~~Befikre Review & Boxoffice Thread~~ - DT N P 92 - Page 10

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Based on what we've seen so far, Befikre " in is first half at least " steers far away from a typical Yash Raj Films love story.

In fact, we're not entirely sure that the first even construes as a love story per se.

Befikre deals with both the past and the present.

The past:

Dharam " played by an ebullient Ranveer Singh " is a stand-up comedian from Delhi. Dharam moves to Paris, the city of love and creativity and artistic endeavour, to perform at a bar that's called Delhi Belly.

Shyra " the very photogenic Vaani Kapoor " works in Paris as a tourist guide. She was born to Indian parents, but her character is depicted as being very French.

Dharam meets Shyra at a party: He's desperately trying to geta girl to go home with him for the night; she dares him to meet a challenge; he wins [cue Hindi song playing at a French nightclub] and they go home to enjoy a wild romp.

They clearly have the kind of chemistry that's the stuff of romcom lore, but Shyra " in a reversal of the wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am trope, tells Dharam that she's not interested in getting serious with him since she's just been through a break-up. Fine, sex with no-strings-attached it is then.

So far, so good.

Of course, once is not enough and we see Dharam and Shyra embark on a wildly uninhibited relationship. As a throwback to their first meeting, Shyra keeps setting Dharam new dares and challenges. He fulfills them, and their spicy, somewhat kinky relationship moves forward. Finally, they decide that to live in together.

Cut to a different time, and we see Dharam and Shyra have come some distance from those first heady, explosive days. Now they're in the apartment they share, hurling abuses at each other " the argument takes an ugly turn and they decide to part ways.

The present:

Can two individuals who've shared a past navigate new ground as friends? This is what Dharam and Shyra must confront in their present.

That they get to do this against the scenic backdrop of Paris is a huge bonus. Aditya Chopra has chosen some breathtaking settings as the location for his latest film, and as an viewer, one is glad for that.

What about the actors though? Do they match up to Paris?

Ranveer Singh makes for a perfect Dharma. He's the quintessential Delhi brat who adapts quickly to life in Paris. Vaani has a job keeping up. Most of the first half is given over to visuals of the couple making out. (We're not complaining.)

It helps that Befikre keeps things breezy and light during the first half. Fun and humour are sprinkled liberally throughout the first half and you're ensured a feel-good time.

But does it also feel " well, frivolous?

Is there more to this film than its good looks?

We'll need to see the second half to find out.