I have not read the book this is adapted from. However, that didn't stop me from enjoying this one, and this adaptation was much better than the (brickbats out) adaptation of 'Five-point-someone', in spite of the fact that this plot's all beenthere- donethat from the perspective of a typical willthey-won'tthey Shaadi movie.
Having said that, the plot does ensure that the focus is maintained throughout on the mission undertaken by both protagonists, though it narrated totally from the male perspective, and also seems biased thus.
People are calling it regressive, but IMO, they're the ones viewing their world with an idealistic lens, OR the ones who wield the censor scissors. The racist comments depicted in the movie are nothing compared to the ones bandied about in the real world, or by nasty satirists, a la 'Family guy' or 'Simpsons'. Thankfully, I had my expectations synchronized with Bollywood reality, and thus was not disappointed much.
The technical aspects are all slick, and follow today's trend on having just-about perfect frames. The score is effective and doesn't call attention to itself, with the first track standing out, and the other ones going the instantly-forgotten route - some of them do slow the overall pacing though.
Performance-wise, Alia Bhatt has to be the most natural actress working today (I really dug her performance in 'Highway'). Arjon Kapoor redeems himself after the travesty that was 'Gunday'. From among the supporting cast, Ronit Roy stands out. I thought he was being typecast, but he does troubled so well, that one doesn't mind that he re-does what he did in 'Udaan' in a different milieu. Amrita Singh does well too, and Revathy and Shiv Subramaniam are wasted, but are good.
If you are a detail-oriented person and want Bollywood to improve in terms of dotting the t and crossing the i (gei ii?), then this one's not (much) for you. However, if (like me) you can forgive the odd transgression and enjoy the overall ride, remembering the good parts and the effort, then be prepped to have a nice time at the cinema watching this one.
Having said that, the plot does ensure that the focus is maintained throughout on the mission undertaken by both protagonists, though it narrated totally from the male perspective, and also seems biased thus.
People are calling it regressive, but IMO, they're the ones viewing their world with an idealistic lens, OR the ones who wield the censor scissors. The racist comments depicted in the movie are nothing compared to the ones bandied about in the real world, or by nasty satirists, a la 'Family guy' or 'Simpsons'. Thankfully, I had my expectations synchronized with Bollywood reality, and thus was not disappointed much.
The technical aspects are all slick, and follow today's trend on having just-about perfect frames. The score is effective and doesn't call attention to itself, with the first track standing out, and the other ones going the instantly-forgotten route - some of them do slow the overall pacing though.
Performance-wise, Alia Bhatt has to be the most natural actress working today (I really dug her performance in 'Highway'). Arjon Kapoor redeems himself after the travesty that was 'Gunday'. From among the supporting cast, Ronit Roy stands out. I thought he was being typecast, but he does troubled so well, that one doesn't mind that he re-does what he did in 'Udaan' in a different milieu. Amrita Singh does well too, and Revathy and Shiv Subramaniam are wasted, but are good.
If you are a detail-oriented person and want Bollywood to improve in terms of dotting the t and crossing the i (gei ii?), then this one's not (much) for you. However, if (like me) you can forgive the odd transgression and enjoy the overall ride, remembering the good parts and the effort, then be prepped to have a nice time at the cinema watching this one.