Release Date: 21st November 2014
Starring: Saif Ali Khan, Ileana D’Cruz, Govinda, Ranveer Shorey, Kalki Koechlin, Preity Zinta
Director: Raj Nidimoru, Krishna DK
Music: Sachin-Jigar
Duration: 2 hours 14 minutes
The young filmmakers are trying really hard to shun the typical image of Bollywood by blending a good amount of urbane humour with the Hollywood style of direction. But despite having successfully adopted the effortless narrative technique, what they are still lacking is a fresher plot to build their story upon. As a result, what the audience watches is just a repetitive concoction of an overused fable! Raj and Krishna’s Happy Ending, unfortunately, leaves you with the same feeling of deja vu.
Plot: A commitment phobic LA based author, Yudi, is leading a life of affluence until he is taken over by another intellectual writer, Aanchal. Life takes a surprising move and Yudi falls in love with his female counterpart. How do these commitment phobic novelists get their happy ending is what forms the crux of the story.
Performances: Having played similar kind of roles in Love Aaj Kal and Cocktail, Saif Ali Khan seems to have mastered the character of a playful, commitment phobic man. The only thing that differentiates Jai and Gautam from Yudi, is a sense of maturity in acting. As his alter ego Yogi, Saif marvels an impressive comic timing that surpasses his own standards.
Ileana D’Cruz does an effortless job in bringing lightness to the movie. This might be her second best performance after Barfi!
Kalki Koechlin is simply outstanding even in a short role. Despite playing an unbearable character, she manages to look absolutely endearing.
Ranveer Shorey is hilariously spontaneous! His scenes with Saif give you some of the best moments of the film.
Preity Zinta, in a short cameo, looks refreshing and makes for a pleasant watch.
And finally, the evergreen superstar Govinda, is literally back in action! There is no way to beat the competencies of this young hearted charmer who is flawless with comedy. It is such a delight to see him again on the big screen.
Music: Just like its narrative, the music of Happy Ending is unconventional in its form. The songs are fresh and interesting with all the ingredients of becoming chartbusters. The best one from the lot is Haseena Kameena!
What’s Good: A light narrative with effortless comic elements, the witty one-liners, the stunning cinematography and the kick-ass Govinda!
What’s Bad: An overused plot that leads you nowhere, a drowsy second half and excessive loopholes in terms of a romantic comedy.
Happy Ending is a half-baked Hollywood inspired comedy that fails to live up to whatever expectations it had aroused. It has its own moments of comedy and wit which definitely grab your attention but make no mark in the long run. Raj and Krishna take a good step in shedding the conventional techniques but fail to add novelty to the content. Going by the title, Happy Ending does make you happy when it ends!
Verdict: Happy Ending can be given a pass this week!
Rating: **
