MapsofIndia.com/MyIndia.in Rating: 3.5/5
Director: Sameer Vidwans
Plot
The story introduces us to Satyaprem, also known as Sattu Aggarwal (played by Kartik Aaryan), a charismatic young man from a Gujarati background. Despite his kind-hearted nature, Sattu has faced setbacks in his life. He has been unable to pass his law exams for three consecutive years and has never experienced a romantic relationship. Although others may label him a loser, Sattu possesses a genuine and caring personality.
During a community celebration, Sattu crosses paths with Katha (played by Kiara Advani), a modern, outgoing girl with a free-spirited nature. Instantly captivated by her, Sattu falls deeply in love, despite recognizing that she is seemingly unattainable due to her elevated status and existing commitment to someone else. However, their destinies intertwine unexpectedly, leading them to marry each other.
As Sattu endeavors to win Katha’s affection, he gradually discovers she is concealing a profound secret. Revealing this truth proves to be a daunting task for Katha. Throughout the story, Sattu’s determination to uncover the secret intertwines with his desire to empower Katha. He guides her toward finding the courage to confront her hidden truth, shed her inhibitions, and assert herself.
The story’s central theme revolves around Sattu’s relentless pursuit of Katha’s heart, the revelation of her undisclosed secret, and the transformative effect it has on their lives. As Sattu uncovers the truth, he inadvertently catalyses Katha’s personal growth and self-acceptance. Together, they navigate a journey of empowerment, challenging societal norms and embracing their individuality. Through their experiences, they discover the true meaning of love and its ability to inspire personal transformation.
Performances
Diverse performances are showcased in the film, with Gajraj Rao delivering an excellent portrayal of Sattu’s disheveled and caring father. Kiara Advani brings a nuanced and sophisticated approach to her character, Katha, even though it may be challenging to believe that she could develop feelings for someone like Sattu, who appears unintelligent with his vacant smile and trendy hairstyle. While some characters may come across as stereotypes, such as the sharp-tongued younger sister or the strict yet wise mother-in-law, there is a certain gratification in witnessing their eventual triumphs or receiving their just consequences when appropriate.
Analysis
The film’s screenplay gives the impression that Writer Karan Shrikant Sharma had a clear central plot in mind and built the rest of the story around it. Despite being categorized as a romantic drama and musical, the film has a powerful social message. The entire narrative revolves around this social message, with some elements adding to its delicacy while others contribute to a sense of clutter.
The film’s first half flows smoothly, despite certain characters engaging in questionable actions that can be overlooked without much debate. However, in the second half, particularly towards the climax, Vidwans and the team struggle to find a suitable ending. There will be multiple instances where you might think, “Okay, this is it,” only to be proven wrong once again.
Ayananka Bose’s mesmerizing cinematography showcases his bold decision-making on the go. From capturing the camera’s focus and dancing alongside Kiara Advani in the song ‘Piyaji abhi raat baaki hai’ to effectively depicting the emotional turmoil of Sattu and Katha as they face each other with a door between them, Bose maximizes the potential of the given scenes.
Verdict
This film breaks away from the usual formula of a romantic comedy-drama by presenting a more profound message beyond the typical portrayal of intense love between the main characters.
