harrypublic

Just watched this for the first time because over the years I had heard negativism but then a few folks at Reddit changed my mind. Even then it has been in my list for a year or 2; and just gotten around to it. Now I wonder why I delayed. Amazing movie.

Of course this is not a masala Indian movie; Bhansali has taken a European : Russian story and tried to make a fusion story. Keeping the familiar background of classic ballet / opera and doing some changes (such as songs) from the Bollywood side. It is more Europeans than Indian and maybe that's why people did not like it. For me it was slow getting into it but once I was into it; especially when Sonam enters the story; it was an awesome watch. Having seen both Ranbir and Sonam over the years, it was amazing how little they have changed.

The story was of course good; the limited set of the bridge and the neighborhood was jarring at first but grew on you, the songs were great and the special appearances by Rani and Salman were well done. Was reading about Zohra Sehgal and how it was her last movie; never read her bio but this movie made me do it.

Overall an enjoyable experience. Thanks to all those who recommended it.

I was getting so bored with the setup - the 2 lakh business and then even the meeting of the leads it did not do much to me. But then story takes a turn for the better, there is a nice bit of drama, and the end segments are just hilarious.

I personally did not feel much chemistry from the leads despite their 'closeness' but eventually that also comes together, especially with the family. Enjoyed it.

Not knowing about the cameos before hand, was surprised at first and then laughed and said "of course" at the second cameo. Good to see Luv Ranjan bringing them back.

I probably would have rated 5-6 based on the first half (or maybe 1/3) but it came together well. Worth a watch for the parts that are done real well.

Although this movie takes a comedic / farcical approach, it takes on a serious issue because despite some reviewers calling it a problem of 80s and 90s, the problem still does exist, isn't it. There are many ways to tackle social problems and one of them is just by bringing the issues to forefront by showing motivations of various characters and this movie does it very well.

Never expected Ranveer in such a serious (though comedic) role and he handles it superbly. Boman Irani is great as usual. Cast has many unknowns (and some more knowns too) and they work very well for the milieu.

Would not have watched this otherwise but thanks to a friend for recommending it. Rating 10/10.