There are great films and there’s Queen. It was such an amazing film by Vikas Bahl that it achieved cult status. And that Shaandaar is directed by Vikas Bahl is one of the chief reasons why the film had generated excitement, for me at least, apart from amazing Shahid Kapoor-Alia Bhatt chemistry. Then there’s Dharma Productions-Phantom Films’ involvement and great songs that added to the film’s appeal. Chances of going wrong with this one are rare. But shockingly, Shaandaar does go wrong. On paper it might have seemed exciting but on celluloid, it fails to induce laughs and provide satisfaction on the whole.
The story of the movie: Eesha Arora(Sanah Kapur) is getting married to Robin Fundwani(Vikas Verma). Members of both the families have arrived at a fairytale UK castle where the marriage will take place in all its glory. Jagjinder Joginder(Shahid Kapoor) is the wedding organizer and he forms a bond with Eesha’s sister Alia(Alia Bhatt) as both are insomniacs. The growing affection between Alia and Jagjinder is a matter of concern for the former’s father Bipin Arora(Pankaj Kapur). However, that’s not the only problem on his head.
Shaandaar begins with a nice animation clip that arrests attention immediately. Shahid’s entry is cool but immediately after that, the film starts falling with the scene where Jagjinder meets the Aroras for the first time. The makers have added effects in certain places and used it to add humour. But barring in the 8 ½ pack abs scene, this aspect fails to work. In fact, the humour in general, as a whole, just doesn’t work. The few scenes which are funny are already shown in the promos and hence, the impact is not made. The idea of the song ‘Nazdeekiyaan’, again sounds nice but it doesn’t leave an impression in the film. On the positive side, there a few moments which stand out. The insomniac bit is nicely done. Same goes for the interval point. The song ‘Senti Waali Mental’ begins on a disappointing note but mid-way, it goes to another level. The climax is nice but comes too late in the day.
The lead actors of the film – Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt – have done a nice job though. Shahid Kapoor looks dashing and as always, gives a terrific performance. When the funny moments and dialogues failed to work, it’s Shahid’s reactions that has helped to raise some laughs. Alia Bhatt essays a very interesting character and does full justice to it. Her bikini scene is sizzling although one might argue that it is needlessly added. Pankaj Kapur also does fine and shines not only in his funny scenes with Shahid but also in the touching sequences with Alia. Vikas Verma has a great body and that’s about it. Sanah Kapur makes a great debut and gives her 100%. Sushma Seth(Matriarch in Arora family) plays the negative role well. Sanjay Kapoor(Harry Fundwani) hams like anything. The actor playing the designer brother of Bipin leaves a mark. Anjana Sukhani doesn’t get to mouth a single dialogue. Karan Johar has a fun cameo. Others are fine.
Amit Trivedi’s music is damn good. Shaam Shaandaar, Gulaabo and Senti Waali Mental are well shot and placed. Raita Phail Gaya is relegated to the background. Background score is funky. Anil Mehta’s cinematography is as usual eye-catching. The locales of UK and the scenes of the castle are nicely captured. Amrita Mahal Nakai’s production design is grand. Chaitally Parmar & Vikas Bahl’s story is unconventional but quirky and could have made for a great time. Anvita Dutt’s dialogues are good but screenplay however is weak. Vikas Bahl’s direction fails to make a mark. In fact, it’s difficult to imagine that this is the same guy who gave us Queen! Few scenes are fine and that’s about it. The humour element doesn’t work and that’s the biggest problem. Harry Fundwani’s eccentric ways, the twin sisters going ‘like’ in every sentence or the kid with the bow and arrow – all these are added to raise laughs but it’s anything but funny. Shahid-Alia dancing on Eena Meena Deeka doesn’t engage at all. Hope Vikas gets back to the ‘Queen’ form because he has it in him and films like Shaandaar doesn’t exhibit his full potential!
On the whole, Shaandaar is not a Shaandaar film, sadly. It has an interesting concept and great performances by Shahid, Alia, Pankaj and Sanah. But the humour element falls flat and it’s a big reason why the film disappoints big time. At the box office, it will take a big opening but is bound to fall in a few days. So unfortunate!