We all truly love the simple yet impactful cinema of HRISHIKESH MUKHERJEE without any exception. But at the same time we also somehow believe that its quite hard to re-create the similar kind of ambiance in a film today, due to 'the changed world' around us which values things more than our emotions. As a result whenever any such simple meaningful comedy is attempted by a director, it at once gets compared with all those classic, life teaching films from the maestro in an avoidable manner. And since it is extremely difficult to bring that Hrishi Da magic again, the attempt (most of the times) is considered to be pretty weak and average in comparison.
Now the same problem is faced by this week's AJAB GAZABB LOVE, if you start comparing it with a Hrishikesh Mukherjee film needlessly. But if one can move out of that set parameter of judging (without wearing any logical thinking caps) then the film easily becomes a sweet simple attempt, which can surely be watched once for its emotions, good songs and a lovable act by Darshan Jariwala. Originally a remake of Telugu film SEEMA TAPAKAI (2011), AGL is directed by Sanjay Gadhvi and revolves around the story of a rich boy who plans a scheme to win over a beautiful girl who actually hates the "Rich & the Famous" section of the society.
Starting off with a perfect catchy party number sung by Mika (Boom Boom), the script does have few good sequences both in its first and second half providing the required entertainment to the viewers. But in actual terms AGL manages to hold your attention mainly due to its 4 good songs, a fresh photogenic female lead and few good performances from the cast as required. In fact these are exactly the few factors which eventually save the film from being called a pretty ordinary venture. And with a better climax, different from the present hushed-up one, AGL could have been a much better family film altogether.
Nevertheless, along with its melodious soundtrack, AGL needs to be given a chance at least for its enjoyable scenes featuring Darshan Jariwala, Kiron Kher and Arshad Warsi. Where Kiron and Arshad successfully make you smile with their hilarious acts, Darshan Jariwala truly enacts the ironies of life lived by a rich person, unable to cherish the finer things existing around him due to his own chosen lifestyle. Unarguably its one of finest performances by the veteran character actor till date, full of insightful love and emotions deserving praises.
Jackyy is surely improving with each new film of his and in AGL he takes one step further looking better. But since the script has too many characters moving on the screen, his sincere efforts get overshadowed unintentionally. Arjun Rampal is fine playing a double role of two brothers who needed a better characterization to be fair. The new entrant Nidhi has got the oomph factor and looks hot on the screen in some chosen outfits reminding you of the beautiful Sangeeta Bijalani of the 80s. She is the same girl who played a small role of a press reporter in OH MY GOD just few weeks back and looked stunning in that too. However Nidhi still needs to work on presenting herself better on the screen as I felt.
The best feature of the film remain Sajid Wajid, who are in their full form here with four good songs in the soundtrack lead by "Boom Bomm" and "Tu". Particularly I simply loved the base line in the song "Tu" which is also smartly used in the film's Background Score. All the tracks are well supported by an eye-catching cinematography and great choreography which don't really allow you to go out the theater breaking the normal routine.
On the whole, AJAB GAZABB LOVE works decently due to its Hrishi Da or Frank Capra kind of plot, a pleasing soundtrack and few loving performances. Its not a great or perfect film for sure but a lot better than the usual routine ventures with the big names.
