'Ki and Ka' review: Arjun and Kareena's film is enjoyable when it stays away from clichés

Film: Ki and Ka
Director: R Balki
Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Swaroop Sampat, Rajit Kapoor

What it's about

A love story about the reversal of gender roles. Kabir (Arjun Kapoor) is the son of a rich builder who doesn't want to follow in the footsteps of his father, but wants to be like his mom and become a homemaker. On the other hand, Kareena Kapoor is an ambitious girl who dreams of making it big in the corporate world. A perfect match, they get married and make their arrangement work for them. Until it doesn't. Ego gets in the way.

What's good

A super concept. For me, the best thing about the film is that it questions gender roles that we impose on ourselves and each other. Only Balki can boldly go (and make his protagonist take the journey too) where no man has gone before. Yes, we have had films like Ghar Jamai but they were not exactly progressive films. Ki and Ka is fun and frivolous and will make you smile. The unconventional idea plays out so easily. Ki and Ka has a lighthearted tone that runs consistently throughout. The chemistry between the lead pair is as real as it gets. Big points to Arjun for taking up such a non-macho role. He keeps Kabir real without making him wimpy. He is immensely likable as the man with no ambition. Kareena's zest and energy give it that much-needed punch. The Bachchans' cameo is delightful and one of the highlights of the film.

What's not

The film loses momentum mid-way. The idea is stretched too thin and the climax is cheesy. The film tries to stay real for most part, but in the last scene it attempts to be silly-cool. In the real world, ego problems between couples do not get sorted by enacting scenes from the past. The problem with Ki and Ka will be finding an audience that can relate to it completely. It is meant for the urban multiplex audience. The male folk may not find it relatable because they are all part of the rat race. Ditto for the women, because how many of them really play the traditional housewives? Or even wear  mangalsutras for that matter? The characters become caricatures after a point and that is really disappointing because you really want to cheer for this daring film.  

What to do

It's enjoyable when it's not trite. You might take to it if you are the sort that enjoys clichés​.

Rating: **1/2