ALIGARH - Movie Review

Aligarh is directed by Hansal Mehta and written by Apurva Asrani, the film stars Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao. The story is based on true events where a university professor is caught having a sexual relation with another man in his private life. This is later deemed as a sting operation to have the professor suspended from the university ahead of his retirement stage. This becomes a tarnishing image for the professor and makes him feel even more lonely until a young passionate journalist seeks to support him and fight his case which later reveals it was a fixed case from the fellow professors and members of the university to get rid of Mr. Sira. A winning battle can't always bring back smiles for those who suffered.

POSITIVES

• The film manages to deliver effectively the strong subject matter of a gay relationship being seen as a bad image in the indian society in India. The director portrays the conflicts being created behind such relationship and how it is seen as a negative depiction in the country, yet at the same time the film manages to show how it is unfair to discriminate over such relationship. The film touches upon the struggle one faces with human rights and gives a glimpse in to the life of those who are affected and pointed fingers at.
• Actors played well together, both main leads Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao were impressive in their respective roles. In a film that is a little bit arty and and dark to a certain extent, seems to be given a bright spark through these two fantastic characters.

NEGATIVES

• The film does begin to drag on at times leaving an unease feeling as a spectator but due to the film topic being so interesting, you remain eager to wanting to know what happens next. But if the dragged out scenes which were used to create the emotions and loneliness of Sira, the stretched scenes seem to derail some attention that is being focused to the movie.
• What does disappointment me slightly is the ending climax, the way it was shown had a visual input with the conclusion of the film but I wish it had been showcased slightly better. At least more significance could and should have been shown to the character whilst dying, at least add more to what he felt during that very specific moment, what went through his mind despite winning the case that really tarnished his reputation prior to the court case. I wanted to see more of that and that was lacking. Throughout the film and during the court case, we do get to know the emotions that the professor is going through, but more emphasis towards the final stages of his life would have given more sympathy towards the climax.

CAST

• MANOJ BAJPAYI - A lonely man and troubled figure who has his image tarnished in the film for his actions. He leaves a dominating performance on screen, making you feel supportive towards him as well as admire such acting ability. He has chosen a challenging role and delivers it with precision.
• RAJKUMMAR RAO - A talented young actor who is beginning to make strong strides up the ladder. He does remarkably well whilst playing a slightly lower role as Manoj Bajpayee. Rajkummar has to play the second fiddle role but manages to maintain the heights of Manoj in the film and you can't praise him enough for what he has achieved and shown in the film. He brings humour in a detailed and serious movie. His acting is great and deserves full credit in being the motivational saviour towards Manoj Bajpayee.

RATING

Overall, I would rate Aligarh 4/5. The movie is praiseworthy and such attempts by any director and writer should be credited heavily for trying to portray a very touchy emotional topic to showcase to the society today. They manage to epxploit such true events and portray it well enough, as it allows significance to be given and addressed to the audiences well enough for them to walk away thinking more about what people would go through due to their sexuality preferences in the real world. The storyline was detailed, the characters did superbly, allowing the film to have some kind of a film experience. I would highly recommend the audience to watch this film as it teaches you many things, topics that we have heard or seen but hardly paid any indepth attention to, Aligharh manages to teach you through a cinematic form, leaving you feel sorry for that character who suffered.

PIKU - Movie Review

‘PIKU’ movie is comedy drama film directed by Shoojit Sircar, starring Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan and Irrfan Khan.

STORYLINE

Piku Banerjee (Deepika Padukone) is an architect but at the same time looking after her really old father Bashkor Banerjee (Amitabh Bachchan). They are on-route to a road trip journey where Rana Chaudhary (Irrfan Khan) drives them to Kolkatta. Bhashkor suffers from constipation and causes tantrums over it causing mental stress to Piku. The film is an enjoyment about life and that is exactly what Bashkor begins to do after Rana can’t deal with it and tells him everything that was on his mind. A heart warming story based upon parenting and responsibility, something that will keep you smiling.

POSITIVES

• The look of the film is appealing and the simplicity that has been portrayed helps the type of movie we are witnessing. Credit goes to the director for managing to compliment the storyline along with the visuals.
• What I also liked with this was that the main leads were introduced straight away in the first scene, which keeps you completely focused to the movie, no filler scenes to help drag the movie runtime.
• All characters, Irrfan Khan, Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan, all bring a smile to the viewers face. The on screen presence is so worthy to see and keeps you engaged to the film throughout.
• First half and second half, no complaints about how slow or dragging either may have been. Both were entertaining and the type of film that keeps your attention stable and focus, wanting to know what shall transpire to the next scene.
• Screenplay was good and film that is neither luxurious nor classy, glamour was kept away in this basic looking movie. But that is what makes it a gem of a movie, the average appearance and set up, keeps the viewers attention solely on the characters.
• Dialogues are something that will keep you smiling throughout. The film did contain comedy, even when Piku’s father dies, a few tears occur but everyone is remembering him on a happier note so that is the type of film you can expect to see, a full of heart film.

NEGATIVES

• It really is hard to pinpoint something negative from such a fantastic movie. If I had to complain about something then I would say the film lacked a bit of romance between the characters that Irrfan Khan and Deepika Padukone played. Something more should have been shown at the end before the end credits.

CAST

• Deepika Padukone – Simple and not presented in a glamorous form that a beautiful actress would be associated as. She is kept to an average appearance and that makes her character much more realistic. Taking matters in her own hands and having to deal with a father pressure looking after him, you would feel sorry for the struggle she has to face but then the love that she has for her father in the film, she may not express it much through dialogues but her performance clearly shall portray this. Deepika is one of the finest actresses in the cinema and once again she has notched up another hit performance.
• Amitabh Bachchan – The legend puts in a spectacle for the audiences. He brings the comedy to the film, manages to keep you engaged to the screen. You can’t help but to laugh at him, not in a negative way, but in general the way that he has performed and his stubborn old-aged character. He will be annoying but that is what will bring the comedy because of the issues his character is dealing with. Absolutely amazing performance.
• Irrfan Khan – This actor seems to do nothing wrong. Playing a character on the side whilst Deepika and Amitabh are the ones taking more of the screen space. Irrfan does plenty in his scenes to make you remember his character on the same level as the other two. You want to see more of him, because even when he is serious, you can’t take him seriously. His dialogue delivery was perfect and he brings a childishness to the scene and that is something the audience would love seeing.

MUSIC

The music is fitting for the type of movie you are expected to see. The pick outs for me firstly is ‘Bezubaan’ sung by Anupam Roy. A soft melodic song with a good flow to your ears, with light instrument touches and vocals that make this a beautiful track. ‘Journey Song‘ by Anupam Roy and Shreya Ghoshal is another worthy song with Anupam Roy in the vocals. The song has a bit more of a higher tempo to it but it is the vocals of the duo that keeps it on the loop. ‘Lamhe Guzar Gaye’another track by Anupam Roy, much slower but lacks an impacting edge to it. Still la worthy song to litem to but I felt that with the vocals it could have had more feeling coming out of the song. ‘Teri Meri Baatein’, sung by Anupam Roy. Most likely the standout song from the whole album, the vocals are a blessing to the listeners and the tone at which the song is performed, keeps you glued to the song wanting to hear so much more and not wanting it to end. Lyrics were impressive and the touch of tabla in the background scoring makes it a satisfying song to listen.

RATINGOverall I would rate Piku movie 4/5. A film that showcases about parenting and responsibility, it keeps you so attached to the movie and makes you consider life. This is a happy and a heart-warming movie that shall keep you thinking everything about life. The characters played well in their respective roles and the script was a gem. Everything about it was impressive and it is a fantastic on screen performance from all the cast even the side role characters, they impressed with their small screen space. The dialogues were brilliant and overall film will bring a smile to your face. Something that I certainly can and will be able to watch more of again. Go and check out this movie, you will not be disappointed, a gold film for family to see together.

PK - Movie Review

PK is a comedy, drama and fantasy film that is directed by Rajkumar Hirani and stars Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, Sushant Singh Rajput, Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani and Saurabh Shukla.

With the film portraying a major talking topic but shown through a lightened humour form, the directors creativity in representing such methods within the script allows this entertainer to be worthy. Aamir Khan once again puts in a performance that betters his last film; this is what he is good at. He continues to better his previous film and role, with every movie release he just keeps getting better and better. No wonder why he is labelled as Mr Perfectionist in the cinema.

Synopsis – Aamir Khan plays a character of being from out of space and is stranded on Earth, his chain pendant was a key to call back the spaceship but a villager hence why Aamir Is left stranded stole it. The film is similar to OMG movie where so much is placed and trusted upon religion and god, hence this is exactly how the film begins with Saurabh Shukla being a holy priest laying down the marker for ones future. But Aamir Khan’s character is there to go against the religious rituals that seem to be a business. He fights against it all and showcases some worthy pointers in proving that nobody can do anything and that god is someone who created everything, not the holy baba’s that are duplicates trying to make fortune out of gods name. Anushka Sharma plays a journalist who helps create the show from which Aamir Khan gains fame but more importantly shows the world who is watching the truth and what and how they should believe in god. Boman Irani plays the boss of the news channel who has a helping hand in allowing Anushka Sharma to allow the show to happen. All in all, the film casts shadows over a societies mentality and how ones facts blind them.

As for the negatives I have to think about Sushant’s character where he had so much potential of being an actor that can act but never gets to fulfil his acting abilities in a major film by playing small roles. Anushka meets Sushant but his character despite being very nice and something you want to see more off, was erased within 20 minutes of the movie and I felt that was a downer completely as more could have been showcased with his presence. But nevertheless, Sushant does get dragged back in to the film towards the climax and once again not enough was shown of him.

What more that I liked about this film was the dialogues, they were on point and delivered quite well, they were something that as a viewer, you can recall back and remember quite easily because they were so worthy. Unlike some films where dialogues are placed in and totally bypasses the viewer as it never quite seeks the attention. But in PK dialogues were strong and attention grabbing hence why PK keeps you interested at all times. The storyline is good but considering it being an Aamir Khan starrer, his acting and on screen presence takes away some of the notice from the story concept itself as he delivers a commanding performance. I have to mention that Anushka Sharma and Aamir Khan pairing in this film was brilliant and they just gelled together on screen so well.

As for the characters, as mentioned earlier, Aamir Khan is the main star and once again puts in a remarkable performance and it makes you wonder if only he could do more films in the year and keeps doing eye-catching performances at all times. Anushka Sharma, who plays a journalist in the film, is a character that you will end up loving because she is not shown over the top being glamorous but she is displayed as a blending person who fits in well with Aamir Khan. Boman Irani is funny and serious and that helps the film role flow. Saurabh Shukla plays a holy person whose character is deemed as a fraud hence why dialogues directed towards him bring laughter for the viewers. Sushant plays a small but vital role and he is somebody that as an audience you would want to see more of. Sanjay Dutt has a small role too but plays a huge significance to the life of Aamir Khan and for that he is still remembered by the time you end up finishing the movie.

Now for the movie soundtrack there were 2 songs that really stood out for me were firstly, ‘Bhagwan Hai Kahan Re Tu’ and secondly, ‘Dil Darbadar’. These tracks really grabs your attention and are songs that you can listen to over on repeat, the rest of the album is average and not something that I would be playing continuously. So do go check out these 2 songs as they are composed and sung really well.

Overall, PK is a must watch movie and it is something that can be watched more than once. It has been directed really well and the storyline progresses quiet well in terms of keeping the viewers attention locked to the movie. Characters played well in their respectful roles as well as Aamir Khan taking away the entire spotlight as he always does with his amazing performances. I rate this movie 4/5and for me it could have taken all 5 rating stars if the film had been dragged longer especially the show scene which I felt ended in a flash and not showing what Saurabh Shukla has to deal with especially from the community and the audience whom were present. But unfortunately not everything can be picture perfect. Despite having so much buzz around the release for this film, it certainly lived up to the expectations and is an admirable watch. Note to take, expect a cameo from Ranbir Kapoor in the movie too.

FORCE 2 - Movie Review

FORCE 2 directed by Abhinay Deo, starring John Abraham, Sonakshi Sinha and Tahir Raj Bhasin in the lead roles.The first half is more brutal than the second, more strategic scenarios for the RAW agents. It was more fast paced but after the intermission, the film was much slower becoming stretched but it does have moments when it gets interesting but the narrative does not keep it as successful as the first half. Some scenes were needless especially in the second half, it tampered the pace making it a distraction. It was not as structured as the first half.

POSITIVES

• Force 2 gave glimpses of well executed action sequences, first to fist encounters that look realistic enough thanks to a well-choreographed sequences. This is the biggest standout for the film as it keeps you on the edge of the seats eager to see much more action, majority of it all was edgy and intense, leaving much more for the audiences to admire on screen.
• Directionally, Abhinay Deo puts in huge amounts of effort in utilising both the villain and the importance of John Abraham to conjure up a decent watch. His vision for the action show good quality, this was commendable throughout the film, striking cinematography and use of building up tension was notable. Another valuing effort was the POV (Point of View) shots used in the movie, they were extremely attractive. They were so successful and worthy to watch in this film as it was fitting for the type of scenario being plotted. The creativity on that was successful and added more admiration towards the action.
• Despite the script not deemed good enough as the action, praise must be given to some parts of it for employing some twists and likeable scenes. For example, Tahir Raj Bhasin is one character who helps to drag the viewers along in this movie where only the action and cast seem to be doing justice to the sequel.  His dialogues are noteworthy and convincing, adding that extra emphasises to him as a villain.

NEGATIVES

• The script is foreseeable and does not offer much as you begin to sense what is set to transpire. The writing department needed more implementation of creativity and twists and turns to compliment the fine action packed visuals.
• Few flaws with showing the agents and how they tackle their mission, one scene in particular, they endanger a mother and a young kid’s life by taking the mission in to their apartment but drama unfolds. Would the agents really blow their cover and endanger citizens? The representation of agents is to not allow harm on the public but to keep them safe. So why was it taken to their place knowing problems will follow them?
•  Another setback with the script was to allow a RAW agent who is vulnerable and weak due to a past situation and now is unable to handle a gun and trigger. This could jeopardise a mission yet this agent is given the go ahead to attend this mission which does face consequences at times.
•  One thing that always frustrates with a Bollywood action movie is the gun attack encounters, literally if a target is tracking behind officers, they all exchange gunfire shots yet without much distance each officer misses the target? It is unrealistic, you do not get tangled with the action at that point, you just have to sit and smirk in annoyance on how filmmakers fail to make it more engaging.

CAST

JOHN ABRAHAM – His image is utilised to the fullest in paving the presence for a muscular and impacting powerful individual to help the team. He seems to be in his aura as an action character and leaves his mark on screen well. John is effective and believable in helping you keep lured in on to the screen because of his persona being that fist to fist battler and this works well for the film allowing him to be the standout from the rest. It almost seems as if action is where John belongs and that was evident on screen as he adds that extra bit of intensity and tension.

SONAKSHI SINHA - She does well enough in her role, but she never really takes control. She is unable to overpower her cast member John who always seems in control. Sonakshi shows that she can handle the action scenes and fits in well. She just needs to do more to stand above the rest, even if it is just for a few scenes. With a better character development, she could have been given more bearing to the twist.

TAHIR RAJ BHASIN – A very talented actor who shines in Force 2 by delivering a solid villain performance. He was good and always added a bit of that confident and chilled character who seems to have the next step ready, a man with a plan. His dialogue delivery was perfectly toned in to the thrilling atmosphere. He built up the concentration and tension, never really bores on screen and that was a delight to see. You have to admire his skills that he showed in keeping the RAW agents running around after him, so for me despite being the villain, he leaves a remarkable impression to the film.

RATING

I would rate FORCE 2 a rating of 3.5/5. The film is decent if you are looking for a time pass with a screen full of bone crunching grappling action, if that gives you a thrill then those seekers are in for a treat. But the film is eye-catching with the action but sinks in between with the script. Not much to be fascinated about with this stretched predictable movie screenplay. The excitement is enough to keep you glued to the film, but not enough to absorb you to stand and applaud a sequel. The film is entertaining from the stylish action and character’s presence, but the narrative is where it pulls the film back. The movie had potential to be an outstanding one but it falters when the action loses pace in between. The film portrays enough for it to be deemed watchable, but it could have been so much more better if it had a much better script than what it already was.

ROCK ON 2 - Movie Review

ROCK ON 2 directed by Shujaat Saudagar, starring Farhan Akhtar, Shraddha Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Purab Kohli, Prachi Desai, Shashank Arora, Shahana Goswami and Kumud Mishra. This musical drama is the sequel to Rock On, the story now continues after the character separate from the boy band in the past. Each now on their own paths for their own reasons, but are now set to give it a one more rocking push to set the stage on fire. What will it take for the members to get back together? The first half is more of a trail behind the separation of the band, each individuals meaning of living to this present day. The second half shows some urgency of trying to get the band off the ground so it picks up more pace hitting the higher chords as it seizes more drama.

POSITIVES

• The performances of the cast members were the standout, they were not exposed in an exaggerated perspective, left alone to deal with their feelings and their desire that is itching within them. Once on the verge of a reunion they feel energised, begin to standout and flaunt their charisma to set the tone of their ambition ahead. Each character has a past that links with the band that has tortured them mentally and made them move on to their detached ways. The cast inflict that emotion on their expressions with elegance and that made their acting more convincing. There are some standout scenes that really do spark some magic to this faltering screenplay, scenes especially with Arjun Rampal who really does have some heartfelt meaning on screen. As well as Shraddha wanting to make her career choice and not having to hold back. Farhan Akhtar dwelling on the past and holding a guilt, this showed versatility, coming from the lead man to now a fallen man who is getting back up.
• What works in Rock On 2 is that the character’s work well together, leaving a good sense of unity. It also gives exposure to the guilt that is keeping them back. The movie exploits a positive message about allowing your talent and passion to be free, not to hide behind it thinking what life would be and what others would think. Also building a unity to help one another in doing what means the most to them.
• The cinematography is another pointer to mention as it helped to build the importance as some shots were chosen quite well and at the right time in certain scenes. Good use of dark scenes to compliment the characters and their feelings.

NEGATIVES

• A significant let down with the script was the utilisation of voiceover narration to help progress the film. It felt unnecessary at some parts, lesser inclusion of the voiceovers where the films visuals could have been better to help narrate what was said. The control of making us listen to it rather than feel it through the acting dialogues was a downer because it did not grasp the attention as much.
• The sequel being more emotionally enclosed to the characters than what the first film was like. The first Rock On was more of a passion and desire and the music set the tone more towards a rock feel musical movie blended with a bit of drama. In Rock On 2 the music is more sensitively drenched and seems to bypass the concept of the first film. The music was good as it clinches on to feelings, making music from the heart but this type of music loses what was composed in the first film. It had adrenaline and intensity but in Rock On 2 the songs were not dreadful, it was just missing what was a highlight in the first film as the music really stood out and enthralled the viewers with the film. Rock On 2 missed out on that evidently as the buzz was none existent, it was more so psychologically imposing.
• The film is more on the problem and the outcomes and that despite being attention grabbing, it overshadowed the identity of Rock On and as a sequel that pushed aside what expectations the audience would have walked in with having seen the first film. I felt the writing needed to be sharper, the scenes were building the impact but fails to leave a mark leading to the next scene. The climax especially felt below-par and as mentioned earlier, it was not inflicting the thrill that seemed to fend off.
• A major disappointment were the characters of Prachi Desai ad Shahana Goswami, two characters who were the supporting figure in the first film were given a walk by type of involvement in the sequel. Okay, Prachi has some parts but not enough as you want to see more of her, but as for Shanana, she came in once or twice and then completely ignored and thrown away, she was not even mentioned in the rest of the film. As for the poor screenplay, characters were not exploited to the fullest.

 CAST

• FARHAN AKHTAR – A character hiding away from his true world and holding a guilt from the past. Farhan revealed good expressions that represented grieving and sadness. His usher attempts in doing something for others helped to clinch the viewers’ attention much more, inputting some realism on screen. He does not get into his rock star image until the latter stages of the film, that was being missed from the start heavily. But he does well enough, he may lack more control in the sequel as in the first film he was much more in control of the band by showing more of a thinker paving in more dominance than others.  
• SHRADDHA KAPOOR – A newcomer in the band, a talented rising singer, she did well with her acting performance and nails it with her singing. She is given a good chunk of screen time and gave her space to develop with her character showing a variety of sentiments and feelings.
• ARJUN RAMPAL – Possibly the standout character you would want to see more of. He seems to be in his zone at all times and keeping in chord with the beat of where the film is heading towards. The only character who is stable with his life in the film becomes the one who is the saviour in the concept. I think Arjun needed more scenes because he proved to be perfect in the film.  
• PURAB KOHLI – Starts off with his childish and funny antics but soon becomes serious, but other cast members do overshadow him as they are given more of a bigger role. But Purab is one who develops more in with the screenplay and inputs more often. Musically as a drummer not much was put on camera for us to cherish.
• PRACHI DESAI – Playing a much lesser role in the sequel, she comes in as the wife and continues that role. A pretty lady but this time stands her ground in making some vital decisions, but not much of her is involved in the film. Just appears here and there so it almost seems forgotten at times but she was great when she graced the screen. 

RATING 

I would rate Rock On 2 a rating of 2/5. The sequel would have needed something remarkable musically and be captivating to top off and achieve the levels of Rock On and its originality. The follow-up gave glimpses and it had the potential but a weak script keeps pulling the film back in sprinkling magic on screen. With some excellent performances, the strengths of the cast in representing a spectacle with the reunion, it probably was the best thing about this film, a saviour and glimmer in hope towards expecting the right chords which never came due to the script focusing more on other drama rather than the music. This sequel is not too bad nor good enough, an average film let down by the screenplay as that holds the cast back and does not provide a musical sensation from the band as the ‘magik’ persona seems to have faded away. But what does go down well is the fact the film touches upon what has happened, but neglects not only the music but also some factors such as Prachi Desai character and Shahana Goswami. I would recommend this film for some commendable performances that keep you attracted to the film and making you wait in the wings in hope to relive the magic but the music was not showcased in a way as if it was coming from the heart, drama was coming from the heart more and that turned this film into more of a personal dilemma rather than a rock on.  

HAPPY BHAG JAYEGI - Movie Review

HAPPY BHAG JAYEGI written and directed by Mudassar Aziz, starring Abhay Deol, Jimmy Sheirgill, Diana Penty, Ali Fazal and Momal Sheikh in the lead roles. A drama set in India, gets taken in to Pakistan to flourish a runaway love story. Happy (played by Diana Penty) loves Guddu (played by Ali Fazal) but her marriage is being set with a politician Bagga (played by Jimmy Sheirgill). She elopes but the plan by Guddu gets muddled up and Happy ends up in Pakistan where she is being looked after by Bilal (played by Abhay Deol) a rising politician, but even he has to keep this hidden from the media as his family’s reputation could be affected. Between all this drama, Bilal has to safely get Happy and Guddu reunited in Pakistan. Amongst all the tensions, news and plans fail, allowing Bagga to find them all and that adds more drama inside Pakistan. With all the time and effort, Bilal is confused about his own love story with Zoya (played by Momal Sheikh). Will saving Happy and getting her united with her love affect Bilal and his love life with the one who he is supposed to get married to? Is there going to be additional twists with all the problems that already have been created? Watch Happy Bhag Jayegi to find out who walks away the happiest and who misses out.

POSITIVES

• A film that exploits the relationship between India and Pakistan in a positive manner showing more of unity and less of the political sagas that are tagged in association with the two countries. It was a delight to see a film on such strong countries coming together to produce a pleasurable movie.
• The story was uplifting, attractive and enjoyable although it was pretty predictable but what keeps you as the audience attentive with the film, are the pleasant and amusing dialogues. There were several standout dialogues that turned this comedy into a comical film. The script, despite having few flaws, it manages to keep you engrossed throughout. The first half and second half both prove worthwhile to the viewing experience.
• The cast were superb and the pairings were different but effective as the film manages to give prominence to each individual equally and not allowing significance to be portrayed to just a singular character as that tends to slow the flow of the story to progress for the others. The writers manage to interlink each main character bit by bit without any disappointments. The scenes are acted out quite strongly, this does not give any room for questioning of the actors once they finish their scenes. From seeing the film, it almost felt as if it was a natural scene transpiring when the characters have a dialogue interaction because they were doing it so well.

NEGATIVES

• Although the script being well written in terms of putting an entertaining movie together, some scenes were expectable as well as a couple of scenes could have been showcased with more dominance and necessity, ideally referring to scenes such as father expressing his anger over his daughter eloping rather than venting minimal frustration to those around him. Other scenes such as we get glimpse of the consequences this elope is having on Bilal and Momal's personal life, maybe the writers should have allowed more severity bearing due to Happy's presence. The climax scene felt like the downer to the movie, it was done unconvincingly and it surely was not as luring as how the build-up was.
• With so many cast talents to handle and give equal screen space to ensure they make a commanding impacting to the outcome of the story, I think the film was tight on runtime. It seemed rushed towards the end with the wrap up where more character development could have been narrated.

CAST

• ABHAY DEOL - Effortlessly holds the film together with a performance that you just do not want it coming to an end. Having him acting on screen adds stability at all times. He is given the role as the anchor in the film, more screen space and given priority above others within the script itself. He manages to excel in his role so well, leaving no room for dissatisfactions.
• DIANA PENTY - She shows potential in her role, a likeable character and very loud with her dialogues and body language to add that fiery persona within her that lets her to get in to such mess in the story. She ignites some sparks but not enough to have a standout act. But she does enough to leave an effect on screen and remain in the audience’s thoughts. A petty face adding glamour and a love angle to the spectacle.
• JIMMY SHEIRGILL - Once again the actor seems to be acting out his scenes with simplicity and finesse. It looks like Jimmy needs very little dialogues as his facial expressions speaks on screen perfectly itself. His authority allocates dominance and power over the others, his one liners were notable giving him a commendably packed performance although a similar representation from Tanu Weds Manu character. Yet he is still a joy to watch on screen and especially with his Panjabi curses bring a smile to the audience because it is so timely and fitting once mentioned.
• ALI FAZAL - Preserves a softer dignity amongst the rest of the male stars but leaves that inclusion of feeling sympathetic for him. He is a worthy actor who may need to develop in wider roles as his roles have been on the same wave length in the past. He adds to the love angle quite well but he required more supremacy if his character is an essential influence to the eloped actress.
• MOMAL SHEIKH - Playing second fiddle, she starts off as an interruption to the flow of the film but as the film progresses, she becomes more involved and that permitted her to stamp her stake in the scenario. She tries to help resolve the situation as well tries to find out about her own love life. This gave her the screen space to enact versatile emotions and that was an attractive watch along with the comedy. She comes in as an upper class and independent strong female figure, she does well in being a worthy part of the film.

RATING

I would rate Happy Bhag Jayegi 4/5 as this film was something refreshing and an engaging watch. This satisfying film portrays seriousness and comedy, but also adding love angle to it. The ride between two countries and the togetherness of those within the society on screen ensures a family filled film was going to be a charming one. The cast put in a laudable performance that you just enjoy watching and wait in anticipation for them to return in the next scene. The concept was worthwhile but it was the execution that slightly began to drift from an entertaining start. The plot climax seems to put a damper to what was a good viewing experience in the build-up. But despite that, this film provides laughter and humour with enough sparks especially with the impact of prolific stars like Jimmy Sheirgill and Abhay Deol as well as rising talents like Diana Penty and Ali Fazal. We highly recommend Happy Bhag Jayegi if you want to watch something uplifting.