Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

Sorry, Karan Johar as always puts more stress on the gloss rather than the substance, and the result is mostly a shallow film that would hardly ever ring true to thinking viewers. Obviously, it's the material that's quite lacking to begin with but the treatment is way worse. First, the incredible number of references to Johar's own films was absolutely annoying. That penchant for self-glorification has become quite a tedious motif in his films, and by the way, so have the other references to other Hindi films such as Chandni and the likes.

Above all, the biggest glitch here is the banality of the writing and particularly the portrayal of the relationships, all of which completely strain credulity. Not a single one of them rings true - not Ranbir's with his girlfriend, not Anushka's with her husband, and certainly not the friendship between Ranbir and Anushka, which is supposed to form the basis for the entire story but is highly unconvincing. The film tries to sell us an age-old formula of two people who are good friends, but one of them wants more, and it doesn't gel and lacks depth.

So what's the problem here? That I personally, and I'm sure many others, won't buy for a minute that a chance encounter in Europe and a few fun days spent together would turn two strangers into such good friends. Actually, even if it is possible, the script doesn't give it justice; the strangers' shared experience should have been much deeper than what this film showed us (more or less dancing to Hindi films and hardly one serious conversation) to establish a true, year-long camaraderie as required by the story. Eventually, it just doesn't make sense and lacks heart and realism.

The portrayal of the obsession, which is what this film essentially deals with (indeed, it's more about obsession rather than unrequited love), is handled much better. And even better is the entrance of a new character into this story, which helps refresh the entire mood of the film. But the film is twisted to no end, which isn't a compliment, and as expected, typically overlong. Moreover, some of the twists towards the end are so cliché and lacking in credibility it feels the director hasn't learned a thing about the growing sophistication of his potential audience.

Where the film does score is on the technical front, where everything is handled professionally. The locations and music are, as always in Johar's films, stupendous, and make for a fun cinematic experience despite the flaws. Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma sink their teeth into their half-baked roles and give much more than they get. The ultimate saving grace however is Aishwarya Rai, whose charismatic presence gives the film so much of what it lacks. It's not just her dazzling beauty, it's the depth in her eyes. I wish the film had more of this depth.

It's a movie for the heart broken or the poem lovers. Some of the lines are hilarious, witty, poetic, and has the depth of Oscar Wilde's quote. It is to the extent that I cohered with one dialogue in the movie, "did you rehearse those lines …" This movie has dealt with human emotions with near perfection, with each character having its degree. None of the characters were written naively; they had their gray shades, marred with resistance and vulnerability. The chemistry was extraordinary, in particular between Anushka & Ranbir. I doubt young ones would be able to absorb such nuanced seepage of emotions.

However, the plot is weak. No doubt about it. Also, this movie is awfully feminist. Here a private-jet rich kid is being used by two women, err three women, with Aishwarya being the third. And Aishwarya's ex-husband doesn't have a problem with her relation with Ranbir. He goes on to justify it with cheesy one-liners.

Having stated above; the movie had his heart in the right place. It's nowhere near 500 days of summer, but if you are a heartbroken person, you might reckon to add it to your library.

As a technician director Mr. Karan Johar, work is good but as a creative person nothing is good. There is very convenient and out dated story. Screenplay offers only a few just worth smile scenes in first half. Basic drawback in this seemingly love story movie is there is no love. Makers point of view of love is just few kissing scenes and looks a like love making scene. They didn't feel need of exploring or establishing love with new perspective. First half approach of love and film is ahead of time and second half belongs to gone era in dialogues as second female lead is a 'Shayera' but behaviors and dresses wise again ultra modern, who doesn't blink for a second to be intimate with a person just in second meet!! There is not a single clear cut character. Initially first pair is established very rich but then there was no any further need of this thing. All characters are confused. Even pre climax cause is very stale and looks funny rather than projecting any high octane emotions but actors shed tears now and then with loud gesture. Open end climax in a love story is just unbearable. You remain seated and think what was it? Performance wise Ranbir Kapoor is good. Anushka Sgarma is impressive. Aishwaraya Rai Bachchan is fine. Music wise " Achchha Chalta Hun Dua Mein Yaad Rakhna' is well placed, written and composed, credit goes to Music director Preetam and lyricist Amitabh Bhattachrya.

I would like to say Amitabh Bachchan style "Ya Kia Ho Raha Hai" And to finish my comments after watching this movie, I would like to change the name of the movie to "Ae Film Dekna Hai Mushkal" It's totally disappointing. It's just waste of time. The casts are very good but the movie is totally opposite of what audience were expecting. The expectations from such a casts were too high but even that movie couldn't reach the minimum level of audience choice and expectations. The movie casts are really wasted in all aspects and casts should also reconcile themselves for that movie disasters by signing in and being part that movie.

ADHM is a wonderful movie for "romantics", especially those who have gone through unrequited love. And if you are past mid-30s you may not relate to the places where love "flows" . Most songs are in set up in glitzy clubs from London to Vienna…

It is not "in your face" love story – sure it is shot with typical KJo brand of colorful rich upper class people – but it is definitely a love story of cerebral kind.

It is also not a classy or realistic one – nowhere like say "Lootera" or "The Lunchbox" – two good romantic movies which are on par with Hollywood classics like "Before Sunrise" series or "Eternal Sunshine".

It is more a commercial entertainer like "Silsila" or "JTHJ" but what is unique about ADHM is it only focuses on characters in love. Four people, in love and there is no distraction of parents or bothers or sister or other relatives. It is a remarkable achievement for a commercial Hindi movie to do away with unnecessary supporting cast which ails most of our Indian movies in guise of comedy or family relationship melodramas. Sure there are good supporting cast like Lisa Haydon but they do are intertwined appropriately with the story.

Unlike many Hollywood movies, our Hindi movies do not spend too much time on character development and sometime you don't connect, especially during initial moments of the movie. This movie slowly grows on you, if you watch it with open mind.

Unrequited love is a difficult subject to handle, yet most of us may have gone through it during our various phase of life. While, surprisingly KJo has handled this so maturely, credit is due more with actor's performances, particularly Ranbir.

Unfortunately but NOT surprisingly, the director lets us down in last 20 mins or so – wish our Indian Directors have the courage to end the movie when it HAS TO – most of the time trimming out last 20-30 mins will be an ideal solution. I have seen bad editing of not trimming toward end of many romantic movies - from Kabhie Kabhie days (last 10 mins of botched up climax) to Silsila, KANK and JTHJ – they frustrate the moviegoers towards the end and you give an otherwise good product worse rating. I would have rated this movie 8/10, if it has ended right after powerful title song so passionately sung by Ranbir, which evokes memories of "Sadda Haq".

If you are romantic at heart, like me, please go and watch it. Chances are, you will "get it" and appreciate it.

Even if you don't, it is worth trying. It is a good movie to watch for as performances (Ranbir, Anushka, Aishwarya), Songs (Buleya, ADHM, Channa), Dialogues and glitzy production design blend well to keep you entertained. And please try to walk out after title song is over – I regret not doing so.