Wow! This was quite an unexpected surprise. Looking at the
promos, anyone would have instantly dismissed the movie – the obnoxious title
being the biggest put-off. This is one of the few occasions where a film turns
out to be in total contrast to the vibe it sends out.
Although the film doesn’t really offer anything new, what
makes it feel like a breath of fresh air is the ease in the way the film has
been made. Debutante director Nupur Asthana treats the film in a light-handed manner,
but with sure-footedness, at the same time. The inherent honesty of the film,
without the self-conscious or eager-to-please approach is what drew me in. I was
surprised to see Anvita Dutt Guptan’s name in the credits...this obviously
seems to be among her better works, especially when compared to the Siddharth
Anand tripe she’s previously penned.
The editing is razor sharp, and the dialogues are
consistently youthful and snappy. Young people in the college-going age-group
have their own particular kind of humour – the humour in this film too is in
sync with the demography it represents – neither slapstick nor too witty.
The casting of the film is perfect – you never see them as
actors, but as college-going youngsters. The performances are all good, with
the exception of Tara D'Souza, who is rather weak (although she’s much better
here than she was in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan).
The music by Raghu Dixit is refreshing, and suits the film
perfectly – especially the Dheaon- Dheaon
track with its absolutely delightful lyrics. The technical departments do their
job well without coming in the way of the film. No unnecessary flourishes in cinematography;
except, the production design is just a wee bit set-like (or dare I say, Karan
Johar-ish); one can imagine the
college being in YRF studios.
Overall, this was a film which will make you want to go to college,
and relive those days all over again.
Finally, due credit must also be given to the producer of
the film, for, correct sensibilities of a producer are quite crucial in putting
together the entire venture.
