Shreya creation’ Holiday, with Pooja Bhatt at the helm of affairs, takes you back in time with its age-old storyline. Set against the backdrop of Goa, this particular venture takes you on to an emotional ride .The story is the weakest link of this enterprise. It offers the same formula-ridden twists and turns and those orthodox sacrifices. The goings-on are outright predictable and the execution has nothing novel to offer.
Onjolee Nair, failed at the SSC exams, who subsequently is morose and depressed, feeling like a failure at life. Her understanding parents, father Gulshan Grover and mother Anahita Uberoi, bring her and her sister, Nauheed Cyrusi to Goa for a break. Nauheed is immediately drawn into the social whirl but Onjolee keeps to herself.
Till she watches the hotel Salsa dancers Dino Morea and Kashmera Shah in action. Slowly but surely she is drawn into their world. Kashmera is pregnant by the hotels resident playboy Sanjeeth Bedi, who is now hitting on Nauheed. Onjolee discovers a passion for dancing and is soon deeply in love with Dino. But her father who believes Dino is the father of Kashmera’s child, stops her from having anything to do with him, include dance.
In a bland climax, with Dino’s encouragement, she defies her father, and dances her heart out in front of all the hotel guests. Thus she finds herself.
Director Pooja Bhatt does make a valiant attempt. There are certain scenes that touch your heart, especially that scene where lovers drift apart . But such scenes are few and far between. Also, the film is very slow-paced, which mars the impact to a major extent.
The Kashmeera Shah track seems forced.Oonjlee Nair’s role looks confusing. She does look a loser, but the way she transforms herself after her meeting to Dino Morea lacks justification. Ditto in the climax.
Music serves as a soothing balm, but is not enough to elevate the film. Cinematography is nothing much to talk about, very ordinary at times. The dialogues are a mixed bag, at times excellent and at times melodramatic.
It’s the performances that are the saving grace of the film. Leading the way is Dino Morea, who’s simply brilliant. Onjolee comes up with superb performance, essaying her part with utmost sincerity. Gulshan Grover is another performer who does justice to his role, while Nauheed shows immense promise. Kashmeera is alright.
Watch at your own peril!!