Bachna Ae Haseeno Hindi Movie

Bachna Ae Haseeno isn't whimsically romantic or rip-roaringly funny- but it sure is a 'time pass' flick- and for once, the time passed isn't spent writhing in pain. Aug 15, 2008 By Jahan Bakshi

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Bachna Ae Haseeno is, of course, beyond doubt mainstream, frivolous candyfloss fare- but apart from being a decently crunchy date movie- what's really refreshing about Bachna Ae Haseeno is that it actually manages to throw in a few surprises despite its very frothy Yashraj format.

Okay, there's a bit too much Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge in the first half, and a not-too-convincing dose of The Devil Wears Prada in the second, but I'm not complaining. This is a film that doesn't create much of a fuss about anything, and it's only fair then, I guess- that I do the same.

Siddharth Anand and Aditya Chopra evidently atleast care to use their brains to draw fairly credible outlines (if not detailed sketches) of characters that the actors can actually breathe some life into. Besides, they even manage to avoid any painfully loud 'humour' that has become a routine part of such films these days, and I am really thankful for this. And considering my recent experiences at the neighbourhood multiplex- that really is a relief, believe me.

Even though the emotional quotient of the film is decidedly weak, Bachna Ae Haseeno is breezy, good looking and has enough pep and energy to sustain interest throughout its moderate length, and the well-cast actors never let it disintegrate into tedium till it reaches its predictable end.

This film is, of course in may ways, a shameless showcase for Ranbir Kapoor (playing who else but Raj), right from its title and its premise, but the Kapoor lad doesn't disappoint and makes for a pretty charming rascal (and angel, in turn) with his considerable screen presence and good looks.

Minissha Lamba plays the ridiculously childish Mahi in the film- the kind who believes that there are fairies at the bottom of her garden, and a dream man waiting to sweep her off her feet, and to her credit, she never gets cloying or annoying, and besides you are too distracted by the fact that her cute little nose actually turns red when she is blushing. Cho chweet.

Bipasha Basu is turns in what is perhaps the most impressive of the four performances in the film. Radhika, her character in the film is remarkably free of clichés, and Bips besides looking bloody bootylicious, gives her character verve, substance and soul.

Deepika Padukone isn't bad either- and does a good job with her strong, no-nonsense character- though her voice modulation could do with some improvement.

Bachna Ae Haseeno isn't whimsically romantic or rip-roaringly funny- but it sure is a 'time pass' flick- and for once, the time passed isn't spent writhing in pain.