Film, Hindi, Review

Tanu Weds Manu

A love story between a seedha-saadha doctor from London (R Madhavan) and a smart, intelligent girl (Kangna Ranaut),  who will do everything that her parents disapprove of…

Tanu Weds Manu faces a constant battle as it unfolds on screen. Since the main storyline is wafer thin and somewhat predictable, the film has to constantly be on its toes to see that its scenes and moments work and that the tale of boy finally gets girl is fresh, innovative and engrossing at all times. It’s a tough task and the film, though trying manfully with a decent enough first half, succumbs in the second before finally limping towards its customary happy ending.

The biggest problem in the film is that there is no chemistry between its lead pair – a fatality in a romantic film. To top it, they are not the best written characters in the film either. One is tired of seeing Kangna playing a whacko rebel (without a cause) yet again and not a likeable one at that here. So you actually wonder why goody-two-shoes Madhavan would love her so much. In Jab We Met, in a similar situation, Kareena was an extremely likeable character and you can imagine why Shahid would fall for her but not so here. In fact, there’s nothing in the first scene of Madhavan’s with Kangna that we feel there’s something to this girl as he does. And his entire love story depends on this meeting where he falls in love with her on first sight. Kangna’s problem, besides her getting typecast, remains her dialogue delivery and diction. A fine screen presence – what’s with those lips though – is totally undone each time she opens her mouth. You simply shudder. At the other end, Madhavan’s character is too one-dimensional, low key and too good to be true largely through the film. Consequently, the narrative chugs along at an even pace with few ups and downs and even sags in the second half. To his credit, Madhavan gives it his all – he is sincere, understated and likeable but also a little flat at times. However, he has to take care of his looks – he is looking chubby and his age too shows in the film.

Still, the film has its moments and does bring a smile to your face on and off. There is a certain charm and the atmosphere of small town North India, be it UP or Punjab, is nicely created through the production design. Refreshingly, the film also successfully manages to stay clear of obvious melodrama and there is a certain subtlety, restraint and control over the scenes. The sequences between Deepak Dobriyal and Madhavan are well worked out and lift the film, giving it its best moments. In fact, it is the supporting lot that work best in the film – Deepak Dobriyal being particularly brilliant. See him in the Jai Mata Di scene and the way he plays with the words when Madhavan tells him that actually Kangna is in love with someone else and wants him to call off the wedding. It helps that he has some of the best one liners in the film as well. Swara Bhaskar as Kangna’s best friend and confidante and Ejaaz Khan as her husband, who is also Madhavan’s childhood friend, come off pretty nicely as well and seem to be enjoying themselves. Jimmy Shergill is so-so while you wonder why Ravi Kishen was needed at all even if it was for a special appearance. And it’s always good to see KK Raina on screen.

Special mention must be made of some fine on location camerawork by Chirantan Das while musically, Krsna scores with Sadi Gali, Rangrez and Kitne Dafe Dil ne Kaha – all being well tuned. But the songs and their picturisations still don’t manage to lift the film as much as they should.

All in all, while no doubt a watchable enough film, Tanu Weds Manu still promised far more than what it finally delivers.

Score41%

Hindi, Comedy, Drama, Romance, Color

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