For past few years YRF has been producing flicks with majorly small towns in the backdrop. No wonder this step is yielding good results and so they don't mind following this formula. This time they present Dum Laga Ke Haisha, a conventional love story set in Haridwar, which has equal measures of fun, romance and ultimately entertainment. And believe me, this movie is one of the best from the production house.
It's good to see them coming out with new ideas and focusing more on undiscovered cities. Dum Laga Ke Haisha is way better than many big budgeted and super starry non-sensible dramas they have been producing. And this is the one YRF could feel really proud of.
The story revolves around Sandhya Verma (Bhumi Pednekar), and Prem Prakash Tiwari (Ayushmann Khurrana). Sanhhya is a B.Ed qualified lady and wants to become a school teacher in Haridwar. Her extra kilos are a bit problem for others but she has no qualms about it. Prem Prakash Tiwari is a 10th fail and just fit-to-be-beaten-up-by-his-father's-Chappal. He is a huge Kumar Sanu fan and runs an audio cassette shop. The other day, on his father's (Sanjay Mishra) adamant wish he is forced to get hitched to Sandhya.
Ratings- *** 1/2
Stars- Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar
Director- Sharat Katariya
Music- Anu Malik
As expected he is clearly embarrassed of her. But just for the sake of relationship and to keep his family happy, Prem keeps his bond with Sandhya intact.
The innocent Sandhya however, tries hard to make her husband happy but Prem is least pleased by all her attempts. Till how long will Prem bear the embarrassment his family has enforced upon him? And till how long will Sandhya tolerate the ignorance of her husband? Will they ever find love or part ways in the end? Find it all in Dum Laga Ke Haisha.
Sharat Katariya noted for writing Bheja Fry, Hum Tum Shabana, marks an impressive directorial debut with the flick, which is made with heart. He has a good grip on the screenplay while the execution is well graphed.
However, earlier too there have been movies dealing with the unusual pairs and most of them have been truly magnificent with their final outcome. Dum Laga Ke Haisha keeping the premise similar lays a different result. The odd pairing of Sandhya an XL lady and comparatively linear Prem is humorous and emotional at the same time.
There are usual happenings that are presented on screen. Like in small towns it's still prevalent that couples are not allowed to utter a word except their parents when it's the matter of their marriage. Prem's dream of owing a beautiful wife is shattered when his father forces upon him a heavyweight wife. It's a usual state, which still is common in society and is beautifully presented on screen by the director.
Odd pairing isn't an issue but it's the understanding and compatibility, which matters the most in a marital life. Sharat Katariya deals with this simple thought through an extra-ordinary measure in Dum Laga Ke Haisha.
It's love and commitment from your partner that could overcome any deed in real life. A competition called ‘Dum Laga Ke pratiyogita' in the final few minutes packs a fun and consecutively lays out this simple message through it. ‘Ye pratiyogita taal-mel ki hai', says Sandhya to her husband while witnessing couples rehearsing for the race competition.
Director through his exceptional supporting actors gives a required support to this unusual couple's story. Sandhya's mother (Seema Pahwa) guiding her how to lure her husband is realistic. In another scene where she considers Sandhya as a burden on her defines how a family takes their daughter for granted post marriage. Sanjay Mishra, Alka Amin (as Khurrana's mother), Sheeba Chaddha (as Mishra's sister) gives their required support.
Buy what makes the movie more realistic are the 90's settings, towards which the director has paid keen interest. The era where audio-cassettes had its own charm is beautifully picturised while Kumar Sanu, who conquered the hearts with his soulful voice during that time, sets a perfect mood.
The movie is also an ode to the singer from the first frame when YRF's logo gets rolled while Sanu's voice replaces Lata Mangeshkar. We relive his exceptional voice on big screen and thank him for lending innumerable gems in past.
Manu Anand's cinematography makes Hariwdar look more beautiful than it is. But its Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar cute chemistry that makes this drama more delightful and real. Ayushmann once again gives a brilliant performance. The actor may have been let down by bad script previously but this time he isn't. The frustration, the anguish he brings on face makes the scene more viable. This movie post ‘Vicky Donor' brings him back on track.
Debutant actress Bhumi is the soul of the flick. She is a finest discovery by YRF and would be cherished for the entire year. She is cute and has innocence that would win your heart. From the shyness prior her marriage to arguing with her in-laws, Bhumi brings the perfect expressions for a small town girl with a golden heart.
Backbone of the movie is its supporting cast. Sanjay Mishra, Alka Amin, Sheeba Chaddha, Seema Pahwa and Sanjeeva Vatsa make up a great family together and present a fine show.
Music by Anu Malik is brilliant. The background score gels well with the scene.
Three and a half stars for Dum Laga Ke Haisha. It's better than many YRF's presentations made in recent years. Kudos to the director for picking such an ordinary theme and yet giving it extra-ordinary shape. It is a feel good flick and in the end is victorious.
