Hrishikesh Mukherjee films were simple, relatable and touched people’s hearts in a big way and continue to do so even today. Hence, remaking any of his film is nothing short of a risk. Director Shashanka Ghosh takes up the challenging of remaking Mukherjee’s Khubsoorat. Thankfully, he has not done a scene by scene representation of the old film(he even changed the spelling to Khoobsurat!). The changes are far too many and that in a way brings freshness. Performances are very nice and although the film overall isn’t extraordinary, it makes for a nice watch!
The story of the movie: Dr Mili Chakravarthy(Sonam Kapoor) is a physiotherapist who is quite frank and doesn’t quite thinking before shooting off things from her mouth. She takes the offer of treating the royalty of Sambhalgarh, Shekhar Rathore(Aamir Raza Hussain), who has been wheelchair bound since the last ten years. Shekhar Rathore lives with his wife Nirmala Devi Rathore(Ratna Pathak Shah), daughter Divya(Simran Jehani) and son Vikram(Fawad Khan). The Rathore’s live with discipline and ‘tameez’ form an important part of their lives. Mili on the other hand is quite the opposite and her habits disturb the lives of the Rathore’s. Mili faces challenges as a result. She also finds herself getting drawn to the ‘khadoos’ Vikram. Vikram too gets smitten by Mili but their romance is impossible for various reasons.
The best part of Khoobsurat is that this 130 minute film doesn’t bore even for a second. No dull moments at all! After the basic introduction of characters and the opening titles(quite funky), the film gets straight to the point. Mili’s misadventures in the palace are cute and raise occasional laughs. The manner in which romance brews between Mili and Vikram is gradual and looks quite convincing. The kidnapping sequence is quite unexpected and adds to the drama and fun. Note that nothing in this film is extraordinary or path-breaking. It’s a simple, sweet story and has its heart right at the right place. It’s meant to be a family entertainer and manages to gives an entertaining time to viewers, sans any vulgarity.
On the flipside however, the second half gets too long. Few scenes are very hilarious but that’s about it – rest of the scenes doesn’t evoke laughter as such although they are entertaining. The confrontation scene between the two families in the end doesn’t make the desired impact. Also, as mentioned above, the film is not an outstanding or extraordinary film; it’s just a sweet, fine film; something that’s categorized as ‘timepass one time watch’. But personally, watching it again on TV/DVD later on(even though in parts) would be no harm!
Sonam Kapoor is often criticized for her acting talent. However, viewers would surely love her act in Khoobsurat maybe because she in many ways is playing herself in the film. Whatever is the reason, she does total justice to her character and that’s what matters. It’s fun to see her displaying ‘royally incorrect’ behavior in front of the royals, getting high and then doing even worse things, interacting with and treating Shekhar Rathore, talking about everything under the sun, including her kissing(mis)adventures with her mom Manju(Kirron Kher) and of course, her interactions with Vikram aka Viku!
Fawad Khan is dashing and performance wise, he is a natural. He never goes overboard and plays his character very well. A talent to watch out for! Kirron Kher is very lovable as the loud Punjabi mother with a ‘one track mind’. Ratna Pathak Shah plays her difficult part with ease and élan. A terrific performance from a terrific actor! Aamir Raza Hussain is a big surprise of the film as he is hardly shown in the promos and he has a crucial part to essay. And he delivers a brilliant performance. The actor playing Suraj Maan Singh is another actor that leaves a huge mark. Simran Jehani, Kaizaad Kotwal(Mili’s father) and the actor playing Rathore’s butler do a nice job too.
Sneha Khanwalkar’s music is lovely and gels well with the film. The best is undoubtedly Engine Ki Seeti followed by Maa Ka Phone. Naina and Preet are quite soulful. Simab Sen’s background score is in sync with the light mood in the film. Tushar Kanti Ray’s cinematography as always is fine. Costumes especially of Sonam are damn good, but at the same time, aren’t flashy or overtly glamorous. Juhi Chaturvedi’s dialogues are simple and witty. Indira Bisht’s screenplay is fine for most of parts but gets a bit shaky towards the finale. Same goes for Shashanka Ghosh’s direction. He deserves kudos for coming up with a film that is well-paced, entertaining and devoid of vulgarity and over-dramatic sequences. Also interesting is that the film focuses on what’s going on in the characters’ mind and how they end up saying something totally contrary to it! That makes for quite an interesting watch at some places. But the film ought to have more LOL moments. Also, it shouldn’t have been so convenient towards the finale. But nevertheless, it’s a good effort and hopefully, it will be accepted by viewers!
Some of the best scenes:
The songs Maa Ka Phone, Engine Ki Seeti, Naina, Preet
Mili reaches the palace
Mili’s first dinner at the palace
All scenes of Suraj Maan Singh
Mili angrily confronts Shekhar Rathore
The intermission point
Mili’s parents meet Rathore’s
Mili and Vikram together at her bedroom and Suraj Maan Singh’s palace
The climax
On the whole, Khoobsurat is a decent entertainer aimed at families and youth. NIt’s not extraordinary or outstanding; it’s just a sweet and cute film that’ll surely put a smile on one’s face. Sonam Kapoor in a way plays herself in the film and surprisingly, impresses a lot. It could have been funnier and second half could have been better. But nevertheless, it’s entertaining and convincing for most of the parts and that’s what matters. Surely, there’s no harm in watching this film in theatres!