Film Review: DUM LAGA KE HAISHA

Ayushmann Khurrana is excellent in his role as Prem

Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar, 
Director: Sharat Katariya

THE STORY

The film is set in 1995 Haridwar. Prem (Ayushmann Khurrana) runs a music tape shop along with his father. He’s barely managed to scrape through school till Standard VIII. He lives with his parents and a paternal aunt who’s separated from her husband. Prem’s father arranges his wedding with Sandhya (Bhumi Pednekar) from an educated family. She’s a B.Ed and likes Prem when they meet for the first time. He doesn’t like her at all as he finds her too fat for his taste. Of course, they don’t get the opportunity to find out anything more about each other. 

His father leaves Prem with no choice but to marry Sandhya. Ashamed of his new wife, Prem refuses to live with her and hates the idea of even introducing her to his friends. Sandhya is confused. It’s when she hears him talk badly about her to his friends that she gets to know the depth of his hatred. She leaves him to go back to her parents, filing for a divorce. The court orders Prem and Sandhya to try living with each other for six months before taking a decision. What happens in those six months? Will Prem and Sandhya decide to continue as man and wife or will they separate forever? 

MY PERCEPTION

The story is not so bad. And I am glad that the film ran for 111 minutes, a bit less than two hours. Better yet, we watched it during the week and spent only Rs. 130 per ticket. Considering all the above points, I didn’t regret the experience. 

As for the film, Ayushmann Khurrana is excellent in his role as Prem, hemmed in by his parents and his environment; confused by his own mind and lack of education; finally feeling compassion for the woman who’s married him. Congratulations!

This is Bhumi Pednekar’s first film as an actress. She’s really good; casual, smart, educated and very comfortable in her plumpness. 

The rest of the characters come together to form a good film. The last sequence when Prem carries Sandhya piggyback for a race, giving the film its name, is too tough to swallow. Even if Prem was a practised marathon runner, it would be an impossible thing to do. Unless, he’s been carrying heavy sacks over many years. Some thought could have gone into creating this.

VERDICT: You can watch the film if you have a lot of time in your hands, like soft, slow romances, and don’t mind spending the money. Otherwise, watch out for Dum Laga Ke Haisha on TV. It’s not long in coming!  

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