Film Review: AISHA

Cast: Abhay Deol, Sonam Kapoor, Ira Dubey, Amrita Puri, Cyrus Sahukar, M.K. Raina
Director: Rajshree Ojha

The Story: Aisha (Sonam Kapoor) is the younger daughter of Kapoor (M.K. Raina). The rich socialite living in Delhi has a lot of time on her hands. Her elder sister is married and expecting her first baby. Aisha runs around with the jet set of Delhi and passes her time spending her father’s money, socialising, gardening and doing social work. Arjun (Abhay Deol) is her sister’s brother-in-law and the family has known him since donkey’s years. Arjun is a tease and can have Aisha in a roaring temper in mere seconds every time they meet. One of Aisha’s pass times is to match make. She is confident that she is always right and just refuses to listen to everyone. It takes a couple of catastrophes and a good telling off from her friends before Aisha comes to her senses.

My Perception: The adaptation of Jane Austen’s EMMA is quite stylish and the casting just perfect. But while sitting in the theatre, I began to wonder what I was watching. The film began at Point A and ended at Point Zee, in one smooth run. There were no ups and downs, no twists to the tale, just nothing that will impress the viewer and justify paying 220 bucks for a ticket.

It is a romance without a villain. Fair enough! But where is the chemistry between the hero and heroine? Abhay Deol’s role is too brief for something to happen between the two. Even the climactic scene that is supposed to grip you, fails to do so. Arjun just gets on a ladder, goes to Aisha and declares his love. No build up, just nothing. Disappointing!

While Sonam Kapoor has given a good performance, there is not much of a range for her to cover.

Ira Dubey as Aisha’s friend Pinky and Amrita Puri as Shefali whose parents are looking for a suitable groom for her are the ones who save the film and ensure that you don’t run out of the theatre. Shefali’s dialogue delivery and facial expressions are extremely realistic. Ira Dubey in the role of Pinky who tags along with Aisha and later falls for Randhir (Cyrus Sahukar) has done a commendable job of her role. Kudos to the two of them!

Verdict: Kind of disappointing after the impressive promos and trailers.

** Shaky

*Silly
** Shaky
*** Smart
**** Snazzy
***** Super