From the very first frame to the last, there’s just one question that keeps coming back to you while you watch this film – why? What made a studio like Yash Raj Films green-light a film like Bewakoofiyaan? Sure, who doesn’t want to sign up for a YRF film? That was probably why Ayushmann Khurrana said ‘yes’ to this project.
But why would a veteran like Rishi Kapoor waste his talent on something so inane? And, after doing films like
Raanjhanaa and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, what on earth prompted Sonam Kapoor to agree for this? These actors probably reasoned that since Bewakoofiyaan was a YRF product, it would be worthwhile.
The truth is, Bewakoofiyaan is one of the mistakes the film production house has made. From writing, to execution, to music, to the way the film has been presented on the big screen, everything about this film screams ‘below par’. There is absolutely no trace of the YRF touch. Rather, the film looks more like a TV serial than big-screen entertainment.
Remember, they gave Aurangzeb after two big successes – Ek Tha Tiger and Jab Tak Hai Jaan. And now after giving Shuddh Desi Romance, Dhoom 3 and Gunday, they have released Bewakoofiyaan this week.
About the story: The typical Delhi setting with an uber-cool couple, where the boy is ambitious and over-confident and the girl is brand conscious. This may be appealing on the storyboard! But, hello, did no one tell YRF that this was a done-to-death premise? Even a done-to-death premise can be presented in an interesting way but Bewakoofiyaan completely lacks novelty.
This is the story of ambitious junior airline executive Mohit Chaddha (Ayushmann Khurrana), who is in love with a banker and fashion conscious Mayera Sehgal (Sonam Kapoor). The couple has been dating for two years and after getting promoted as senior executive, Mohit proposes to Mayera. His next step is to ask for Mayera’s hand in marriage from her father VK Sehgal (Rishi Kapoor).
VK Sehgal is about to retire from his government job, when Mohit meets him but the latter instantly rejected his proposal as he feels the boy is not good enough for his daughter. Besides, Mayera earns more than Mohit, which is another ground for dismissal.
As the recession hits the airline industry, Mohit loses his job. Mayera pressurises him to lie to her father so that they can get married with his consent. But one little lie lands Mohit in a desperate situation. As Mohit succumbs to unemployment, which in-turn takes a toll on his relationship with Mayera. How the story unfolds forms the crux of the film!
The entire plot is unconvincing and over-the-top and the emotions fail to engage. Sure, there are a few moments that are worth watching but they are too few to count. The romance does not hook you and the obstacles in their path do not evoke any empathy. For instance, after losing his job, it is a little farfetched for Khurrana to not keep tabs on his expenses. In a fight, Kapoor, a fashionista, says she is suffering as well due to Khurrana’s unemployment but parties hard and goes on a shopping spree.
When writer Habib Faisal’s name appears in the credits, it raises expectations. But, this time, he disappoints. Apart from a hackneyed storyline, the screenplay is unimpressive. In fact, the film is predictable from beginning to end, as are the dialogues of every single character.
With a runtime of 120 minutes, the film’s first half does have a few funny moments but it’s the second half that starts to drag. If the writing is poor, director Nupur Asthana, with her mediocre execution, makes the film poorer. Editing by Antara Lahiri is all right. Cinematography by Neha Parti Matiyani is fine. Costumes by Leepakshi Ellawadi bring out each character beautifully on the big screen.
Performance-wise, Ayushmann Khurrana plays his part well but in places he looks uncomfortable. Sonam Kapoor not only looks beautiful but portrays her character with a flair and conviction. Rishi Kapoor is fantastic. Gurpal Singh does justice to his role. The rest of the cast supports well.
Verdict: Dud!