Hum Tum is an extremely modern and lighthearted romantic comedy. It is very well directed, beautifully shot, and is interesting and entertaining. Kunal Kohli makes a very good job in depicting the world of young Indians who travel the world and live their individual lives with passion and independence. The portrayal of relationships between the characters in the film, particularly that of the main lead, Karan and Riya, is handled with a mind-blowing mix of comedy and emotional drama. The film moves at a steady pace, the animated characters of 'Hum' and 'Tum' are really fun, the music is suitably racy, the cinematography and editing are excellent, and the entire concept of following the hate-to-love relationship of two young people for a period of several years across many different countries, is refreshing and convincingly done.
Having mentioned its light mood and refreshing tone, Hum Tum, above all, has true heart and soul, and there's actual depth beneath its comic tone and pretty visuals. It's not a fluffy rom-com which is just enjoyable, it is actually an affecting human story. Part of what makes it so good is the freshness of the narrative, which is mostly conversational. The conversations between the two leads are first quite confrontational but later become interestingly philosophical and intellectual and, in time, emotional. As the story develops, you find yourself increasingly engrossed in the proceedings and familiar with the characters, liking them and wishing for a good resolution to their story. Karan, the male lead, is a particularly interesting character of a spoiled man who is always well-meaning and has his heart in the right place, but actually grows as a person throughout the film.
The film leans on a truly electrifying chemistry between the two leads, Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukherjee. Mukherjee is very appealing and natural and performs brilliantly throughout the film, but it is Saif Ali Khan who steals the show big time. Playing a trendy, humorous, carefree yet gracious womaniser, Khan seems to be tailor-made for the role of Karan, which gives him ample scope to showcase his superb comic-timing but also capture the human beneath the mischief and register his personal growth. He completely inhabits the part, performing with natural ease, infusing it with the right amount of depth, wit and energy, and consistently appearing so real and effortless that it can be rightly concluded that no one else would have been able to do it as well as he did. This is an exceptional, unforgettable performance and, indeed, one of the greatest comic-dramatic acts I can think of.
In support, Rishi Kapoor is very enjoyable in one of his finest and funniest performances. Kirron Kher is outstanding and simply hilarious in an all-out comic part as the loud and loving mother. Rati Agnihotri is as beautiful as ever in a smaller part, and Jimmy Shergill and Isha Koppitar provide great support. The soundtrack, as already mentioned, perfectly suits the film's mood; the title song is particularly beautiful in both melody and screen visualisation. Please note, Hum Tum is definitely not a rip-off of When Harry Met Sally, as some people have suggested. There are some tiny similarities in the general concept but nothing more than just that, and it has pretty much a story of its own. Finally, Hum Tum is a lovely and memorable film. It is both very funny and moving, and is overall a heartwarming picture which can always be a great watch for the entire family.
