Shimla Mirchi

I thought the premise of the movie in the trailer was a real fresh take on romantic comedies. The idea seemed super interesting until I saw the film.

While the movie has moments that are funny and kind of cute, I was quite taken aback by the bad performances. A legend like Hema Malini acted like a caricature of her self, Rajkumar Rao tried his best to save the film but sadly the writing, directing and co-actors didn't really help him much. Rakul Preet's character is rather annoying and immature.

I wish the movie was as good as the trailer. I'll give the movie a 5 on 10 for the honest effort put forward by Rajkumar Rao.

Shimla Mirchi review :

The only reason I sacrificed my precious afternoon nap to travel all the way to suburban Bandra to catch this film which is carrying absolutely no buzz is its director Mr. Ramesh Sippy.

As I settled down inside one of the empty audi of G7 multiplex, I was reminded of the veteran directors past glory. Indeed, Ramesh Sippy has achieved immortality with Sholay (1975) - a cinematic masterpiece and the biggest blockbuster of Bollywood so far. For the 80s audience, Sippy re-defined technical brilliance with Shaan (1980), presented the lustrous Dimple Kapadia like no other could in Saagar (1985) and brought two acting legends - Amitabh Bachchan and Dilip Kumar - face to face in Shakti (1982).

Having gone downhill since the 90s, Ramesh Sippy hadn't made a film for nearly two decades since his disastrous Zamaana Deewana (1995). Google tells me that even Shimla Mirchi was a long completed film but delayed for close to five years as it didn't find buyers. Sad if true!!

Loosely based on the French rom com Beautiful Lies (2010), Shimla Mirchi showcases an about to be divorced mom (Hema Malini) falling for a young lad (Rajkummar Rao) who is actually wooing her daughter (Rakul Preet Singh). The concept doesn't quite fit into the Indian milieu. Sippy's previous home production Nautanki Saala (2013) - inspired from another French film Après Vous (2003) - had similar problem. Ahem!!

More woe, the screenplay and dialogues are quite pheeka especially the first half drags at sluggish pace. Sippy spends considerable time in developing his key characters but unfortunately, they don't engage you at all. Technically too, Shimla Mirchi is quite a downer for the high standards Sippy set for himself in the past.

Re-uniting with her director of super hits like Andaz (1971), Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) and ofcourse Sholay (1975), Hema Malini lends tremendous dignity to her somewhat bold character. Infact, she steals the show completely. Rakul Preet Singh looks pretty and that's about it. Rajkummar Rao tries to ape Shah Rukh Khan (and this ain't a compliment please)!!!

A parting advice : In case you do go, hang on till the end for a surprise appearance by another legend associated with Sippy. Aww that nostalgia!

Movie 1st half was decent good but in 2nd half the film dragging & preety predictable specially last 25 min is disappointing much. Musics are good.

It's worst in every field. Briliant actors but poor direction, screenplay, cinematography.

It's a good family entertainer albeit slow in pace. Good to see Hema Malini and Dharmendra together on screen after so long.