Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele

Poorly made - Half Baked Movie - The story looked promising and would have been good -> in form of a 45 minute short film.

Final Verdict: Skip it.

I was not willing to watch this, as i was not comfortable watching LGBTQ films. BUt, i opened up to it. I found it nice, talking about so many things. Can watch with family also. So, suprisingly nice. Go for it, incase u r wondering.

I am a fan of Anshuman Jha, so I naturally enjoyed watching Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele (I Am Alone, So Are You), a drama about two homosexuals trying to find love in a world where homosexuality is still taboo. Because he lacks the courage to come out in front of his father, Veer (Jha), runs off to Delhi to find solace in his longtime lover who is married to someone else. There he meets Mansi (Zareen Khan), a lesbian who is getting ready to go and meet her flame in Himachal Pradesh. Off they go together and so forms a strong bond of companionship between them as the drama takes a romantic turn and gives food for thought about genderless relationships and the true meaning of love.

The writing is a bit off in some parts, but Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele manages to take off slowly. At times, you wonder what's so funny that the characters are laughing, and it's mostly the weird dialogues that seem artificial in this low budget setting. I also felt Khan has lost her touch in acting or she was not putting much efforts. And then there is this scene where the duo rush off in their jeep without paying a dhabewala. But despite its flaws, I enjoyed the film, its soundtrack, and overall mood brought out by Jha and Khan. (Grade B-). TN.

(Reviewed during its Australian premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM).)

I wish the Director had given a different ending. Liked the film overall but slightly disappointed with the end. Does he get fine? Is there gonna be a part 2?

Review By Kamal K

Anshuman Jha and Zareen Khan are the two lead protagonists of the movie. They comprise nearly ninety percent of the narrative. The others are mere fillers for the remaining portions. It means these two have to deliver to keep the audience engaged, and they need as much support as possible from the writing.

Unfortunately, Anshuman Jha and Zareen Khan are let down by the writing. But, more on that later. But, if we look strictly at their performances, Anshuman Jha is easily the better among the two.

There is sincerity and naivety in Anshuman's act. He suits the character perfectly. Despite the lack of depth in writing and help from other departments, he still manages to register. The pre-climax sequence is the best part, but there are a few subtle moments along the way where he is okay.

Zareen Khan fits the physical aspect of the character. It sits well with the 'dominant' quality. But, she fails in the free-spirited, easy-going role. It is the kind that Kareena Kapoor does from time to time or heroines of Imtiaz Ali get. It is a meaty role, but she fails to leave a mark, barring the end where she puts her best effort.

Analysis

Harish Vyas directs Hum Bhi Akela, Tum Bhi Akela, which picks the now-routine-on-OTT LGBTQ couple' for a story. Furthermore, it offers nothing new for the most part. Still, it could be a decent watch with good writing and performances. But, sadly, that doesn't happen.

The opening sequences from the different world set things in motion. The boy and the girl escape from their respective families and their marriage proposals. One can already sense ordinariness in these portions itself.

It doesn't get better as the narrative progresses to the two unique characters meeting each other. Everything is on predictable lines, including the dialogues.

For a film that depends solely on two characters to drive the narrative, the conversations are crucial and essential. If one is not interested in listening to what they talk about, it would be not easy to continue with their story. It is what happens here. The slow pace is an additional issue.

What works is a sincere attempt to narrate the routine and create a bond. The effort is visible even though it is falling apart. Also, a couple of moments towards the end are alright. However, the climax is again dragged needlessly and feels forced to evoke a response.

Overall, Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele is a tiresome and dull affair featuring LGBTQ characters for the lead. The slow pace further tests patience, making it a forgettable affair.

Other Artists?

Apart from the lead actors, Anshuman Jha and Zareen Kahn, there are hardly any characters. They appear intermittently and leave without any connection or remembrance at all. Gurfateh Pirzada, Prabhleen Kaur , and Jahnvi Rawat play those parts.

Music and Other Departments?

Anshuman Jha - Oni-Adil provides the music and the background score. They fail in giving the right energy to the narrative with either an uplifting or melancholic score. The ending bits are decent, though. The cinematography by Rakesh Rawat is okay for a small scale movie. The editing of Suresh Pai should have been better. The pacing is too slow for the content at hand. It aggravates the negative impact. The writing is below par.

Highlights?

Anshuman Jha Length A Couple of Dramatic Moments

Drawbacks?

Writing Lethargic Pace No Emotional Connection.