Dum Laga Ke Haisha

Dumb Laga Ke Haisha is a movie that celebrates the unfounding of size and space, and juxtaposes it against the flight of ambitions in a detailed, layered, yet breezy romance that acts as both a social commentary, as well as a mainstream romantic comedy.

A narrow by-lane in Haridwar leads to a narrow minded class ten failed simpleton Prem (Ayushman Khurana in a refreshingly natural role) of the 1990s who dreams of Juhi Chawla but is instead married off to a portly and much more educated Sandhya (Bhumi Pednekar in a supremely brilliant and dauntless debut).

While she dreams of a government job as a school teacher and a husband who respects her, he has nightmares about everything she stands for - be it her intellect or weight. What follows is a refreshingly original and daring film that overcomes stereotypes while bringing a smile on our faces, even as it tugs at our heartstrings.

Here the 90s is captured in stunningly nuanced detail by writer-director Sharat Katariya several times, as is the language of Uttar Pradesh (mostly), and the life of a small town (perfectly).

Be it a dash of Limca to get over retching, the unspiralling of cassettes using pens, watching of movies in VCPs and VCRs, using landline phones, giving missed calls, the fascination with Kumar Sanu, or a fight using songs being played by a warring couple, the makers get the 90s spot on. What also makes the majority of the scenes worth the 'wait' is Bhoomi Pednekar who 'weighs' her emotions while adding ample 'weight' to her character through a gamut of emotions that are sure to resonate with your heart.

Adding 'weight' to the plot is a series of sub plots involving a separated elderly aunt, parents and in-laws struggling with their values, ethics, and modernity, a young brother preparing for his board exams, a 'sankha' with its moralistic lessons, jealous friends, and a contest 'Dum Laga Ke Heisha' aimed to test the ultimate bonding between a married couple. There is humor, action, emotion, shame, romance, and triumph in equal measure that help the film measure up to the 'weighty' expectations of any discerning viewer gasping for a breath of fresh air. What helps is an able supporting cast that makes you want to 'wait' and watch the proceedings.

This small film involving small town people is sure to occupy a not so small space in your hearts and minds. All you need to do is give it a chance - just like the leads of this film are told time and again, and love will surely follow.

Watch it for an era gone by, for an unconventional heroine, for relationships that survive against the test of time, and for that sense of nostalgia that is impossible to ignore. And last, but not the least, for Kumar Sanu - who is back (along with Sadhana Sargam and Annu Malik no less). This 'Ishq' is 'Kararaa' indeed... and definitely worth its 'weight' in terms of originality, story, and execution. What are you 'waiting' for? Watch it in your nearest theater and do your bit to support good mainstream cinema with a refreshing storyline... Take a bow Yashraj Films!

Had heard the song "Moh Moh ke Dhaage.." many times but not seen the movie. Finally saw it on Prime and movie as good as the song. Its a very simple story of two mismatched people married and finding the differences don't matter when they love each other.

Ayushman Khurana excels in such roles and the actress Bhumi Pednekar is also very charming and good.

A very refreshing movie from Bollywood where there is normal Hindi spoken unlike the Westernised one in most movies. Simple people leaving in simple houses and dressed like an average Indian. Overall an authentic Indian setup unlike the Western aspirational garbage aimed at NRIs.

The comedy works in all scenes and also the serious scenes played by the older actors is very good.

A reluctant Prem is forced to marry an obese Sandhya because she is qualified to be a teacher and the family needs monetary help. Prem himself is a 10th fail due to his poor English skills. Prem cannot get over the looks of his wife and is further frustrated when he sees his friend marrying a pretty girl.

His wife who is an independent woman and no pushover can no longer take his indifference and files for divorce.

Like a normal Hindi movie, the rest of the movie is how they reconcile and find love for each other.

When a movie teaser is released, it has to be catchy and interesting that should fuel the curiosity among the moviegoers to spend few bucks for that cinema. Dumb Laga Ke Haisha exactly works on that strategy. It had limited release ( 769 screens all over India) with shoe-string budget ( 13 crores) and unknown star-cast. What worked in its favor - is applauding performances, immensely likable story and mind-blowing script.

Marriages are made in heaven but for Prem( Aayush Khurrana), it was made in hell. In Dumb Laga Ke Haisha, marriage is made between two people of different background, different thinking and in different size.

New-bee director Sharat Katariya( 10 ML Love) is probably the talent to watch out for. The theme of the movie is simple yet noble, set in the mid-90's with background of beautiful city of Haridwar about simple, ordinary and middle-class business family which will remind of classic movies by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Basu Chatterjee. The movie is intrinsic to its core right from the beginning with hilarious moments enough to tickle your funny-bone. The initial reel will definitely bring down the house when the boy meets the girl. Even the divorce scene, the fight between the neighbours has been executed brilliantly that would put a smile on your face. Hats off to the director and script writer for making the best out of it. Background score and music is limited yet convincing. Art direction representing a typical middle-class household is worth-mentioning. Cinematography capturing the essence of Haridwar is eye-catching. Coming to the performances, Ayush Khurrana does a fabulous job as a push-over, introvert, loyal son. He does a good comeback after series of flops. New talent Bhumi Pednekar should walk away with few awards this year. This is her first film and the amount of maturity she shows in her acting is astounding. Sanjay Mishra as usual is brilliant.

Do yourself a favor, go and grab the tickets and embrace Dumb Laga Ke Haisha. Astounding 5/5

It is never easy to make a movie about a topic like this. Past attempts have mutilated this kind of story so I was skeptical.One is happy to see that the characters (especially the leads) don't take unhealthy and impractical steps. Also there was no (unnecessary) villain waiting to take advantage of either of them.

Bhumi acted so believably and Ayushmann complemented her acting. These kind of movies hopefully should be eye openers to ignorant parent in Tier-2/Tier-3 cities and towns and not force their children into arranged marriages. It was just a luck break that the contest (in the end) resolved the marital issues; everybody does not get the same opportunities.

Hats off to the cast and Director for pulling off a superb movie.

A film released.... a stereotype breaks.... an actress doesn't need to be size zero to become a heroine.... A strong story line, screenplay, dialogues, performances by Ayushman khurana and the newcomer bhumi phednekar.... is ready to surprise the audiences.... Music by Anu Malik gives a down to memory lane ride of the 90's.... its a Kumar Sanu Musical all the way...this is the first time i saw audiences sitting right till the end until the song is finished.... Finally with Dumb LAGA KE HAISHA.... Yash raj Films comes up with another love story with a standard of DDLJ and Rab ne bana di jodi..... Its a thumbs up for this movie.....