Film review: 'Total Siyapaa' is a wasted opportunity

Film: Total Siyapaa
Cast: Ali Zafar, Yami Gautam, Kirron Kher, Sara Khan, Anupam Kher, V M Badola
Director: E Niwas
Rating: **

What's it about 

India v/s Pakistan has often been the subject of cricket matches and fiery debates. E Niwas tries to use this backdrop for a romantic comedy about cross-border romance. However, there is very little romance and the comic timing between the leads Pakistani Aman (Ali Zafar) and Indian Aisha (Yami Gautam) is mostly off. Set in London, the supporting cast consists of a loud Punjabi woman which has become Kirron Kher's niche, an elder sister (Sara Khan) , a grandfather (VM Badola) and a father (Anupam Kher) who is mostly missing in action. 

What's hot 

The premise is actually quite interesting giving rise to situations and scenes that are well conceived, but badly executed. The fact that the leads come from different countries that have such diverse cultures, but a common bond could have been explored in detail. The writing is average mostly relying on dialogues that are often heard on late night comedy shows. Yami has a breath of fresh air about her which helps her stand out in an otherwise heavily hammed up ensemble. 

What's not 

Ali Zafar looks miscast despite the fact that the role suits him perfectly. Unlike his previous work he seems subdued and morose in most of the scenes. Anupam Kher's character is super annoying and gets on your nerves each time he pops up on the screen. Music is strictly okay. We wish there was at least one strong hummable tune on the album.  

What to do 

A wasted opportunity, Total Siyapaa never goes beyond the ordinary and expected.