The After Hrs review: 'Ekk Deewana Tha'

Film: Ekk Deewana Tha
Director: Gautham Menon
Cast: Prateik, Amy Jackson, Manu Rishi, Sachin Khedekar
Rating: *1/2

We’ve seen ample remakes of South flicks that work wonders at the BO, but there seems to be lots that are lost in translation as well. Though this film begins on a promising note, a sudden deluge of forced songs and choreography, more suited to college annual events, start the film’s early descent into boredom.

The story is fairly simple. Sachin (Prateik), a Hindu boy falls in love with an orthodox Malayali Christian girl, Jessie (Amy). What’s not as simple however, are the twists that follow. Jessie jaisi koi nahin? That’s right. For most of the part it’s difficult to explain her actions or reactions. First she runs away from Sachin, who can’t stop following her like a puppy in love, puppy eyes, et al, and finally admits his love.

Then she runs away from the altar when she is about to be married to the boy of her parent’s choice. Then she runs away from the hero again… By this time, you are looking for an exit so you can follow suit and run too. Meanwhile, at this point, seems like the editor too has fallen asleep (can’t blame him really) and the film just drags on. Each time you think the film’s over, there’s more to it.

Sure the film does have it’s special moments, but they are far and few in between. The dialogues are funny in parts, but completely disappointing in others. The basic requirement for any romantic story to work is a sizzling chemistry between the lead pair and there are sparks here too, no doubt, but not enough to keep the audience interest from fizzling out. Newcomer Amy manages to look simply pretty, but her confused character leaves little room to earn her a likeable tag. Prateik is a misfit when made to dance to numbers that anyways don’t fit in the film. But if there’s something that makes you sit through right till the end, then it’s actually Prateik.

Despite the flaws in the storyline, you can’t help but feel for him and it’s his performance that makes the character endearing, even though the character is best suited to the love stories of the 80s if not older. A natural in front of the camera, he’s not best cut for the naach gaana roles for sure.

Ramesh Sippy’s presence doesn’t do much either. Sachin Khedekar and Manu Rishi provide some fun moments on screen though. Rahman’s music especially the track Hosanna is hummable, though the lyrics of some other songs just don’t hit the high notes at all.

Overall, it’s a film you can watch if desperate.