‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ Movie Review – Bollywood Bubble

Directed by: Zoya Akhtar
Produced by: Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar
Cast: Anil Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma, Shefali Shah, Rahul Bose, Farhan Akhtar
Duration: 2 hours 50 minutes
Bollywood Bubble Rating: 3/5

The wait for one of the most awaited movies of this year ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ is finally over. Zoya Akhtar is back with a new movie, but a different mode of transport. If her ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ had three friends on a journey of self revelation in a car. ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ has a dysfunctional Punjabi family on a similar journey, albeit the mode of transport being a luxury cruise liner. So all those who are planning their next holiday on a luxurious cruise line sailing at Mediterranean or Arabian Sea, this movie will be a lot of help.

The movie revolves around “Mehras”. The Delhi-based Mehra’s look happy and content from outside, but their empire is crumbling. Anil Kapoor who plays Kamal Mehra is the head of Mehra family, a millionaire but fate takes a turn when he goes bankrupt. To maintain credibility Kamal and his wife Neelam (Shefali Shah) invite their rich friends on a luxurious Mediterranean cruise, joined by son Kabir (Ranveer Singh); daughter Ayesha (Priyanka Chopra); her husband Manav (Rahul Bose); his mother (Zarina Wahab); and finally the gentle Mehra dog Pluto; who is actually the narrator of the story speaking in Aamir Khan’s voice – and lots of fake buddies.

Let me introduce you to the Mehra family, a pretty complex gathering. We have Father Kamal Mehra a boastful, self-made, self-obsessed man, mother Neelam a typical suffering wife, who sweeps everything under the carpet to keep up the pretension of a happy family. Kamal wants Kabir to marry Noorie, so that her father can invest in his sinking business, meanwhile Noorie is in love with Kamal’s enemy’s son, Rana. Ayesha wants divorce from Manav, but he is not letting go. Kabir falls in love with a dancer Farah (Anushka Sharma) on the ship, but the family disapproves of her. Kamal is having extra marital affairs while Neelam is having weight issues. On top of all this we have Ayesha’s attractive ex Sunny (Farhan Akhtar) joining the cruise. Zoya must have thought, the more the merrier.

So what happens to the pretentious Mehra Family? Is Kamal Mehra able to revive his failing business? Does Kabir get to marry the love of his life Farah. Was Ayesha able to divorce her husband Manav? All these and many more questions will be answered in Zoya Akhtar’s ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’.

We say the winner is Anil Kapoor in ‘Dil Dhdakne Do’, his portrayal of a dominating, steel-haired, stressed-out Kamal Mehra is outstanding. ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’confirms that Kapoor has lost none of his talent for melodrama. Shefali Shah as Kamal’s better half, excels especially in those few crucial, sensitive moments.

Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra take the movie to another level. Ranveer who has a persona of an over the top actor, will surprise you as Kabir an unsure, vulnerable, sometimes weak person. Ranveer has also got some cracking punch lines, which he delivers with superb dryness. Priyanka Chopra as a finely tense Ayesha, building a winning business – but crumbling under a miserable marriage, makes you feel like applauding her for her beautiful portrayal of Ayesha. These two blazing talents are magical when they come together sharing one of the best sibling chemistry in Hindi films.

Rahul Bose has given a note worthy performance. He may have a very small role compared to the rest of the cast but manages to stand apart. Farhan Akhtar give good support. He looks smoldering enough to convince us, his and Priyanka’s karmic attraction. Anushka Sharma is looking gorgeous in her small but charming role of a dancer.

The dialogues written by Farhan Akhtar, keeps the humour quotient going, though at times it gets a bit repetitive. The cruise takes us to some of the most scenic places, such as Turkey, France, Spain, Tunisia and Italy.

Zoya Akhtar is a brilliant director who knows her job well. She has skilfully blended wickedness and insight into a charming mix. She has given each and every one of the large ensemble cast, a well thought of the character sketch. Story gets predictable but you can’t pick a flaw in her direction. The songs composed by Shankar Ehsaan Loy are in sync with the theme of the movie.

‘Dil Dhadaken Do’ also makes you look within, as it raises the mirror to the double standards that we have been suffering in silence in the Indian families.

We say, do watch Zoya Akhtar’s ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ this weekend.