo Kya Tum and Naa Sahi are all wonderful compositions and Prasoon Joshi has written songs that perfectly match the character of the film.
Amongst the supporting artistes, Apoorva Jha is good but only in some parts.
Vijay Maurya has done a good job. His acting in the Abhi Abhi song goes on to prove his spontaneity and comic timing. Suresh Oberoi is dependable as ever. Raj Jutshi, Rati Agnihotri and Ayesha Jhulka seem to be playing the game of ’’Who Hams the Best?’’
All and all, a very good effort. After ages, we are seeing a clean family entertainer. It’s a good film for the whole family. Go and watch it before it leaves the theatres. The masses are so used to Masala that they may not give this film a fair chance. But yes, once they see this film, they will also say - ’’Itni achchhi film hogi Socha na tha!’’