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| Edited By: Blessy Chettiar |Source: DNA |Updated: Nov 21, 2013, 01:44 PM IST
Tanu Weds Manu (U/A)
Cast: R Madhavan, Kangna Ranaut, Eijaz Khan, Jimmy Sheirgill, Deepak Dobriyal, Swara Bhaskar
Director: Anand L Rai
Rating: **
At the onset, Tanu Weds Manu looks like a typical simple-boy-meets-wild-girl formula film. Tanu Trivedi (Ranaut) smokes, drinks, mouths expletives and does everything that is rebellious enough to put people off. Her friend and philosopher Payal (Bhaskar) tries to be the voice of reason by giving an occasional dose of advice. Enter Dr Manu Sharma, an NRI on a mission to India — find a bride. That when Tanu meets Manu (yawn!)
Even though Manu takes to the bad girl instantaneously, she rejects the man. What’s more Tanu uses her wild ways to squiggle out of an arranged marriage with Manu so she could run back into her boyfriend (Sheirgill).
Using a big fat Punjabi wedding of Tanu’s best friend as a backdrop, the film is likeable, in parts, for its characters which reek of the North Indian ethos.
Tanu Weds Manu has a paper-thin plot and has nothing refreshing to offer to say the least apart from vibrant visuals, and a bright and light-hearted treatment. However, comic moments are few and far between.
Bhaskar is strikingly good and carries her role off well, complete with the accent and look. Second best among the lot is Manu’s best friend Dobriyal, who delivers witty lines with an expressive face. Madhavan completely wins your heart with his shy smiles and subtlety. Ranaut sticks out like a sore thumb, even though her character is totally likeable. After about half a dozen films, Ranaut still hasn’t figured out a way to deliver her lines with style. The moment she opens her mouth you want throw your popcorn in her face! Sheirgill, as the rustic Raja who doesn’t think twice before flexing his muscles, has a miniscule role but his screen presence should have been exploited a little more.
Cinematographer Chirantan Das’s lens captures the bustle of Lucknow and Kanpur rather well. The music is the driving force of this light film. While ‘Jugni’ sets the screen on fire, ‘Piya’ and ‘Rangrez’ tug at your heartstrings with each note.
Tanu Weds Manu is enjoyable as long as it lasts, but doesn’t stay with you as you walk out of the theatre. Watch if you must, but only for the performances. We recommend you wait for the TV premiere.
