2 States

2 States had me in two states of mind. While it's mostly simple and light hearted first half made me look forward to the rest of the movie, the darker and grittier, though somewhat predictable 2nd half made me sit up and take notice of the proceedings.

This tale is essentially that of two much in love IIM Graduates from two corners of India wishing to have their culturally clashing and hard to woo families completely accept their alluring alliance. Based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Chetan Bhagat, the film for me gets full marks in the screenplay adaptation department. Alas, sometimes the editing, tying up of lose ends from a storytelling perspective (what happens to the psychiatry sessions? When does it end), and staple Bollywood melodrama (or the lack thereof in the tame ending) makes for wishful film viewing.

What worked for me was the terrific chemistry and naturally effortless performances of the lead actors. Alia gets full marks for her terrific portrayal of Tamilian Ananya (despite her being a thorough North Indian girl - this being her third film, this is one girl to watch out for over and over again). Arjun inches close for his gritty and multi layered portrayal of Krish (I wish there was a bit more body language/voice modulation/effort to portray the 7 years younger character, or the slightly older father of two kids).

The supporting cast is tremendous too! Be it Ronit Roy in the stupendous special appearance as the father fighting his inner demons, or Amrita Singh with her loud mouthed yet large hearted portrayal of Krish's mother. Revathi and Shivkumar as Ananya's parents are subtle and nuanced and add the required pathos to the story at just the right time. I especially loved Revathi's rendition of 'Kaho Na Pyaar Hai' and Shiv's almost childlike reactions to the same. The direction is naturally delightful (a great debut by Abhishek Varman), the screenplay superb, the music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy hummable (especially the excellently filmed 'Locha E Ulfat'), and the cinematography by Binod Pradhan just right, making this perfect as far as the technical requirements are concerned. Some loose ends could have been tied better, had the editor - Namrata Rao been allowed some more screen time (was it the over expectations from her post Kahaani?). But this is a glitch that can be safely ignored in an otherwise effective film.

Though some scenes of intimacy could have been done without, this is indeed a great family watch that strangely will teach you a thing or two about why, how, and when family matters. Watch it for a fluffy slice of life. Don't expect the stars, and you might just moon over this not so typical Bollywood Romance. Go for it!

Director Mr. Abhishek Varman has done apt work. He has completely justified the one of my favorite book ,2 STATES in its cinematic adaption. There are very few shots of fix block. Otherwise most of the scenes are captured with perfect movement. It gives nice feeling while watching. Director of photography Mr. Vinod Pradhan work is impressive. Complete film carries a vibrant look. Dialogues by Hussain Dalal gel completely with the character and at places tickle the funny bones in smart way. Movie is nice but due to based on the famous book, sometimes it slows down, because they had to justify the book also. I wish length of movie should have been little less. Performance wise Arjun Kapoor is very good. Alia Bhatt looks pretty and performed very well. Amrita Singh, Ronit Roy, Revathy, Shivkumar Subramaniam as Ananya's father has performed very nicely. Music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy is OK.

Yet another movie which surpasses the mother book in terms of quality. The direction of the movie is mind blowing and Chetan Bhagat is once again blessed with a movie which can thunder the Box Office. You will wonder at one stage if the story of the movie you watch is the same of the book you read few years ago- the book is very entertaining of course. Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor have done exceptionally well in the screen. I never knew Alia was this beautiful. Arjun Kapoor has done the role of a lethargic Punjabi perfectly. The movie, from the start, gives the spectator good entertainment and a smiling face. The Script is very gentle. In the final parts of the movie, at variance with the feelings that the book creates for a reader, a spectator gets very much emotional. The emotions, portrayed in the movie, between the hero and his dad, have been so picturesquely put into screen that it can wet your eyes. Ronit Roy who plays the role of the hero's father has contributed a major share by giving a new aura to the movie's story-line. His outstanding acting and attitude would be the main things that you will be talking about after getting out of the theater. The cast for the movie is very beautifully selected. It need not be mentioned here about the class of acting that Revathi and Amritha Singh can deliver. They are all always at their best; be it for any role. As we all know from the book itself, the story line isn't that classy or touching. Maybe none of the jokes or scenes will linger in your heart after you get out of the theater; only the entertainment and happiness that the movie provided will be thought about. And by prudence, the director has omitted certain parts of the book from the movie; only a few scenes, such as the scene where 'Ananya' screws the 'Duke' are a bit boring and unoriginal. Apart from that, there is nothing to be seriously criticized in the movie, or to exclaim and shout, 'Highly impossible things'. Words by the hero, that he wishes to write normal and simple stories which have the ability to become the 'HERO' in people's heart will ring in your mind like a chant, and will give hope to all the authors who are striving hard to come up; for we all know how successful Chetan Bhagat is. He is the man who made India read. I will say that it's a good movie to watch and I can assure that none will be disappointed. The spectators would very surely be coming out of the theater with happy and smiling faces.

Based on a novel by Chetan Bhagat, 2 States aims to present a young love story marred by cultural differences, and the film is just about how two young students struggle to convince their clashing families to accept their relationship. The film is modern, pleasant and fun, and the premise could not be more interesting, but it's never genuine enough to be really taken notice of, mainly because everything is handled with a constant touch of corny sentimentality and an evident lack of conviction. Having said that, the film is quite enjoyable in spite of many of its flaws and despite the fact that one of its primary false notes is the relationship between the two main leads, which is totally unconvincing and lacking in depth. Then again, I think the film hardly manages to ever break away from what is essentially a stereotypical and outdated story, and not because of the story as much as the weak portrayal of the families. Something is missing there, everything is just very banal and superficial, and very rarely throughout the film do you really experience the beauty of the Punjabi or Tamil cultures, as conservative as they may be.

That said, it is there actually where the film is saved, simply because the supporting cast of senior actors gives great experience to their parts and does the most of what they are given. Well it goes without saying that Amrita Singh is the film's biggest asset since hers is both the funniest and most moving performance. She is the typical Punjabi mom at some instances, and the compassionate, dedicated person at others, doing everything with her strong screen presence. Ronit Roy is good albeit this is practically the same role he played in Udaan, which is not a good thing not only because of typecasting but also because this is not a very good film and here his character is lacking in development and has a change of heart which is too good to be true. Revathi delivers a fine, understated performance, and so does Shiv Kumar Subramaniam. Then we have the main lead, and they are just lost with so-so roles and have zero chemistry. Arjun Kapoor is expressionless, and while this might be the character, it just doesn't work and he comes across far too wooden for his own good. Alia Bhatt is bubbly and cute but is nothing to write home about.

2 States is not a very good film, but it is good entertainment. The music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is not too memorable for me this time, but it is very pleasant to the ears and nicely carries the narrative forward. While I expected more from the young leads, the supporting cast more than makes up for that. All of them are let down by the predictably sugarcoated end, but let it be. This is just for fun, and it does provide it here and there and is a good watch for the family.

We all are quite familiar with movies which are based on novels, real- life stories, autobiographies etc. but few films exist which strikes the right chord! Many movies (in Bollywood) like 3 Idiots (2009), Kai Po Che (2013) have been adapted from novels of one masterpiece: Chetan Bhagat! He is the main reason behind the success of these movies and many others and again for the latest release of his novel "2 States" adaptation in Bollywood!! This movie is so wonderful and doesn't require any action scenes, over-the-top dialogues, old-typical themes etc. but the makers have given a remarkable effort with some minor changes as compared to the book!! So here we go:

Story: The story is beautifully crafted!! 2 people of different culture, different states fall in love with each other. But whether they know the consequences they would face when they would face the discomfort and the pressures when people talk of inter-caste liaison, the unyielding love and the resolve to win the parents' trust, each and every aspect with the emotions included! Will they succeed in convincing their parents to get married or will their relationship would get over is the main plot of this film.

Cast: Arjun Kapoor as Krish Malhotra is delightful!! After films like Ishaqzaade (2012) and Gunday (2014) where he has a goofy character, he truly succeeds in playing a sweet, simple kind of a guy who gives importance to his relationships! He charms and gives a meticulous performance! One of his finest performance till date!

Alia Bhatt as Ananya Subramanium is first-rate!! She is beautiful yet witty and gives a delightful performance as a Tamil-Brahmin girl!! Her chemistry with Arjun is electrifying! We can say that Alia has now became an evolved actress and she knows when to capture emotions at the right time!!

Amrita Singh as Krish's Mother is a revelation! She truly is fantastic as the typical Punjabi mother-in-law who justifies her role!! She steals the show in most of the scenes!!

Ronit Roy as Krish's Father is extraordinary!! He develops an antagonistic relationship with his son but he is remarkable!! Watch out for the twist that he would get in the 2nd half!

Shiv Subramanium and Revathy as Ananya's Father and Mother gives decent performances!! They are quite efficient!!

Direction: Director Abhishek Varman should deserve the Best Debut Director in next year's film awards! He truly strikes the right chord!! He gives an remarkable effort but capturing sweet melodramatic scenes and wonderful emotions which come during the course of the film!! Both he and Karan Johar (Producer) have wonderfully executed a delightful film!!

Music: The music of the film is exceedingly well!! The songs truly move you and will put a smile in your face!! Songs like "Locha-e-Ulfat" and "Offo" are best numbers which will make you groove along with it! "Mann Mast Magan" is a wonderful and top-notch song that steals your heart!!

On the whole, 2 States is one of those rare Hindi films which have came in a long time and had explored us the diverse cultures, melodramatic scenes, problems of inter-caste marriages but one thing knocks all of it: "Love"! It really empowers on all of the dizzy situations!! Strongly recommended to people of all age-groups and also to those who fantasize about diverse people!!