BEWAKOOFIYAAN may be classified as yet another love story, with the autocratic father of the girl. While the subject matter is as old as the hills haven’t we watched a concerned over-protective parent opposing his kid’s choice of spouse in dozens of films earlier? — BEWAKOOFIYAAN also drapes a thorny issue that plagues the world: Recession. However, what could’ve been a thoughtful take on relationships and financial decline is interrupted with various funny moments by Nupur Asthana. One presumes the film BEWAKOOFIYAAN to be fun loving, since Nupur’s big screen debut MUJHSE FRAAANDSHIP KAROGE was padded with intelligent humor, clever lines and charming moments. And Nupur and writer Habib Faisal make sure they give the cliché-ridden plot a new spin altogether. Mohit played by Ayushmann Khurrana, a marketing expert, and Mayera played by Sonam Kapoor, a financial brain, are in-love. They work hard, party harder. Their belief is simple: You can live on love and fresh air… But there’s an obstacle: Mayera’s wilful rigid father V.K. Sehgal [Rishi Kapoor].The adamant man believes that only a rich man can bring Mayera contentment and a mid-level executive like Mohit simply isn’t worthy enough.BEWAKOOFIYAAN brings back memories of Rahul Dholakia’s KEHTAA HAI DIL BAAR BAAR, also FATHER OF THE BRIDE and MEET THE PARENTS. Nupur and Habib pepper the plot with some ingeniously penned sequences, but lost episodes apart, the writing upholds a strong grip from beginning to conclusion. The run time is less than 2 which is unique also, the writer slips the after-effects of recession smartly in the proceedings, without deviating from the central issue, a brimming love story.
There’s a lot to like in BEWAKOOFIYAAN. The makers know well the flavour of humor they wish to peddle to the spectator — witty and subtle — shying away from the slapstick and buffoonery one has come to expect in Bollywood comedies. It won’t be erroneous to state that BEWAKOOFIYAAN makes a genuine attempt to entertain beyond tested flavours and it succeeds in evoking genuine laughs at regular intervals. Also, Nupur and Habib invest heavily into the characters and the screenplay to keep the interest alive. Additionally, the film works for two more reasons: Sharp dialogue and spot-on performances by its protagonists. However the conclusion is predictable given the genre of the film, hence Habib should’ve ensured that the sequences leading to the climax were completely different. The soundtrack by Raghu Dixit is ordinary and though it’s not right to draw parallels, one misses a ‘Paani Da Rang’ kind of haunting melody from Ayushmann .
Leaving the imperfections, what needs to be respected is the chance Yash Raj Films has been taking lately. While the premier production house is synonymous with biggies like Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Ek Tha Tiger and the trump card success DHOOM: 3, they aren’t shying away from making smaller films with interesting concepts such as Ishaqzaade , Suddh Desi Romance and now, BEWAKOOFIYAAN. Editing by Antara Lahiri is al dente, while the Director of Photography Neha Parti Matiyani dyes a glowing sketch of the both India as well as Dubai. The film relies completely on three fundamental characters Rishi Kapoor, Ayushmann and Sonam — and the performances are certainly praiseworthy. Especially Rishi Kapoor, He is an extraordinary actor, who’s finally getting roles that do ample impartiality to his flair. Ayushmann is charming, confident and far from shaky in sequences with the veteran Kapoor. That’s no mean achievement! Sonam has evolved greatly as an actor of late. Films like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and now BEWAKOOFIYAAN only strengthens her prestige as a fine talent. Also, she goes all out this time around, flaunting the vivacity factor quite plentifully. The supporting cast added to this wonderful film. BEWAKOOFIYAAN is a pleasant watch. This fun, quirky , loving & truthful take on modern day love story’s deserves a 7/10 from The Bollywood Tempest.
Rating: 3.5 Stars