Debutant writer-director Shashank Khaitan’s Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania may be an adaptation of 1995 romantic super-hit Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaynge (DDLJ) – but it has a lot more to offer.

Mainly shot in Mumbai and Punjab, the film has two lead characters, Kavya Partab Singh (Alia Bhat) and Rakesh Humpty Sharma (Varun Dhawan).

Bold and jovial Kavya, a small-town, but rich Punjabi girl from Ambala, is all set to marry a foreign return doctor Angad Bedi (Sidharth Shukla) of her father’s (Ashutosh Rana) choice. Young Kavya is happy, but she has one condition – to wear a designer lehnga on her wedding.

A scene from movie, "Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania". – Courtesy Photo
A scene from movie, "Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania". – Courtesy Photo

Soon she sets off to Delhi to buy a wedding dress, where she meets happy-go-lucky Delhi boy, Humpty. Eventually, they both fall in love, despite knowing that Kavya is soon to marry someone else.

Love struck Humpty follows Kavya back to her hometown. But what happens next?

How Humpty proves his love for Kavya to her family is what I leave you to find out.

A scene from movie, "Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania". – Courtesy Photo
A scene from movie, "Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania". – Courtesy Photo

If we compare Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania with DDLJ – both have the same storyline and Punjabi wedding traditions. What makes it different from the latter is its cast.

Both lead characters, Bhat and Dhawan, may not be famous actors and may even have flaws. But the sizzling chemistry between the two is what makes this film enjoyable.

Dhawan has done a remarkable job in his performance keeping a good balance in emotional and comedy scenes. Seems like he's finally taking his acting seriously!

Bhat’s confidence, on the other hand, shows she has matured after Highway and Two States.

Both actors support each other during their scenes together, which seemed to lack in DDLJ.

A scene from movie, "Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania". – Courtesy Photo
A scene from movie, "Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania". – Courtesy Photo

Rana came on big screen after a long break, but his performance didn’t falter a bit. From dialogues to body language, he played his part best.

The supporting characters, Humpty’s two close friends Shonty (Gaurav Pandey) and Poplu (Sahil Vaid), did surprisingly well and are worth a mention.

Director Shashank Khaitan has a strong grip on the film’s theme. While the story may be old and traditional, the screenplay, lead roles and supporting actors, all show good coordination; with the typical melodrama avoided at best.

The film soundtrack is average with six tracks in total that can be good dance numbers, but not appealing enough to remember.


The final word


Funny, witty and with all the wrong dialogues at the right moments, the film is an enjoyable romantic comedy.

Read this review in Urdu here.


Dharma Production’s romantic flick ‘Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania was released on 11 July 2014.

Written and directed by Shashank Khaitan; Produced by Karan Johar; Music by Sachin-Jigar, Sharib Sabri and Tushi Sabri while lyricist are Shashank Khaitan, Kumar and Arshad Kamil; Editing by Manan Sagar ; Cinematography by Neha Parti.

Starring: Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Shukla, Ashutosh Rana

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

PAKISTAN has now registered 50 polio cases this year. We all saw it coming and yet there was nothing we could do to...
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...