Movie Review: De De Pyar De
Movie Review “De De Pyar De”
Rating: 4/5
Director: Akiv Ali
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Rakul Preet Singh, Jimmy Sheirgill
2018 sprung many surprises with small budget movies striking gold at the box office and most importantly winning the hearts of its audience. Some of the notable mentions are Raazi, Andhadhun, Stree, Badhaai Ho, SKTKS, etc which not only surprised you with the amount of love and attention they received but also with the kind of storytelling and deep rooted messaged they essayed. Follow Spotlife Asia for the lateest entertainment and lifestyle news.
2019 on the other hand didn’t start on a very promising note with the exception of Uri, Badla and Gully Boy. It has been a year wherein the big banner production house movies with famed actors and directors at its helm have not been able to win the heart of their audience.
Alas! De De Pyaar De feels like a step in the right direction. However, one can’t deny it needing a considerable amount of word of mouth to get its worth at the Box office.
The movie begins in London, England with Aashish (Ajay Devgn) a 50 year old father of two kids, separated from his wife and family, residing in India. He is seen throwing a bachelor party to his friend quite younger than himself. It is here he meets Ayesha (Rakul Preet Singh) a 26 year old confident young woman who prides in how beautiful and irresistible she looks.
Aashish, a man of principles and old fashioned at heart who can afford the luxuries of life develops a liking for this girl, half his age. He relies on his psychiatrist friend (Jaaved Jaffri) to give him the right consultation on the feelings he is developing.
The 1st hour of the movie revolves around Aashish and Rakul’s cheeky romance which eventually develops into true feelings for one another. With almost all of the initial 60 minute screen space being occupied by these two characters and minimal comic relief provided by Jaaved Jafferi, the movie starts to feel a bit monotonous. But you are hopeful courtesy the promise of the reliable support cast that you know are soon to arrive.
It is now the movie shifts to Kullu, India where in Aashish has arrived with his girlfriend to meet his family and seek their acceptance of this new phase of his life.
The entry of Aashish’s estranged wife, Madhu (Tabu) will make you stop slouching on your chair. Yes, there is hope finally again!!
The second half will spring a dramatic turn of events where in Aashish is engulfed by the emotions of an angry daughter whose father has cared the least for them in the past many years. A wife/college sweetheart who he still fears and deep down loves and respects, a son who is the age of his new girlfriend and also seems attracted to her. Lastly a father and mother in Alok Nath and Madhumati Kapoor who seem to love their daughter in law more than their irresponsible son.
There are scenes that will make you laugh your gut out, choke you and make you think. Yes, this is a movie with an underlying message. It presents its view on Divorce with mutual consent, the much debated and frowned upon culture of live in relationships and how age should not be a barrier when the love is genuine.
At 2hr and 15 mins long, the film heavily relies on its screenplay and direction. The first half of the movies gives you a feel that debutant director Akiv Ali seems to have lost the plot as well the opportunity to capitalize on a promising script, but it is the second half wherein he makes up for all the loose ends and makes you leave the theatre with a content heart.
The Supporting cast led by Jimmy Sheirgill, Alok Nath as well as other cast members and a special appearance by Jaaved Jafferi provide the much needed comic relief in the second half.
Rakul Preet Singh, the famed actress from South Indian film industry essays the role of Ayesha with much aplomb. She at no point seemed intimidated by the presence of Ajay and Tabu and hit the bull’s eye on both the emotional as well as funny scenes. An even more promising career ahead for her for sure.
Ajay Devgn as Aashish seems at ease in portraying the role a man of varied emotions. A Father, a husband estranged from his childhood love and a man with new found fondness for a girl half his age. In all these depictions Ajay brings in the right balance of emotions making his character loveable.
But, it is Tabu as Madhu who is yet again the star of this movie. One must wonder as to when the last time Tabu acted in a movie where her character has not had a great significance to the storyline. You are almost confused and amazed equally if it is Tabu who is seen playing a strong character or it is a character with minimal strength that becomes the highlight of the movie courtesy her sheer brilliance on screen. As Madhu she shows great sense of comic timing, maturity, strength and vulnerability.
De De Pyaar de may not be as great as some of the movies from last year I originally mentioned. But it has its heart in the right place. With a great balance of emotion, comedy, romance and deep rooted message it wishes to share it is definitely a compelling watch. Don’t miss it!!
