Shaandaar Review

One line Review: A fairy tale like family drama with the touch of a Rom-Com, having brilliant performances, but, unfortunately it loses its grip midway.

Positive Points: The movie is shot in gorgeous locations and the picturization teleports you to an imaginary fairy land. Exceptional performances by the actors. The character-sketch of all the actors is very well established. The film renders a very positive message for people who deal with body image issues.

Negative Points: The slow pace of the film that is stretched a bit too long. From the presentation of the film, the climax was expected to be a lot more Shaandaar! To make a long story short, it was somewhat like the customer ordered for a large size cherry chocolate cake but was served with a pastry instead.

Plot: The plot of the film revolves around the life of Alia Arora (Alia Bhatt), a pretty girl who loves to live in her fantasy land, is a walking encyclopaedia and an insomniac. She is an adopted child, but is loved dearly by her new father Bipin Arora (Pankaj Kapur). Bipin has a dysfunctional family consisting of his bossy mother, a catty wife and weird brothers. Alia, all her life tries to fit in but in vain. Bipin is always worried about his little girl Alia's insomnia and hopes that one fine day, her prince charming will succeed in making her sleep. Meanwhile, his bossy mother calls for the grand wedding of Bipin's real daughter Isha, (Sanah Kapoor) who is a bubbly, kind hearted girl with a plumped-up body. Her fairy tale wedding is planned at an exotic location with all the prerequisites of a big fat Indian wedding. The wedding is actually a deal in order to save the family from bankruptcy. The ceremony is organised by Jagjinder Joginder's (Shahid Kapoor) company. Jagjinder Joginder aka JJ is a good natured guy who instantly falls for Alia. He is also an insomniac and succeeds in making Alia fall asleep. A cute bond of friendship and love develops between the two youngies - Alia and JJ, amidst the wedding chaos. The narration of the film goes into random flashbacks that are animated and has song sequels after regular intervals.

Direction and other Technical Aspects: Director Vikas Bahl has managed to present a fresh story rendering it a fairy tale like feel, but, unfortunately fails at the narration part. The story telling was weak. The climax was another let down. Overall the feel of the movie was a happy one, but definitely not Shaandaar. The cinematography was apt, but the editing could have been crispier. The film has captured gorgeous and picturesque locales beautifully. The performances of the actors are brilliant and that makes the film somewhat believable. The characters are established skilfully well and a touching message has been presented effortlessly.

Performances: Alia Bhatt does a phenomenal job and fits in the character completely as if the role has been particularly written for her. She is cute and endearing as Alia Arora and looks gorgeous in every frame.

Shahid Kapoor is exceptional as Jagjinder Joginder, he just got into the skin of the character and delivered a marvellous performance.

Pankaj Kapur as a doting father is truly a gem. He is a perfect fit in his role. All the other supporting actors did an extraordinary job in the film, which breath-life-into the story.

A special mention of Sanah Kapoor, who essays the role of Isha; she has managed to make an impressive debut.

Music: The movie features a decent set of songs. 'Gulabo' and Nazdikiyaa are among the good ones while others are passable.

Final Verdict: Overall 'Shaandaar' is a happy film, which can be enjoyed with family and friends. However, the treatment of the sequences is not right and there is nothing very special about the movie, but, it can be a onetime watch for Shahid and Alia's adorable chemistry and brilliant performances by the actors.