Let’s say it straight off – this film checks all the boxes for a successful film. A remake of Prabhudheva’s Telugu directorial debut film Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana (a blockbuster), Ramaiya Vastavaiya is reminiscent of Salman Khan-starrer Maine Pyar Kiya and Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya. And, arguably, debutant Girish Kumar shows the potential that Khan did back in his early days.
To make a convincing romantic film, you need a lead pair that connects with the audience from the very first frame; you need songs that take the narration forward and a story that is humble yet substantial. The lead pair here is Girish Kumar and Shruti Haasan, who not only look lovable together but have an impeccable chemistry on screen.
Ram (Girish Kumar) is a spirited young NRI from Australia, who returns to India to attend his cousin Riya’s wedding. There, he meets Riya’s best friend Sona (Shruti Haasan), the girl-next-door who hails from a village. Sona’s only family is her elder brother Raghuveer (Sonu Sood), who adores her. In stark contrast, Ram hails from a wealthy family, which comprises his father-cum-friend (Randhir Kapoor) and materialistic mother (Poonam Dhillon).
Although they initially fail to get along as they are poles apart, the youngsters eventually fall in love. But Ram’s mother and his uncle (Satish Kaushik) want him to marry a rich girl and they try to jeopardise their relationship. Unaware of these developments, Raghuveer learns of Ram and Sona’s blossoming love and after a fiery tête-à-tête with Ram’s mother and relatives, takes his sister back home.
Ram follows Sona to win her brother’s trust but, overprotecting and hurt, Raghuveer says he will give the couple his blessing on one condition. Now Ram has to do everything it takes to win in order to have the love of his life. How Ram does this forms the crux of the story.
Prabhudheva handles his script smartly and presents a fabulous narration to his already
hit Telugu screenplay. He proves that he can not only create magic with action for his Hindi audience but also can capture the sweetness in romance as well.
Screenplay by Shiraz Ahmed is spot-on. He wraps the story with conviction and the perfect mix of emotions and sensibility. The film is a smooth sail during the first half while post-interval, the narration moulds to another texture and another level.
On the whole, the film is a seamless blend of humble emotions. Many scenes leave you awestruck. For instance, the sequence where Ram’s father visits him to talk sense in to him; the scene where Raghuveer is humiliated by Ram’s family at the wedding; the scene where Raghuveer prays for Ram; and the scene where Sona and Ram confess their love for each other.
Music by Sachin-Jigar blends perfectly with the narrative. Editing by Hemal Kothari is firm. Cinematography by Kiran Deohans is another asset. The locations and sets are brilliantly captured. The dialogue is tight and includes some funny lines. From locations to costumes, the entire look of the film is apt.
The lead pair, Kumar and Haasan, delivers an outstanding performance and their chemistry on screen is credible. Kumar plays his part with the right mix of naivety and flamboyance. He is definitely a welcome addition to the young brigade of talented actors we now have in our industry. Haasan not only looks beautiful but the calmness and serenity that she brings to her character is flawless.
Sonu Sood, who always impresses with every other release, does this in this film as well. He not only breathes life into his character but emotes with panache. Vinod Khanna depicts his part with gusto and does justice. Randhir Kapoor suits his character and does well. Poonam Dhillon plays her part beautifully. The rest of the cast, from Satish Shah to Govind Namdeo, Nassar, Paresh Ganatra, Sarfaraz Khan and Zakir Hussain, support well.
Verdict: This film will enjoy a smooth ride at the ticket window. A plus film!
