Feb 28, 2015 02:40 PM
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Period films are regularly churned out in Bollywood. The makers go all out in ensuring that the sets, lingo, characters etc look straight out of the era in which their films are set. But what about music in such films? Except Ooh La La from The Dirty Picture, none of the period films of recent times like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara, Hawaizaada, Gunday, Shootout At Wadala etc had music that evoked nostalgia or ‘uss zamane mein aisi hi gaane hote the’ reactions. In that context, Dum Laga Ke Haisha comes out as a winner. 2 of its songs especially – Tu and Dard Kararaa – have the trademark 90s stamp and instantly impress. And it’s not just the songs – the film has a lot to say and it conveys it beautifully!
The story of the movie: 1995, Haridwar. Prem Prakash Tiwari(Ayushmann Khurrana), who runs a cassette shop, is all set to get married to Sandhya Varma(Bhumi Pednekar) thanks to the pressure from his strict father(Sanjay Mishra). Although Sandhya is good-natured and well-educated, she is overweight and hence is no way the dream girl of Prem. However, Prem never gets the chance to oppose and both tie the knot.
Since Veer-Zaara(2004), we have been used to the new YRF logo that gets displayed on the screen and complimented by Lata Mangeshkar’s melodious voice. But Dum Laga Ke Haisha is an exception – its Kumar Sanu’s voice that plays during the logo and even gives way to the opening credits. This instantly sets the mood for the film. The characters and the setting are very real and hence very relatable. Sharat Katariya, besides directing the film very well, even has a brilliant script in his hand. The characters of Prem and Sandhya are well thought of and their conflicts are beautifully brought out. What’s more, the film is just 111 minutes long. So, in less than 2 hours, Dum Laga Ke Haisha packs in lot of qualitative entertainment in the so-called conventional Bollywood film setup and this is no easy feat!
Dum Laga Ke Haisha is breezy and might not instantly appeal to viewers. The intermission point is shocking and in the second half, the film gets even better. The manner in which things gradually and convincingly change between Prem and Sandhya is seen to be believed. The sequence of Prem’s mother’s birthday is a masterstroke – kudos Mr Katariya! But the best is reserved for the finale! It is outstanding and creates a tremendous impact! The final scene is like an icing on the cake!
Ayushmann Khurrana delivers a terrific performance, of the level of Vicky Donor! He sets aside all his ‘Punjabiyat’ and plays the 25-year-old Haridwar resident with ease. He brings out the best in him in the last 30 minutes. The actor hasn’t had a great run post the super success of his debut film. Here’s hoping that the film works big time for Ayushmann’s sake. He’s a superb actor and deserves to stay and achieve success!
Bhumi Pednekar is an actor to watch out for. This is a difficult role but she plays it with ease. And her character is so amazing that one constantly is rooting for her. And she also brings out the so-called typical heroine in her in the song ‘Dard Kararaa’. It’ll be great if we get to see her soon in more such meaningful, entertaining films! Sanjay Mishra as always is adorable. Though at places he reminds one of his act in Ankhon Dekhi, he is nevertheless impressive. Sheeba Chaddha leaves a huge mark as Prem’s bua. Seema Pahwa(Sandhya’s mother) is superb in her small role. Alka Amin(Prem’s mother) puts her best foot forward. The actors playing Prem’s friend, the engineering student, the fitness instructor, the lawyer, Sandhya’s brother and Sandhya’s father are very nice.
Anu Malik’s music is one of the biggest strengths of the film. Tu is the best of the lot followed by Dard Kararaa, Moh Moh Ke Dhaage, title track and Sunder Susheel. The songs compliment the storyline and don’t act as roadblocks. Andrea Guerra, who has given background score for Hollywood films like The Pursuit Of Happyness, Hotel Rwanda etc is excellent. Manu Anand’s cinematography is appealing and captures the locales and essence of small town UP very well! Sharat Katariya impresses a lot as writer and director. The story is unconventional and conveys a nice message without getting over the top or off track. Direction is simple but effective. Also, there are places where the film could have turned unintentionally funny but thankfully it doesn’t. Sharat had earlier a beautiful small film called 10ml Love and Dum Laga Ke Haisha goes a step ahead for sure. Expecting this guy to come up with many more such films!
Best scenes of the movie:
Prem and Sandhya meet for the first time
The songs Sunder Susheel, Moh Moh Ke Dhaage, Dard Kararaa
Prem-Sandhya’s first night
Prem-Sandhya’s second night
The intermission point
Lawyer pays a visit to Sandhya(brilliant!)
Drama on the birthday of Prem’s mother
The families meet in the court
Prem’s shocking outburst and the scene thereafter
Sandhya forgets her file
The climax
On the whole, Dum Laga Ke Haisha is a highly entertaining, touching film that has its heart at the right place. It is less than 2 hours long but packs in a lot in those 111 minutes. The film rests on an unconventional premise and Prem-Sandhya’s characters are bound to touch viewers’ hearts. Music is outstanding and seems straight out of 90s era in which the film is set. I genuinely hope viewers give Dum Laga Ke Haisha a chance and that it achieves all the success that it rightfully deserves!
