Venue: PVR 3Cs, Lajpat Nagar
Date: 3 March, 2015

Dum laga ke haisha reminds us of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi except that this one is more subtle and less commercial. Based on an arranged marriage this film may come under the comedy genre but has a high degree of emotional quotient and is quite nuanced.

In this subtle love story the lead pair Prem (Played by Ayushmann Khurrana: did I use right number of RRRs and NNNs?) and Sandhya (Bhumi Phednekar) create love despite the fact that they don’t LOOK like they are made for each other. While Sandhya is plump and intelligent, Prem is slim but an underachiever. They might not be a pair made in heaven but together they find their way to love and how. By facing various financial tribulations of a lower middle class family and by participating in an obstacle run (Dum laga ke haisha pratiyogita) they could see each other beyond their physical appearances.

The film makes the audience nostalgic, especially the ones who grew up in the 90s. The locations, costumes, dialogues and the ‘Audio Tapes’ realistically take the audience to the time when double breasted suits were worn by all men in weddings and when people tend to forget their woes the moment pineapple pastries were served. Ah… good ol days 🙂

The film has its soul in place and the characters never turn into film stars – not even for a moment. This is the kind of film that didn’t require STARS. The script demanded ACTORS. Director Sharat Kataria managed to rope in some of finest actors for the supporting cast. They have not just supported the main lead but are as integral to the film as the Ayushmann and Bhumi. Sanjay Mishra who played the father has carved a niche for himself in Bollywood after Ankhon Dekhi and this film will strengthen his position even further as an actor in mainstream cinema. All other actors, be the mothers on both sides, the brother, bua, friends – everybody is outstanding. The courtroom scene will make you laugh so hard it will bring tears to your eyes.

The audience can connect with the movie right from beginning, till the end, and not for a moment lose the connection. All characters and situations in the film are so relateable, the audience can see their own relatives or their weddings or their fights right in front of them on the screen.

Kumar Shanu plays a cameo and makes a very short and graceful appearance in the film. Background music flows seamlessly with the film. From the songs, Moh Moh ke dhaage is very melodious. Just like the movie, this song is going to stay with the audience for long.

Dum laga ke haisha reinstates our belief: love that is created is way more beautiful than love that happened.