Streaming on Disney+
Freddy (Kartik Aaryan) is an introverted loner struggling with low confidence, particularly when interacting with women. During his phase of seeking a life partner on the matrimonial website MeriShaadi.com, he falls in love at first sight with Kainaaz Irani (Alaya F), a married woman trapped in an abusive marriage. The story follows Freddy’s journey of self-discovery and transformation as he faces challenges to protect Kainaaz from her abusive husband.
The script by Parveez Sheikh maintains a gloomy and eerie atmosphere, though the second half encounters some turbulence, leading to occasional narrative inconsistencies. Ayananka Bose’s camera work plays a crucial role in keeping the film engaging, and despite some flaws in the second half, the strong storytelling and performances hold the audience’s attention.
Kartik Aaryan delivers a commendable performance, shedding his monotonous image and effectively portraying Freddy’s emotional turmoil. Alaya F impresses initially, but her character’s development weakens in the second half due to writing issues. Sajjad Delafrooz’s portrayal adds unintentional humor to the film’s latter part.
Director Shashanka Ghosh starts strongly and concludes with a surprising twist, but the second act loses momentum, missing the opportunity for a gripping thriller. Pritam’s soundtrack, although containing only two songs, enhances the melancholic tone, with “Tum Jo Milo” standing out.
Ultimately, Kartik Aaryan’s performance elevates the film, showcasing his ability to balance both mainstream and nuanced roles. With its flaws aside.
Rating: 7.5/10