Venue: PVR Priya, Vasant Vihar
Chetan Bhagat has emerged as the author for the Indian masses. His books are frequently seen with passengers in buses or metros. 2 States, when published in 2009 became very popular. The language was simple and the amusing narrative about the tribulations of a Punjabi boy marrying a Tamil girl easily struck a chord amongst the young and the old.
The film no doubt drew on the popularity of the book and the newspapers reported that over the first weekend, the film was minting money. While the film has a lot going for popular entertainer, the biggest problem, we think, is that it heavily relies on community stereo types.
“The ogarisation” of the Punjabi mothers-in-law has been a theme for easy laughs in Hindi cinema. However 2 States lack the subtlety, Vicky Donor displayed in presenting this concept.
Amrita Singh in the role of a Punjabi boy’s mother plays the all-too-familiar character of a woman who is obsessed with her son, finding a Punjabi match for him and the kitchen. While she occupied a lot of space in the film, this is not one of her notable performances. Nonetheless she and Revati, the Tamil bride’s mother, effortlessly overshadowed the other cast. The complex father – son relationship was a welcome diversion from the main theme and we keep seeing this concept being often explored in films that have a Karan Johar connect.
Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, as the lead pair, looked gorgeous. But that did not justify Arjun’s perpetually dead pan expression or the snooty look on Aliya’e face. Even during scenes depicting intimacy, we could not spot any chemistry between the actors. They still need to read a lot of books on acting.
Notwithstanding its defects, the film is surprisingly enjoyable, perhaps due to its simplicity. As the debut film for director Abhishek Barman, the uncluttered approach is praiseworthy. If one does not mind getting a little bored in the first half, this film maybe given a shot.
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