Story

Dhieyo Sandhu’s story of a girl falling in love with her kidnapper is not new, the only difference here being that he is not her real kidnapper but is rather forced to kidnap her. However, what differentiates this story from the earlier ones of this kind is the family angle of the boy. Therefore, the second half of the film becomes more of a family drama rather than remaining a love story, which is both, good and entertaining. The screenplay, also penned by Dhieyo Sandhu, is routine in the first half. Many of the scenes are clichéd and although the emphasis is on humour and comedy, several of the light-hearted scenes don’t evoke the desired response from the audience. In fact, some of the comedy scenes look contrived and fall flat on their face.

But things take a dramatic turn after interval. The drama becomes very entertaining and enjoyable once the focus shifts to ‘Agwaha House’, as Chaudhary’s haveli is nicknamed by people because of his business ofaghwaha (kidnapping). Not just the characterisation of Chaudhary but his dialogues and entire demeanour are also so entertaining that the audience enjoys every bit of the post-interval portion. As it is, the writer has not been able to convince the audience about Mini falling in love with Viren, a mere autorickshaw driver, which is also why the family drama in the Chaudhary household appeals far more. In fact, the love angle in the pre-interval portion is the weakest part of the screenplay. Pre climax makes you interested to watch the flick. The climax may be predictable but again, the lecture by Chaudhary before the climax makes it (climax) more interesting. Also, the demands made by Viren of Mini in the last scene are cute and instantly evoke laughter.

Analysis :

Director Mandeep Kumar has control over things and doesn't let the film go out of hands. Neither does he let Genelia's animated act go overboard, nor does he overuse the cultural backdrop. Unlike most films in similar vein (Jab We Met, Love Aaj Kal, Ajab Prem Ki Ghajab Kahani), there is no third angle in the love story and thankfully so. The film employs the abduction trade on a lighthearted backdrop resulting to some good humour. However a minor bone of contention is that it subsequently uses the same aspect to set a moral tone in the climax.

Performance :

Ritesh Deshmukh does a truly fine job, especially in the post-interval portion and in the first part of the first half. Genelia D’souza lives her role in the second half and even her going overboard in a few scenes in the first half is easily forgotten because of her superlative and absolutely endearing performance in the latter half. Om Puri deserves high praise for his acting. He is just too wonderful and it wouldn’t be incorrect to say that he and Genelia are the life of the post-interval portion. Smita Jayakar puts in a dignified show. Tinnu Anand plays his part well. Chitrashi Rawat has her moments and makes the most of them. She is endearing. Navin Prabhakar also does a fine job. Gurmeet Sajan is good as Chaudhary’s younger brother who never talks. Kartar Cheema does what is required of him in the role of Sunny. As his parents, Rana Jung Bahadur and Satwant Kaur are alright. Amandeep, Aman Randhawa and Gagan Bhangu, all as Sunny’s friends, lend fair support. Rana Ranbir (as petrol pump owner Tony Singh), Akshita Sharma (as Mini’s friend, Softy), Nishan Cheema and Nihal Purba (both as Viren’s friends), Harsh Sethi (as Chaudhary’s aide, Jatta) and Diljit Dosanjh (as himself in the Pee pa song) provide adequate support. Veena Malik lends oomph and sex appeal in her graceful Fann ban gayi song.

Final Word ‘Tere Nall Love Hogaya’, another comedy and family entertainer...