Pratik and Sayani shine in a stunning rom-com

Topic: mess of dreams

Director: Danish Aslam

Mould: Prateik Babbar, Sayani Gupta, Kubbra Sait, Danish Hussain, Freddy Love

Where: Streaming on Jio Cinema

Rating: 3 stars

Director Danish Aslam presents this film as an Indian twist on classic Hallmark films – a feel-good romance where love conquers all obstacles. For those unfamiliar with the genre, these films promise emotional comfort with familiar plots, characters searching for love, and the reassurance that happiness is just a turn away. Although the film captures some of that charm, it struggles to break free from the predictability and emotional surface level of such stories.

The story focuses on Zubin Readymoney (Prateik Babbar), a young Parsi man whose disciplined, albeit boring, lifestyle proves too much for his fiancée Shehnaz (Kubra Sait). Frustrated by his organized ways, she rejects his proposal, leaving him to go on a planned, now solo, trip to London. There, Zubin meets Ruby (Sayani Gupta), a film intimacy coordinator, who gives him an unexpected crash course in ease and seduction. In a comedic turn, Zubin helps her organize her disorganized finances, and together, they unwittingly embark on a journey of self-discovery, mixing affection with mutual self-improvement.

Although its premise is funny enough, the film lacks emotional depth which prevents the audience from truly investing in its characters. Babbar, Gupta and Sait give commendable performances, slipping into their roles with ease. However, Aslam's direction, though visually sophisticated, can seem overly artificial, prioritizing style over the warmth that makes the romance truly engaging. Rather than naturally inviting the audience into Zubin's journey, the film sometimes feels like it's positioning him—as the oddity for oddity's sake.

Among the supporting cast, Danish Hussain is particularly convincing as Ruby's father, bringing a grounded charm to his brief role. Freddie Love's portrayal of Ruby's friend Quinn, along with Lillete Dubey and Kaizad Kotwal as Jubin's parents, feel more like storytelling devices than fully realized characters that are actually used. Used to advance the main plot without memorable impact.

However, where the film excels is in its visuals. The cinematography captures natural beauty and urban charm with unusual camera angles and vivid framing, especially in the song sequences. The editing is on point, adding pace and fluidity to the narrative. And with high production quality, this film is a cut above any top-tier rom-com, providing an immersive, cinematic experience.

Beyond its unique love story, the narrative offers a sly critique of soulful love, subtly nudging us to accept self-satisfaction as the true path to happiness. It's a refreshing message that hints at the importance of embracing yourself before exploring relationships with others – a sentiment that resonates well, even if the film doesn't fully exploit its emotional potential.

Ultimately, the film is an enjoyable rom-com that entertains without challenging the boundaries of its genre. It's light-hearted, visually stunning, and full of charming performances, but its commitment to whimsy over substance may leave audiences yearning for a love story that's a little less scripted and a little more real.