Zoya Akhtar is back with her next and this time it’s neither as great as Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara nor as dull as Luck By Chance. Mastering the act of casting a plethora of actors, this Mehra tale is a treat to the eyes. The brother-sister Akhtar duo can yet again be credited to increase the cruise vacations after Goa and Spain.
The high society Mehras, portray the emotional turmoil hidden behind the pride and prestige of that society. They are continuously acting in front of others and showcasing a world which is far away from the reality inside. Each member knows the truth of the other, yet hides it in a classy style, pretending to the core. The only sane in the group of insane, is the dog-Pluto, through whose eyes you seem to watch the 3 hour voyage.
WATCH IT FOR-
- Acting– as plain as that. Anil Kapoor as Kamal Mehra brings to screen the typical high society father, caring only about the son, for who the children’s future is also a business deal. He gets into the character with ease, making audience laugh even on his nasty comments. Ranveer Singh as the youngest Mehra, Kabir, steals the heart of viewers. Performing one of the best, this energetic actor, pleases us with his expressions, body language and dance moves (:P).
- More Acting Shefali Shah as Neelam Mehra, trying to cope with rumours surrounding her husband, depressed and full of anger at the same time, creates a space of her own in this cruise. Priyanka Chopra as hurt Ayesha, when her name is not on the card (when we all feel it should have been), yet again keeps us glued to her. Be it her glamorous look hiding her emotional turmoil or her bonding with her younger brother, we just love her on the silver screen. Farhan Akhtar and Anushka do complete justice to their small yet significant roles along with the entire ensemble cast supporting the Mehras on the ship.
- Locales– beautiful views of Turkey, Istanbul and many in the backdrop take the story forward. The cruise in the middle of clear water skies and its many views in between add to the visual treat. Sitting there in the seats you plan in your minds, ‘ek baar toh yahan jaana hai’.
- Pluto- The ‘Bull Mastiff’ is the narrator for the film, whose dialogues have been written by Javed Akhtar. A big surprise waits as the film begins on the three hour journey. Ironically, Pluto will be the only one who understands the power of speaking to communicate which humans have but let’s say they misuse.
- Branded Clothes, Bags and Shoes etc- The uber classy family saga, flaunts the latest fashion. Be it the RayBan sunglasses changing in every frame, or the Louis Vitton shoes and bags. The actors get to wear the best of the companies and we just fall for them.
- Dialogues- Farhan Akhtar other than his on screen presence has had a major role in this one. Writing the witty and the impressive dialogues, he anchors the film. The conversations act as the hero in ‘DDD’ and Farhan’s genes do to the talking here.
- Choreography- Oh yes! The dance sequences here are fun and easy. No challenging steps yet it looks cool the way these actors do it easily. You are sure to start copying them and it won’t take you long to get them right! Practice.
IGNORE-
- Slow pace- Because of the predictability factor, the film appears to be dragged in some sequences. The slow motion sequences to highlight emotions do not gel well with the audience. It acts as hindrance at points.
- Not so Fresh Music- Shankar- Ehsaan-Loy’s music is catchy but to the music lovers, it might look like revised editions of the earlier compositions. The ‘Galla Goodiyan’ song with its first beat brings in the feeling of ‘Slow Motion Angrezza’ from Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. And so happens with the other songs as well. They are foot tapping but lack the new feel due to some reason.
THE FINAL CALL
Dil Dhadakne Do is fun family watch. A perfect watch for the summers, DDD takes you into cool waters and great ambience. You are sure to have fun with the Mehras as they dance, sing and showcase the pretending elite society. As Anupama Chopra puts it, “Viewers fall for the Posh People Angst. Beautiful people, wearing beautiful clothes suffering in beautiful locations, are a hit formula that continues to seduce on screen.”
