Cocktail

First fool around as much as you can and then settle down for a nice girl. How many times do we have to watch this? There is nothing good Cocktail really offers. I do not even need to give summary of the story. Everything we already watched before. Plus, the ending is way too predictable. Saif is in his same boring role of a player. He was once quite good at playing this character, but now there is something wrong with his face. Sure he looks old. There is nothing wrong with this. Only thing is that his face now has some kind of wildness and that makes him perfect for darker roles.

The second most irritating character was Deepika's. Yes, she is a party girl and personally she did well at portraying it. But the director went overboard with it. Sometimes I felt as if she went to clubs just because it was her real job and for dancing and drinking she got paid hourly. There was also less development in her role. We only get to hear the reason behind her wild lifestyle, but get to see nothing of it. The savior in the film is the new girl, Diana Penty. She is sweet, cute and innocent. More of Dimple was necessary. Unfortunately, she is only minute's guest.

I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone. It's simply because it has nothing unique.

I wasn't surprised to realise the point made in the summary, for one reason: this is a film that easterners may not have the capacity to digest. I'll tell you why this is the case and what I thought of the film.

First of all, this is co-written by Imtiaz Ali, the director who presented us with films like Jab we Met ('07), Love Aaj Kal('09) and Rockstar ('11). It is perhaps his touch that takes this film beyond the reach of those who prefer the typical 'masala' stuff, examples of which have been given above. For me, it is once again a pleasure to experience all that Imtiaz's writing brings to a film, not least in the situations created, dialogue, and humour evoking parts. New ground has been broken above and beyond Zoya Akhtar's Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

Secondly, this film has been directed by Homi Adajania. He's the director who had the guts to attempt something like the almost perfectly executed 'Being Cyrus' on debut. With is name on the film, you have to anticipate that it will present something in a different manner. Once again, he has done a solid job. Though the second half could have benefited from a few changes, this is once again a solid effort.

Above I have provided an explanation of why this film won't be the cup of tea of many in India, but instead to Asians living in the west and fans of off-beat cinema. Now let's focus on the positives and negatives.

Of course, as with any review, it is necessary to provide an account of the performances of the cast. Saif Ali Khan is extraordinarily natural in this role. No other actor in India could have fulfilled this part to a level anywhere near his. The film marks a solid start to Diana Penty's career in Hindi films, who is consistent throughout. Deepika Padukone has given her best performance to date. She has been set the task of fulfilling a very difficult role and she throws absolutely everything at it. Kudos. Boman Irani is very good (and funny!) throughout. Special mention to Dimple Kapadia who is effortlessly entertaining as the Desi mum. She is part of of one of the most hilarious scenes in the film, shot on a beach in Cape Town, South Africa. Randeep Hooda gets an opportunity to shine with his brief appearances but he has once again grabbed it with both hands.

The film has been shot in London, New Delhi and Cape Town. As such, the cinematography, is amazing. Credit to the D.O.P, Anil Mehta, who has captured the beautiful views of Cape Town and the chaotic and unpredictable nature of life in London very successfully.

The soundtrack is one of the best of the year, and is entirely appropriate given the film's title. It's a rich mix of different flavours that packs a punch. The chart buster 'tumhi ho bandhu' is beautifully picturised. The other tracks are pretty amazing too.

A negative is the second half as previously mentioned, leading to the climax, which could have benefited from a greater insight into emotions. I suppose you could also argue that the climax itself is not quite sufficient for all that's gone before.

Overall, this is one of the best films of 2012 so far, regardless of the flaws. The main plus points are the performances, a great soundtrack,amazing cinematography and refreshing dialogues. This is a film for you if you, like me, encourage further exploration of genres new to Indian cinema, but also want to enjoy a film at the same time. Go for it!

8/10.

The good point of this movie is it not very filmy. The acting done by all the 3 main characters are above average, and story is also good. I read in a review someone was asking for background musical score. Then watch Balaji TV serials. Even the Oscar winner movie "No country for old men" did not have any background score. If you want real life like picture then you have to FEEL it. And if you want just family gathering entertainment then watch Balaji serials or SAB TV. If Boman Irani have got any more footage and scenes in the movie this movie could have failed terribly and may become a Houseful kind of movie. So right editing and right stories. Dimple Kapadi acting was very good, as usual.

This film lacks freshness, and it's a huge step down for director Adajania, who made a promising debut with Being Cyrus. I wonder what can explain the shift from a slick film noir to this romantic love triangle. Now don't get me wrong, the film is enjoyable, it's young, and its story, though nothing original and actually very derivative, flows quite well. Saif Ali Khan is miscast in a role he's done plenty before. He's obviously good being the natural actor that he is, but it's nothing special. Debutant Diana Penty is also pretty cute and effective. Dimple Kapadia makes a short appearance here as Saif's loud mother in a role that was often played by Kirron Kher at that time. She is obviously excellent. But the one who puts her heart and soul into this enjoyable but stale story is Deepika Padukone, who gives the film its dramatic energy and does enough to make for a good watch with a moving performance. She is the main asset of this watchable but ordinary fare.

Homi Adajania's 'Cocktail' has a Winning First-Half, but an Average Second. It begins wonderfully & offers some hilarious moments, but in the latter hour, the proceedings not only become serious but also very dry. Nonetheless, a decent effort!

'Cocktail' is about 3 friends, of whom each, falls in love with one another.

'Cocktail' rides on an excellent first-hour, with each sequence working big-time. But as mentioned, the second-hour is average. The proceedings appear dry. Imtiaz Ali & Sajid Ali's Screenplay is good, but could've been tighter in the latter hour. Homi Adajania's Direction is highly efficient. Cinematography, Editing & Production Design, are top-class. Music by Pritam, is terrific.

Performance-Wise: Saif Ali Khan is a fine actor & the actor once again pitches in a sincere, believable performance. Deepika Padukone is fantastic, her performance stands out. Diana Penty does quiet well, although her role lacks meat. Dimple Kapadia & Boman Irani are impeccable. Their sequences are simply hilarious! Randeep Hooda deserved a better deal.

On the whole, 'Cocktail' is a decent effort.