Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Ooi maa! Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani.

When making my Filmi year 2009 post I knew I had missed out on Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, a romantic comedy (with emphasis on comedy) by Rajkumar Santoshi. The man directed by favourite Hindi comedy of all time, Andaz Apna Apna (discussed here), and based on what I'd heard of APKGK, this new film was also in the same vein of loud, hilarious comedy, but with a definite emotional center, too.

I was not wrong, glad to say. The story of Prem (Ranbir Kapoor) who falls for Jenny (Katrina Kaif) and the friendship/love that develops between them is a wonderful, twisty ride that doesn't let up speed and builds to the goofiest, loveliest of finales.

For a comedy that relies on loud comedy which may come off as gimmicky or simplistic, I think Ajab Prem.. has a pretty fantastically considered script. The pace is not that of many a loud Hindi comedy (think Priyadarshan's half-assed Hindi ventures), fast one moment and completely stuck the other; it flows nicely throughout and it's punctuated with a super-catchy, wonderful soundtrack (Tu Jaane Na sung by Atif Aslam is my favourite track). Unlike AAA, it doesn't parody Hindi films as loudly, though there's the occasional self-referential quip, including some hilarious references to AAA itself.

This is the first time I've really loved Ranbir in a performance, which is not to say I've loathed him before, but like a lot of stars, I think it takes a while for one to "get" why others like him so much. And in this movie, I simply understood. Prem may be a simple character archetype; the nice guy who sacrifices and does anything and everything for love, but Ranbir makes Prem seem real somehow, even in the fantastic setting of Ajab. Katrina Kaif is also in good form, though her acting still has plenty of room for improvement.

The only flaw of Ajab is the fact that it won't work for everybody; just like AAA is too loud, too extreme to be funny to some people. But I think those who it will work for, it'll be a tremendous watch. The kind of Hindi film that should be a more common experience than it actually is; a film that makes you laugh and cry, and then laugh through the tears.

10 comments:

MsBlogger said...

Wierdly enough, I really liked AAA but I could hardly bear Ajab...

veracious said...

Different strokes for different folks, I suppose.. I adored it.

Shellie said...

I just posted a tiny blurb about this film this morning. I loved AAA, but, like MsBlogger, lost interest in APKGK. I like Ranbir (thought he was superb in WUS), but, whether it was the direction, story or acting, this film did not hold my attention. Enjoyed the music though.

Filmi Girl said...

Woo hoo! I'm glad you liked it!

I really, really hated AAA and was very pleasantly surprised to find that I loved Ajab Prem Ki - Ranbir is a total charmer and Katrina just lights up the screen.

I can't wait to see them paired together again!

veracious said...

Shell - I was somewhat unenthused for around the first 20 minutes but by the time the Salman cameo rolled by I adored it to pieces.

Filmi Girl - I remember you liking this, and I'm glad I had that memory because it's one of the things that made me decide to watch it (since Ranbir & Kat are neither actors whose careers I particularly follow).

Nicki said...

Yah!! Enjoyed too. Can't wait for your take on Ranbir in Rocket Singh :)

Anonymous said...

If you are looking for the best comedy movies in recent years watch:
Dhamaal
Munna bhai MBBS
All the Best
No entry

Shazz said...

Enjoy watching the movie. Ranbir & Katrina Kaif looks good together.

Katrina Kaif Rocks said...

I enjoyed APKGK. Katrina Kaif and Ranbir share a great chemistry on-screen.

Anonymous said...

GOOD COMBINATION OF RANBIR AND KATRINA. WISH THERE WILL BE MORE RANBIR & KATRINA COMBINATION MOVIES