'Dolly Ki Doli' is the first Bollywood movie that I watched in 2015 and it certainly surpassed my expectations. Directed and co-written by Abhishek Dogra, the film has a run time of 98 minutes which is just right considering the quite simple story. Starring Sonam Kapoor, Pulkit Samrat, Rajkumar Rao and Varun Sharma, 'Dolly Ki Doli' is about a runaway bride who tricks various men into getting married to her then runs away with whatever valuables she can steal. The narrative is very linear yet so entertaining containing a relevant flashback explaining why Dolly (Sonam Kapoor) started doing what she does best which is conning people.
Sonam Kapoor as a con woman plays her usual typecast 'loud urban chick' role perfectly sporting different looks throughout the film. Her costumes are also spot on glamorising every wedding scene making them look royal especially in the dance number 'Phatte Tak Nachna'. You feel sorry for Sonu (Rajkumar Rao) who the film starts off with. He plays a Haryanvi character so realistically and uses his method acting to showcase a range of emotions.
Varun Sharma uses his comedic talent well after 'Fukrey' as a rich spoilt kid who has to go against his mother played by Archana Puran Singh just to marry Dolly. Last of all, Pulkit Samrat plays a Dabangg inspired cop called 'Robin Singh' who takes on the case of finding and nabbing Dolly and her so-called 'family'. There is not much to say about his acting as he was seen in a similar role in last year's 'Jai Ho' except he shows much more charisma in this outing. The stand out performance for me has to be Rajkumar Rao due to his natural performance.
Moving on from the positives, although the first half is very entertaining as the story travels at an appropriate pace, the second half seems a bit rushed and the ending is typical. The one question you will be asking is how there were no pictures taken of Dolly at any of the dozen weddings, even though it is revealed that the camera man is a part of their team but surely people carry mobile phones around in this era? However, it doesn't ruin the experience at all as the back story of Dolly will keep you hooked as well as a cameo appearance by none other than Saif Ali Khan. The soundtrack is also decent with mainly dance numbers, one featuring item queen Malaika Arora Khan but the picturisation of 'Mere Naina Kafir Hogaye' stands out due to the emotional quotient attached to it.
Overall, the film is quite enjoyable for a January release and certainly a must watch for Sonam Kapoor fans as she brings her quirkiness to the table once again after last year's hit 'Khoobsurat'. The performances by the male leads should also not be underestimated. If you want a serious film like 'Baby' or 'Badlapur', then this definitely isn't for you. However, if you want pure entertainment backed by a decent cast, then go for it.
