Movie Review: ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ by Neha Ravindran

  

Movie: Dil Dhadakne Do

Director: Zoya Akhtar

Cast: Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah, Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma, Rahul Bose, Farhan Akhtar

Zoya Akhtar is one of my favourite directors. Her movies are like a pleasant autumn breeze- livens up your mood and makes you want to stay in that moment for a second more. Dil Dhadakne Do carries with it the trademark Zoya Akhtar mark- elegance with simplicity. It is a story about a family coming of age, of complex relationships and hilarious everyday circumstances. The trailers promised something good and the movie has delivered so much better.

Kamal Mehra (Anil Kapoor) and Neelam Mehra (Shefali Shah) are hosting their 30th wedding anniversary on a cruise. The couple have two kids Kabir (Ranveer singh) and Ayesha (Prinyanka Chopra). All is well in the Mehra family from the outside- a flourishing business, loving couple, successful kids. But things seem to threaten to unravel on their anniversary vacation. Will the family fall apart or will they find a way to hold onto each other?

The chemistry between Priyanka Chopra and Ranveer Singh is adorable. I think it’s going to be pretty hard for me to see them in any other role other than as siblings now. Ranveer Singh especially has a done a good job playing the role of Kabir with a boyish charm and immaturity which reflects his place as the kid of the house. Anil Kapoor and Shefali Shah make an epic couple, you will see moments where they fit well together yet see the straining ends of their relationship. Anushka, Farhan Akhtar and Rahul Bose have short roles yet they their roles are so well defined that it does not seem short lived. Infact, every supporting cast has a role that justifies their presence in the movie and none of them have overstepped the boundaries of their characters. The casting of this movie is one of the best Bollywood has seen so far.

The screenplay by Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar has a subtle element of fun that is soften lost out while making dramas. It’s not your bone-tickling funny movie nor is it the serious- weeping saga. Rather it’s a right blend of reel life with real life. Now there are a few odd scenes which hardly make sense and towards the end the storyline seemed a tad harried which was disappointing. The music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is peppy and you will catch yourself drumming your fingers to the tune. I don’t personally have any particular favourites but I enjoyed all of them in general. The cinematography by Carlos Catalan is interesting though I would have loved see a bit more of Turkey where the movie is supposed to be shot.

This is a movie for the entire family and a god beginning to your weekend. And before I forget, my favourite character in the entire movie is the narrator. Watch and find out why!

My verdict: ***& ½ *

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