REVIEW: Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani

Who next after Hrithik Roshan? It's a question that's been dodging the fans and industry watchers for quite some time. Well, looks like the wait is finally over. Showing consistent improvement from Saawariya to Wake Up Sid, it's now pretty clear that Ranbir Kapoor will be the new teen sensation. In his latest offering Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, the actor effortlessly outshines everybody else in the frame. He is quite simply the most charismatic actor of his generation. When an actor makes you overlook the gaping flaws of a bad script and actually makes the loopholes work – you know he is a star.

And then there is Katrina Kaif. There is something about her infectious smile and attractive presence that lights up even the dullest of movies. Just watching her go through those several wardrobe changes and listening to her now-charming accented Hindi make you forget all about the torturous November heat.

Take the cool pair away and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani is a clichéd romance straight out of the '90s. The hero is a broke, good-for-nothing but kindhearted small town boy (Ranbir Kapoor). It's love at first sight for him when he encounters the gorgeous girl-next-door (Katrina Kaif). A few misunderstandings later the two become friends. But of course like most Hindi film heroines, the girl loves an NRI stud (Upen Patel, for God's sake) who makes his entry at the interval point. NRI's dad would obviously not approve of the girl from the valley. So our madly in love hero goes all out to unite the couple against all opposition. This leaves the already confused heroine in a greater dilemma about who she truly cares for. You can figure out the rest. Half-an-hour into the film, it takes no Einstein to unravel the plot.

The usually innovative Rajkumar Santoshi opts for a surprisingly conventional formula. His execution too is uninspired borrowing heavily from past entertainers. The characters are your stereotypical nagging father, rude step mom, supportive friends, etc. The setting is not Manhattan but the vintage Ooty and Goa. Santoshi even stuffs every frame with unnecessary extras.

The first 45-minutes is a sometimes crude, Indra Kumar like slapstick affair that is far from amusing. From here on he moves into Anees Bazmee territory creating a comedy of errors around several characters. The climax is a Priyadarshan-like crowded one, set in what resembles a soap factory. Santoshi sprinkles some of his Andaz Apna Apna humour, especially with the father-son comedy track and the bit about a stupid kidnapper and his bumbling henchmen. Santoshi's touch is evident only in the brilliantly executed action-packed chases through the second half. To his credit the film maintains a breezy, light-hearted feel throughout.

Pritam's soundtrack is a huge asset complemented by some lavish choreography. But as mentioned it is eventually Ranbir and Katrina who stand tall in the film. Ranbir plays the genuinely difficult part of a Hindi film hero who has to sing, dance, laugh, cry, fight – basically play to gallery. And he does that with a natural flair. Katrina and Ranbir add a certain energy to the proceedings. Their spontaneous and innocent love story is bound to strike a chord with the young crowd.

Wish the storyline was as appealing. The director didn't take any chance in opting for something new and settled for the tried and tested formulaic adaptation of several films we have already watched before.

If the film does well at the box-office, it will be only because of the Kapoor-Kaif jodi.

Verdict: With such a gorgeous pair, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, could have been a charming joyride. But instead it settles for a routine, time pass watch. Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif's chemistry shines long after the curtains fall down.

Rating: 2.5/5

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