Posted:
| The Runaway Romance | ||
PRAGYAN THAPA Film: Shuddh Desi Romance Director: Maneesh Sharma Cast: Sushant Singh Rajput, Parineeti Chopra, Vaani Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor Here's a movie that says it's a rom-com but it hardly force feeds you any of those monotonous lectures on finding the right person and spending life happily ever after. But what it does is something profound, and as great films go, it leaves plenty of room for audiences to either disagree with its message or whole heartedly surrender to it. When the film begins, a wedding is about to happen. Raghu (Sushant Singh Rajput) is all set to have an arranged marriage. Actually, he's not at all set to tie the knot, he's having second thoughts. His mentor Goyal Sahaab (Rishi Kapoor), who is the only father-like figure to his orphan existence, has prearranged some fake relatives for the occasion and one of them is Gayatri (Parineeti Chopra). Although he has just met Gayatri and she's only tipped off to pose as his sister, Raghu completely opens up to her and explains his reluctance in an arranged marriage. So, on their way to the bride's place, a strange bond kicks off between them and one thing leads to another as Raghu sneaks off out of his marriage and leaves his bride-to-be, Tara (Vaani Kapoor), in the mandap. After this initial runaway sequence, the movie shifts to the main story which should be kept spoiler free, but a little hint, there's lot of running away. We get to know more about Raghu, Gayatri and Tara as the story unfolds and how their lives revolve around the institution of marriage. Bollywood has been comfortable in seeking small town settings and Yash Raj Films can be blamed for running a franchise out of the quirky, organic and even colorful locations. Shuddh Desi Romance' also covers a small town love story featuring three simpletons, however, there's a typical universal voice despite the coziness of Jaipur. No doubt the dialogues are delivered with the Rajasthani flavor and the characters are chatty, but there's no room for any tricks to exploit the local diction in any way when the story can stand on its own. Director Maneesh Sharma and writer Jaideep Sahni provide offbeat humor and realistic treatment that works in great proportions. The movie boasts terrific performances from its leads. Raghu is a tourist guide but will do with little guidance in his love life. There's adequate smugness in Sushant's performance whether he's ripping off tourists, or when he takes Gayatri on a date and offers her coffee and gulab jamun. Raghu stays confused throughout, and fails every time to crack out the real reason why people get married. Same goes to the two ladies who play his love interests. Take for example the female characters, they don't come off as eye-candies or bimbos, they are real and are played by equally capable actresses. Parineeti Chopra's Gayatri puffs cigarettes and isn't shy to have a live-in relationship. Also Vaani Kapoor as Tara is quite a revelation. Tara is conventional but doesn't hesitate to prove her point. These girls are nave, yes, but they aren't stupid, and the makers give these female characters appropriate shades and likability. Because the story is simple, the complexity is brought by the impulsiveness and the flaws of the respective characters. Don't get put off by the strange title. With Shuddh Desi Romance' you'll find the most random, slippery and honest definitions of love. Highly recommended! Screening at QFX Cinemas |
Geet - Hui Sabse Parayee
