Most of our love stories are more or less romcoms these days. But the only person who is really churning out love stories at present is Mohit Suri. Aashiqui 2 was a complete love saga. Ek Villain had its share of thrill but more or less boasted of an innocent love story. And now Mohit Suri is back with another romantic flick - Hamari Adhuri Kahani. What makes the film special is that Vidya Balan is working for the first time with the Bhatts and also that Mahesh Bhatt has written the script, which is inspired from his own life. Though the film has some rough edges, it has some beautiful and touching moments which makes it worth watching at least once!
The story of the movie: Vasudha(Vidya Balan) is compelled by her so-called righteous father to marry Hari(Rajkummar Rao). Their lives fall apart in no time. Few years later, Vasudha comes across the millionaire Aarav Ruparel(Emraan Hashmi). Something clicks between them and they find themselves attracted to each other. However, Vasudha realizes that their love story might not be possible and with a heavy heart, she decides to not go ahead with the relationship.
Hamari Adhuri Kahani makes an impact from the very start. After watching the film, one will realize that the theatrical trailer of the film was so nicely cut! After all, it doesn’t give a complete idea about the film’s plot and hence, for most part of the film, one has no idea what might happen next. There’s too much drama in the first 10 minutes. Once the flashback portions commence, the film becomes even more interesting but somewhere, the plot doesn’t quite progress much. The intermission point is well executed and the makers have tried their best in making an impact there. But the turn of events is something that is surely anticipated by the viewer. However, the second half is where a lot of developments take place and it makes for a very nice watch. The film does drag at places but keeps viewers engaged. The pre-climax is predictable but it’s directed beautifully. The same goes for the final scene in the film – it is quite touching.
However, the film has its fair of blemishes. It gets quite unconvincing at places, especially in terms of dialogues. Who says ‘kaun hai yeh banjaaran’ to a guest after all?! One can’t have deep, creative dialogues everytime – it can backfire as it happens in this scene. Also, the manner in which Aarav operated his business and his habit of missing flights in an emotional state is a bit hard to digest at places. Lastly, how a character manages to find another person in other part of the country in just two years is baffling. No explanations given!
As for the performances, there’s no doubt that Emraan Hashmi takes the cake. He looks dashing, as always, and delivers a touching and heartening performance. He has played twisted characters in the past but here he plays an all-white character and looks completely justified for the part. In fact, it is so good to see the protagonist who is so pure and loving after ages, in a film! Vidya Balan as expected looks stunning and delivers an effective performance. She looks completely a battered housewife who finds it difficult to find happiness. In climax, she rocks the most. Rajkummar Rao has a supporting role but gives it his more than 100% in terms of performance, body language etc. Even in the final scene, it’s due to him that the film ends on an exhilarant note.
Sara Khan(Naila) looks hot and that’s about it. Amala Akkineni(Aarav’s mother) has a nice screen presence and does well. Madhurima Tuli(Avni) makes her presence felt while Namit Das(Saanj) is just okay. Anil George, seen in Miss Lovely, doesn’t add any impact. Uday Chandra(Aarav’s mother’s companion) is fine. Suhasini Mulay overacts and hams. The actor who plays the cop stands out. Prabal Punjabi(Apurva) at first is laughable but but overall is fine
Music is well incorporated in the narrative but except the title song, no other song is really memorable. The title track however is surely going to be remembered and is played out in a wonderful manner in the film. Raju Singh’s background score is nice but is unnecessarily loud in the domestic violence scenes. Vishnu Rao’s cinematography is nice. Shagufta Rafique’s dialogues are good at places and at places, it’s very unconvincing. Mahesh Bhatt’s story, based on his own life, is touching and definitely promising. But somewhere the script and dialogues doesn’t do justice to the amazing plot. Mohit Suri’s direction is simple and effective in most of the places. But even he has no option but to disappoint at places because the screenplay and dialogues lack substance in some scenes. But a fine job overall and hope he comes up with many such touching love stories in future!
Some of the best scenes:
The first scene
Avni brings Hari home
Aarav and Vasudha meet for the first time
Fire in the hotel
Aarav and Vasudha in a Dubai garden
Aarav asks Vasudha to send her a picture
Vasudha in the police station
Vasudha hugs Aarav for the first time
Hari scares the daylights of Vasudha
The title song
Aarav enchanted by flowers in Bastar
The final scene
On the whole, Hamari Adhuri Kahani is a beautiful love story – a bit old school but touches the heart nevertheless. Emraan Hashmi plays a very lovable character and the actor is sure to get a lot of praises for the excellent portrayal. Vidya Balan and Rajkummar Rao too deliver exceptional performances. Surprisingly, only the title song is memorable in the film. However, the film has its share of blemishes – the dialogues are strange and laughable at places while the cinematic liberties at places are unconvincing. A film worth watching once for sure!