I watched the movie yesterday night! So let's go about this one! Before I start though, I just want to pinpoint that after a late sleep-in this morning, I now understand why people like Masand (whose reviews I generally put in high regards) thrashed the movie. Even my parents, who're huge SRK fans, liked ADHM a lot more apparently. I, on the other hand, thought this was such a classy, deep and different movie. The last time I saw one was probably Piku. See, it's important to understand that this movie isn't like Pink, or even Piku for that matter of fact. It's about a girl finding herself her freedom/rights/voice yes, but it has a very different take on life. One that isn't very likeable, because Kaira isn't very likeable. This movie isn't to be understood, it has to be felt. And I may even dare to say that unless you've been Kaira at some point - i.e. have had issues with proper communication with parents, being jealous over your brother, having friends as your sole world, been labelled as 'dirty' (for the lack of better word) just for having numerous relationships, seen your 'hotness' precede your talent in your profession and the list may go on - you might not connect with her at all. And that's okay. But then, the movie doesn't work that deep for you either. Mid-aged, successful men in their 40-50s reviewing this movie would feel nothing about Kaira's journey, and if they don't, baring apart the two lead actors acting, it can fall very, very, very flat for some. Understandably so.
I won't be long, because there's really no story except to watch Kaira's messy life unfold. The second half is basically just a therapy session, and definitely, definitely the best part of the movie. This is the SRK I was missing. The SRK that I use to like some 6-7 years ago. Between this, Raaes and the Ring, I got to say, he's claiming back his upper hand. Gauri is lucky she directs movies for Dharma. I'm not too sure SRK would have agreed to this otherwise, and what a loss that would have been. You believe in Kaira's revival because with her, you believe in Dr. Khan. Every single step of the way, whatever he tells her, he tells you also. Philosophical spewing can go way OTT as in when Kaira first tries it with her friends and Raghu (brilliant enact there btw!), but SRK makes you believe in what he says. He's serene, and damn those eyes when they emote. Movies like these make me sad about his past 6-7 years to be honest. Where we could have gotten potential classic movies like CDI, we got crap like HNY, and Dilwale. I'm glad he's away from the BO business for a while and has finally found a stable ground doing so brilliantly what he does.
Alia: This movie is Alia's. She's the life and soul of it. I can't even believe this is the girl I saw in SOTY sometimes. At times, she says something and you cry with her. It's the little things really, that lone tear when she can't fall asleep. That rant with Raghu at mid-point around. The expressions with her not liking Zafar's music. Way too many scenes done with utmost brilliance. She's subtle, and that's her most powerful trait. I'll just go on to say, watch out for her. People have praised so many actresses, but for someone as young as her, with her movies choices to top it, it's hard not to be impressed, I got to say. I found Ali Zafar the best, he was SO charming. Kunal was alright, I didn't like the look much. Angad doesn't have anything to do really and Aditya was cute, but wasted. That guy needs to start upping his game and doing more movies. Contrary to popular opinion I see around here, I LOVED Kaira's friends. I think I've mentioned it a number of times that this movie is about being able to relate. If you got a gang of friends as weird as hers, trust me, you'll like them. However, you have to have friends as close, friends who you can shit on, laugh with and can't cry without. I felt they were a great bunch! The rest of the cast was meh, Alia's brother was awesome.
All in all, I'll give it a 4.5/5. The average rating would probably be around 3ish. I'm adding extra one for the acting involved, and the extra 0.5 for the therapy session Dr. Jug gave me also, together with Kaira.
Marathi TV
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