Not only does the title remind you of Pepsi’s slogan, but in the first half an hour you can’t help but make associations with other movies. Whether its Nikhil (Shahid Kapur) wearing a tilted cap like Shahrukh in Pardes, some clichéd dialogues or Kal Ho Na Ho style narration.. ‘Mein Nikhil aur yeh meri kahani’
The Kahani then, is good. Nikhil is in love with Neha (Soha Ali Khan). Neha wants to make a career in aviation and chooses to go to Mumbai. Nikhil follows her and makes unsuccessful attempts at convincing her to return back to Sabarpur. While Nikhil is wooing his lady, he meets two other women (Shagun and Sara) who fall for him. The rest of the movie deals with confusions and capers between the four. The ladies accept and refuse Nikhil’s love at their convenience. The end (drag) deals with which of the three gets Nikhil.
The movie is funny in parts. Shaguns and Nikhils conversation are the most enjoyable that make a connection between a mumbaite’s attitude towards a small townie.
The fast paced first half is good and very enjoyable. Unfortunately, the movie cannot keep up the same momentum in the second half. There are unwanted songs and the script moves too sluggishly in obvious directions. Overall a great concept with a fair execution of the script (could have been excellent though) that lets you down in the second half and the climax.
The performances – it’s Shahid all the way – he’s got brilliant timing for comedy and surprisingly, is excellent even in the occasional serious scenes. Though there are times when he looks unnatural and imitates other heroes – he needs to find his own style. I think he’ll be a director’s dream in a couple of years. He dances, not only with ease but has a bundle of uncontained energy. Lambi Race ka ghoda.
Neha’s (Soha Ali Khan) performance as an actor and dancer is bad. Saara (Tulip Joshi) is okay with not much to do, Shagun (Ayesha Takia) is the best performer of all the three heroines. Veterans like Gulshan Grover as the Planet M manager and Smitha Jaykar as Nikhil’s mum are good.
Ananth Narayan Mahadevan (director) has done a good job while the camera work is standard. Nothing exceptional, not bad either. Himesh Reshamiya’ does up the tempo in the first half with excellent music ‘Gustaakh dil tere liye’ being the best. Gustakh Dil’s experience is enhanced with some dazzling moves thanks to the choreographer, Vaibhavi Merchant.
A good enjoyable movie that is between being outright hilarious and plainly funny. A movie with a good storyline that’s a let down in the second half. Dil Mange more, I suspect will do good business due to its storyline, good performances and decent music. Shahid Kapur fans – don’t miss it.
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I intend to write crisp reviews - comments welcome. And Of course, Happy 2005.