Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge - Review

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. 

I plead guilty of pre-judging the film. I don’t think I’ll look down upon another venture from this production house with disdain – at least for some time.