A multi star cast ‘Bollywood masala’ film is what Dil Dhadakne Do promises with its trailer, but it turns out to be so much more. The ‘masala’ referred to here is not directed to the Bollywood way of doing things but that natural ‘tamasha’ that we as Indians have ingrained in us. A family drama told by the most amusing, loved and observant member of the Mehra family will connect with every viewer in more than one way.
Dil Dhadakne Do is the story of a dysfunctional high class family residing in Delhi, that comprises of Mr. Kamal Mehra ( Anil Kapoor) the self made business man, Mrs. Neelam Mehra (Shefali Shah) and their children, Ayesha Mehra (Priyanka Chopra) and Kabir Mehra (Ranveer Singh) and their adorable canine member, Pluto Mehra. Its Mr & Mrs Mehra’s thirtieth wedding anniversary and at this “Happy Occasion” efforts are being made to prove to the world that they are a normal happy couple/family in spite of their guests being aware of the reality. The façade behind which human beings maintain and live in, for the society is what is depicted wonderfully through the story.
The strength and beauty of the film lies not in the script, dialogues or screenplay. It’s the direction that steers this ship to an absolutely delightful sail! Zoya Akhtar is known for her real but soft ways of bringing out emotion on screen and she does that flawlessly. Dil Dhadakne Do is not a high voltage drama that hits you with its emotion right away. It works on you throughout the 170 minutes and before you know it, you have connected with more than one character and there you are, smiling at the screen knowing exactly what is being conveyed because you have been there, experienced that.
The cast is the hero of this feature presentation. Yes, you read it right. There is not one actor in this film that does not know how to perform! Refreshing isn’t it? A rare pleasure in recent times is what it is. The casting director has to be applauded as each artist chosen portrays their respective character to such true form that it’s hard for you to separate the artist from the character. With the supporting cast it’s an easy 35 to 40 actors and all of them fit as a completed jigsaw puzzle,perfect.
Special mention has to be given to the leading cast members and specifically to Priyanka Chopra and Ranveer Singh. A brother sister relationship conveyed through two top Bollywood stars is something you would wonder how it would work, especially when the two have played lovers in the past. But that’s just what impeccable acting and spectacular direction does to film. It shows you something that you have not seen before. The chemistry between the two is what ties this script together and brings forth that beautiful sacred bond siblings have between them.
The story is well thought and the idea that the director/script writer wants to portray on screen is done in a methodical, organized manner, building on each scene as the movie progresses, touching on so many emotions, taboos and how our upbringing plays such a monumental role in all that we become or don’t. The dialogues are crisp, funny and do complete justice to the scenes making them words/phrases spoken by you and I on a daily basis, giving that authentic touch.The music of the film is apt, minimal and catchy reminding you it is a Bollywood musical and not annoying you, that it is a Bollywood musical. My personal favorite is the fast punjabi number, Gallan Goodiyan the typical Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy track.
The only glitch I can pick on is the length of the feature presentation that runs into almost three whole hours, like old times. You tend to get a little uneasy and impatient in your seat with the pace, as Zoya Akhtar has taken her time to express her art on screen and has not compromised, giving good screen time and opportunity to every character allowing them to create the impact on the audience that was intended to. But the dialogues and familiarity of the Indian attitude and mentality that is common across all classes pulls you out of your drowsy, almost falling asleep mode regularly keeping you involved almost throughout.
All in all, a good movie in a long time with all the cliché Bollywood aspects present and magnified but not in an irritable fashion, for once. So go ahead, book your tickets if you haven’t already done it and sit back and enjoy this visual treat that is well balanced and just what you movie buffs need this weekend.
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