Hasee Toh Phasee

Parineeti Chopra's livewire Meeta doesn't become the victim of what initially looks like a 'taming of the shrew' story, while Sidharth Malhorta's charming Nikhil doesn't make of her the demand to conform. Hasee toh Phasee is enchanting in the sense that it gives Bollywood romance that lovable twist which was indeed long overdue. Set against a big fat Indian wedding and a herd of annoying relatives that cannot be done away with, Hasee toh Phasee pleases by critiquing what it seems to exalt. It's indeed one of the very first commercial Hindi films to foreground the hegemony of the family and the pressure it unnecessarily exerts on those who are different. I am absolutely delighted that Karan Johar, the devoted perpetrator of lachrymose family dramas in Bollywood, has broken out of that bubble world to debunk what he had been promoting so far. It's indeed praiseworthy that Johar is trying to break out of his kind of cinema, as already attested by his endorsement of Lunch Box, last year. Two other names, Anurag Kashyap (who has also penned the dialogues) and Vikramaditya Motwane, who have joined hands with Vivek Agarwal and Johar to produce this film, might give you an idea that Hasee toh Phasee is no run of the mill Bollywood rom-com. Director Vinil Mathew's choice of title, however, seems a tad misleading. Hasee toh Phasee sounds frivolous; but, the film has a profundity which the title doesn't give the slightest inkling of.

Nikhil's appeal lies not his looks (as was expected from the devastatingly debonair Sidharth Malhotra), but in his integrity of character. Malhotra subtly downplays his Greek God charm to get into the skin, heart and soul of the character which is truly modern, progressive, yet deeply rooted. No! Not in traditions. Nikhil's strength as well as vulnerability comes from his mature take on relationships and his deep humaneness. And that makes him the most desirable Valentine this year! Meeta's queerness, which strikes you at the very outset, is sustained throughout the film, though she does change into flashy ghaghra-cholis once or twice and dances to typical Punjabi wedding songs. Her difference from other Bollywood rom-com heroines is that her tomboyishness does not come in her way of wooing a man and make him fall in love with her. Meeta, in a way, marks a remarkable transition of the conception of the desirable woman Bollywood has so far projected: she is no Anjali of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), who learns to adopt feminine grace and seductively dance with an unruly anchal flying in the breeze, to win the man of her dreams. The most important twist comes in the end. Watch out for the little epilogue at the airport.

While in the entire ensemble cast manages to keep you at raptures all through, it is Parineeti who takes the cake with her comic timing. Sidharth's suavity is in perfect rhythm with Mr. Goodness act he has to put up, and he performs with rare panache. Adah Sharma, the dolled-up heroine of the small screen, brings into her performance the right degree of peevishness in order to appear irritable. The music is a slight letdown, but that does not really matter since this film, unlike other romantic comedies, does not depend on good music to carry forward the plot.

One of the best Valentine gifts that have come from the Bollywood stable, Hasee toh Phasee is truly a 'come fall in love' experience, that also marks Hindi cinema's coming of age.

Just watched this movie in theatres today morning and I just loved it.

The story is abt Nikhil (Malhotra) who meets Meeta (Chopra) at the latter sister's wedding while she is running away. They again meet seven years later when Nikhil is abt to get married to Karishma (Sharma), Meeta's sister. This time Karishma gives him the responsibility of taking care of her and keeping her away from her family.

I was impressed with the writers and the director. Its not ur usual run of the mill RomCom because within the story, there are many layers such as Meeta and her father's (Joshi) relationship from whom she stole money 7 yrs ago or Nikhil not trying to dump his fiancé, Karishma in spite of she breaking the relationship many times earlier or Meeta being a brilliant scientist who can fix cars or speak fluent Chinese.

The movie has some excellent dialogues, scenes and some funny side characters such as Nikhil's father who is a retired cop or Nikhil's relative who an Indian Idol contestant. My favorite scene is when Nikhil's father suspects Meeta for stealing an expensive necklace which left me in splits.

The drawbacks in the film are the not so melodious songs except for 'Zehanaseeb' which slow down proceedings in the 2nd half or the lengthy climax.

Malhotra in his 2nd outing is confident. His character of a confused under confident man trying to do his best to keep all happy is tricky but Malhotra proves his mettle. He is still a stiff actor who can do comedy but I suggest he stick to romcom or drama movies.

The rest of cast put a good performance especially Joshi, Sharma and Saxena.

However, Chopra walks away with all honors. I'm happy to say that finally there is a Hindi film heroine who is not dumb but a genius scientist. She is smart, witty, caring, selfish and yet deep inside she is depressed and seeks the love of her father. When she is on screen, the movie moves to another level.

She the only reason why I say this movie rocks....go watch it for her performance.

I wasn't particularly impressed by Siddharth Malhotra in Student of the Year. On the other hand Parineeti was good in Ishaqzaade and superb in Shuddh Desi Romance. I was eager to see Bollywood's newest pair. They did not disappoint. Siddharth put in a good performance . He looked comfortable in his role. He had good chemistry with Parineeti. I think rom-coms might just be his forte.

Parineeti Chopra stole the show. She plays Meeta, a girl who is brilliant but eccentric. Parineeti makes you laugh and cry. Playing such a role would not have been easy for someone who is doing only her fourth film. But she did an excellent job and proved that she is a fine actress. This young lady will go a long way.

The plot was predictable but good performances from the leads make this a good movie. 8/10

The movie has a few flaws. Thing that irritates me the most is when something change suddenly without any reason. Like Parineeti was acting all weird at the start of her character but for no apparent reason all of a sudden starts acting somewhat normal, without any apparent reason, makes you ask why? how come?? Was it because she was in love ??? I give up.

That aside, the movie on it's own is watchable and somewhat different. It will definitely appeal to the masses and might just get some attention from the critics. Siddharth in my opinion is a good future prospect. Parineeti has done a good job. The senior actors paid their parts nicely. The surprise package for me was Anil Mange, I think he was brilliant, hats off to him. Songs are appropriate and a few of them will become very popular with the masses. You can watch and enjoy this movie with your family, it may not be the best movie you have seen but will not make you regret watching it either.

Rom-com flicks are one of genre which has not been experimented in Bollywood much lately. Except for decent Gore Teri Pyar Mein last year, Hasee toh Phasee is refreshing change for Indian audiences who have witnessed an overdose of masala films in 2013.

Nikhil (Sidharth Malhotra) is getting to married to Karishma( Adah Sharma). Enters the trouble maker Meeta ( Parineeti Chopra) , sister of Karishma, who was caste away from the family for 7 years. In order to keep his marriage procedures smooth, Nikhil must keep away Meeta away from the family but actually falls in love her.

Bollywood movies have always been woven around self-realization of whom you actually love ( believe me it happens only during the wedding ceremony) and Hasee Toh Phasee leaves no stone un-turned with typical bollywood potboiler. Screenplay is decent which is gripping in the first half but poor in the 2nd half. Cinematography is outstanding along with powerful art direction. Songs are just about OK. Silver-lining is the entertainment factor which first-time director Vinil Mathew succeeds in achieving. Few hilarious moments will tickle your funny-bone and that is enough to keep the ship sailing. Hats off to Parineeti Chopra for giving a fabulous performance. She is funny, emotes expressively and does a great job overall. Sidharth Malhotra still has a long way to go in terms of acting though he was better than Student of the year. Adah Sharma was looking gorgeous and was good in a small role.

Overall, Hasee toh Phasee has entertainment quotient attached to it despite having few problems. Good 3/5

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