Film Review - Dum Laga Ke Haisha

Two To Tango

Film: Dum Laga Ke Haisha  

Cast: Ayushmann Khurana, Bhumi Pednekar, Sanjay Mishra

Directed by: Sharat Katariya

Duration: 1 hr 51 mins

Rating: * * * *

Director Sharat Katariya’s Dum Laga Ke Haisha is the first gem of the year and certainly one of the better ventures we have seen in recent times. This could well be the Queen of 2015. Films from the Yashraj stable have been a mixed bag with more misses than hits, but full credit to them for producing a film that is not run of the mill, this is one of the best films they have made in recent times.

The story challenges many conventional norms of a Bollywood film but yet the entertainment that it offers is very rooted. Take the heroine to start with – she is not exactly a size zero which is the preferred standard for lead actresses in our films, in fact far from it, she is plump and is referred to by all sorts of names because of her size. But make no mistake, Bhumi Pednekar’s debut is one of the most assuring one you will see on the silver screen and the film is much more than just her physical trait.

Set in the city of Haridwar in the 90’s, it opens with the marriage of Prem (Ayushmann Khurana) and Sandhya (Bhumi Pednekar). They are quite distinct in many ways, while he is a school dropout not having passed his tenth standard and helps his father (Sanjay Mishra) run a music cassette shop, she has a B.Ed. degree. 

While she is keen to build bridges, he remains distant from her. His family, his mother and aunt are most concerned about the couple, whether the marriage is consummated or not, is their biggest worry. All these scenes are crafted with a certain charm making you chuckle from time to time. Moreover, the characters and the proceedings look so very convincing.

His friends and the group that he is a part of (an obvious reference to the RSS) have an influence on him and while he is not happy to have an oversized wife, she knows how to give it back when push comes to shove and their relationship is on the rocks.

At a crisp 111 minutes, it passes like a gentle breeze. What makes the film special apart from the remarkably well written screenplay is that it clicks in every department, be it the authentic and witty dialogues or the sharp editing by Namrata Rao.  Along with the top production values and attention to detail, Manu Anand’s camera also captures the essence of city which adds to the overall effect.   

Katariya who had assisted Rajat Kapoor earlier, keeps it simple – small, beautiful and real works better than any largesse. Take the Kumar Sanu references and his cameo for example.

The ensemble cast deserves a special mention. Sheeba Chadhha as the aunt, Alka Amin as his mother and Seema Bhargava as hers are right on the money. Sanjay Mishra is so incredibly talented that he can hold your attention even with simple scenes.     

After the disastrous Hawaizaada, Ayushmann Khurana redeems himself with an unconventional role which he plays with sufficient conviction. Bhumi Pednekar steals the show and is one the highlights of the film.

In sum, Dum Laga Ke Haisha is a treat, go ahead and help yourself. 

Published in The Navhind Times, Goa on 1st March 2015

www.twitter.com/sachinchatte