Sanket’s Review: Bewakoofiyan is light-hearted fun

Cast: Ayushman Khurana, Sonam Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor.

Director: Nupur Asthana

Length: 1 hr and 55 mins approx

Ever since I watched that delightful 2011’s “Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge” directed by Nupur Asthana, I was quite keen in what will come next by the director. BEWAKOOFIYAN seemed too old school, from promos, coming from a director who directed such refreshing film in past. But as a film, BEWAKOOFIYAN is much more than just a regular plot-line. Asthana uses unconventional conversations and conventional situations, which are contemporary and identifiable, and gives you a good light-hearted fun in less than two hours.

The film begins with ease and there’s not much of complex narration here. But director fell prey to using forced comedy and tries to stuff BEWAKOOFIYAN with too much subtlety just to keep the film on right track. It seemed honest for first 20 minutes, but it does drags at places in first half. Although you don’t feel bored, but quite honestly there are only few laughs that run the first half and nothing else.

Its post-intermission when BEWAKOOFIYAN comes out with the real conflict. It seemed like a regular father-in-law-to-be is putting his daughter’s boyfriend on spot, which has happened in past, but there’s a whole new angle that BEWAKOOFIYAN discovers in second half and that’s what takes the film to higher level. Asthana nicely injects humor in her scenes and simultaneously goes pass through usual young relationship issues. Note that scene where Ayushman, who is running short of money, fails to bring gift for his girlfriend. It’s a regular scene that turns out to be one of the best scenes this year because its handled with such passion. Asthana clearly knew her job well when the film steps in second half.

The film is marred at places because of songs coming from nowhere or also because of patches in first half where there is not much happening in the film. The writing is mostly flawed though Asthana is equipped enough as a director to not let a weak script to hamper the entire prospect of the film. The songs are mostly no fun apart from the title song that lands up right at the moment when the film is on its high. The costume designer needs a special mention. The characters feel real also because of their attire and its easy to connect with them. Technically, BEWAKOOFIYAN is as authentic as it gets.

Ayushman Khurana is in an impressive form. His role is marginally reminiscent of his first film, but there’s a thick distinction in the way he acts and a lot of credit must be given to him. Sonam Kapoor although has the easiest role in the film, but she manages to somehow bring a natural touch to her character. One does see such girls at some point of time in their life and Sonam Kapoor plays that part very well. Rishi Kapoor is remarkable as the over-the-top, notorious and loud father who makes you laugh and melts your heart in couple of scenes.

Although one doesn’t come out singing tones of praises for BEWAKOOFIYAN, but it can be a fun watch if something light hearted is what you are seeking for. There’s enough breeze and softness in the film to not let you feel uneasy even though it has bumpy start in first half. A film that may not be something unseen, but a lot better than many lazy rom-coms lately!

Rating- 3/5