Movie Review: 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' is a layered story of love
| Oct 28, 2016, 21:40 IST
In what can be termed as Karan Johar's most mature film till date, 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' delves into the lesser explored aspect of love. Though'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' is a quintessential Karan Johar film, the approach and the treatment of the subject is what sets it apart. Peppered with references to Karan's previous works, 'ADHM' in its own unique way pays tribute to Bollywood's cliched idea of romance.
This film chronicles the life of Ayan Sayengar(Ranbir Kapoor), a clueless guy who is stuck living a life, which is dictated by others. Ayan hails from a filthy rich family and is fulfilling is 'dad ki aarzoo' by pursuing his MBA, but cannot keep his dad's business afloat. However, Ayan is 'madly-in-love' with his mercenary girlfriend, Lisa (Lisa Haydon) or so he believes. It is when Ayan meets Alizeh (Anushka Sharma), a sorted, balanced and level-headed girl, there is an instant connect between them.
It is after befriending Alizeh, that Ayan is inspired to unleash his true inner self as someone who enjoys Bollywood, is overtly filmy, and wants to live life like it is nobody's business. Being as filmy as they are, after Ayan and Alizeh's break up with their respective partners, these two fly away from London to Paris to celebrate the same.
In turn of events, Alizeh then realises that she never moved on from her feelings for Ali, and they end up getting married. Saddened by the marriage of his one true love, Ayan then finds solace in Sabah's arms.
Aishwarya in her role as a poetess Sabah is phenomenal! Though her role is not a lengthy one, it is her character that completes Ayan's transformation from a boy to a man. Shah Rukh Khan in his role as Aishwarya's ex-husband is flawless. In his five-minute cameo, SRK has some of the best dialogues in the film that set the tone. At the 155 minute mark, the film might feel a tad long, and towards the later part of second-half starts to feel stretched. While the story is very intense, it often at times comes across as very superficial.
However what works for the movie is the stellar star cast! Ranbir Kapoor is perfect as Ayan, a clueless manchild, who though grows up, is still petty and jealous in love. Aishwarya not only brings in the much-needed oomph factor to the character of Sabah but is also able to carry off this role with perfection. While it was the casting of Fawad that raised eyebrows, his character though charming, is not much of substance. It is Anushka who shines through in her role of a smart, independent woman, who knows what she wants!
While the film may not be one of Karan's best work , it certainly makes for an engaging weekend watch.
This film chronicles the life of Ayan Sayengar(Ranbir Kapoor), a clueless guy who is stuck living a life, which is dictated by others. Ayan hails from a filthy rich family and is fulfilling is 'dad ki aarzoo' by pursuing his MBA, but cannot keep his dad's business afloat. However, Ayan is 'madly-in-love' with his mercenary girlfriend, Lisa (Lisa Haydon) or so he believes. It is when Ayan meets Alizeh (Anushka Sharma), a sorted, balanced and level-headed girl, there is an instant connect between them.
It is after befriending Alizeh, that Ayan is inspired to unleash his true inner self as someone who enjoys Bollywood, is overtly filmy, and wants to live life like it is nobody's business. Being as filmy as they are, after Ayan and Alizeh's break up with their respective partners, these two fly away from London to Paris to celebrate the same.
In turn of events, Alizeh then realises that she never moved on from her feelings for Ali, and they end up getting married. Saddened by the marriage of his one true love, Ayan then finds solace in Sabah's arms.
Aishwarya in her role as a poetess Sabah is phenomenal! Though her role is not a lengthy one, it is her character that completes Ayan's transformation from a boy to a man. Shah Rukh Khan in his role as Aishwarya's ex-husband is flawless. In his five-minute cameo, SRK has some of the best dialogues in the film that set the tone. At the 155 minute mark, the film might feel a tad long, and towards the later part of second-half starts to feel stretched. While the story is very intense, it often at times comes across as very superficial.
However what works for the movie is the stellar star cast! Ranbir Kapoor is perfect as Ayan, a clueless manchild, who though grows up, is still petty and jealous in love. Aishwarya not only brings in the much-needed oomph factor to the character of Sabah but is also able to carry off this role with perfection. While it was the casting of Fawad that raised eyebrows, his character though charming, is not much of substance. It is Anushka who shines through in her role of a smart, independent woman, who knows what she wants!
While the film may not be one of Karan's best work , it certainly makes for an engaging weekend watch.