Of smart quips, demanding wives and battered husbands

A bustling crowd greets Farhan and Vidya with whistles and cheers in a scenario more reminiscent of the single screen audience reactions than a pretentiously sophisticated crowd that usually muffles its giggles in multiplexes. It makes me wonder if it is the remnant magic of  Bhaag Milka Bhaag and Ooh Lala playing up here or simply the effect of the clever acting of Farhan in ZNMD and Vidya in Kahaani.  Whatever the answer that will never be known the phenomenon speaks of the popularity of the actors reflecting reactions that once were reserved for Mr.Bachchan. And the reaction even before a single dialogue has been spoken. The crowd was clear in its cheers. It was here to enjoy and have a blast.

Saket Chaudhary does not disappoint them as he put together an extremely witty funny roller coaster of a ride of a young couple that executes personal sexual fantasies more found commonly in the advisory columns of tabloids on “ How to spice up your sex life”. In hilarious opening scenes the director sets the context on what to expect going forward and the lead couple stamps their authoritative execution of their well-designed roles.

The couple leading a carefree life is thrust into the midst of serious parenthood accidentally. However the plot there also gives free rein to the writers to let loose all their stowed away jokes on happiness and boredom in marriages, the clichéd developments of parenthood and subsequent misunderstandings. There is a hilarious ride till the intermission reminding one of a fast paced Hrishikesh or Basu Chatterjee film. People actually howl with laughter at some of the jokes and it makes one happy to see people so happy and gurgling with naughty laughter.

The young and middle aged audience identifies well with the travails of the young couple and that to a certain extent explains the thigh slapping and cheers at every punch line which is plenty in the first half.

And then the famous curse of Indian Films strikes the film. There is no story left to propel the film forward and the director and his writer are left with no plot machinations to drive the story or to keep interest from flagging down. Watching this movie late night post intermission can then be actually challenging and if you keep your interest wide awake it is thanks to the outstanding efforts by Vidya and a simple seamless in role definition and cool characterization by Farhan. They seem cut out for the part.

Vidya does not seem to have any qualms about the need to look like a zero size actress or anywhere close to that. While that is brave and refreshing it almost borders on the ‘do not care’ attitude. Farhan is effortless in the first half and then strain shows in his depiction post interval as he picks up the burden of keeping the movie going despite lack of a dramatic plot or twist. You start wondering about the purpose of the movie at this stage.

The music is practically nonexistent and where it does exist seems to represent a musical sutradhar. Totally forgettable.

So the script and screen play reign supreme in the initial stages and you feel like giving a four star for the first half and a 2 for the second half finally ending up with a weak average overall. Do not wish to reveal any of the punch lines as it just kills the film. Watch it and laugh out loud!

Vidya does seem to exhibit a streak of overconfidence in her acting in this movie and one hopes it was more of an aberration and or a demand of the script not fully utilized. No complaints with tongue-in-cheek master Farhan. Clearly the actor is already sitting in the top bracket of great actors without making a noise.

So do accidental babies create strife in marriage or do they help renew and strengthen the sinews of bond in the couple.
Do watch and laugh. However keep snacks handy for the second half to keep you occupied.

One of those rare movies you recommend despite wanting to give it only 2 ½ stars

**1/2