'Aashiqui 2' suggests, by its name, that it is yet another of those pointless and completely irrelevant sequels that the Mahesh Bhatt-banner Vishesh Films rolls out ever few months or so. Just think of it- 'Jism 2' was completely different from the first 2004 movie and despite starring porn-star Sunny Leone, critics unanimously said that the film lacked the sexual fireworks which had excited all teenagers back in that year.
Maybe the banner plans to extend the signature popularity of each of their movies in the heyday by launching sequels, which are not really sequels. So, the same purpose seems to drive 'Aashiqui 2' a movie which promises to be as romantic and melodious as the earlier film starring Rahul Roy and Anu Agrawal, the 90s yarn that you remember more for its music and romance than for plot.
So, how does the new movie stack up in comparison? Like in the 1990 movie, the music and romance seems to have propelled Mohit Suri's film to runaway box office success. It has been a full month since the film opened up and pretty much everyone is still raving about how good the film has been.
As for me, I was not that easily roped in. 'Aashiqui 2', for me, had a predictable layout, drawing similarities from superior romantic films like 'Rockstar' and 'Abhimaan' and Suri's direction, other than some captivating bits, falls short of making it refreshing. Much was said about how good the leads were and clearly Aditya Roy Kapur is the biggest takeaway, along with the chartbusting music which carries the film better than its plot. Kapur plays a twisted character with both charm and conviction- his silent moments of brooding and insecurity almost come close to Robert De Niro in 'Raging Bull'. The same cannot be said for the other Kapoor in the film- leading lady Shraddha manages to look good in the key scenes but she is eventually nailed as yet another wilting wall-flower.
But shoot me. I am simply one of the few who did not quite find 'Aashiqui 2' as spectacular as everyone claimed it was. I am here to talk about the people all over the country humming to its songs (which is perfectly valid) and those who are going to watch it again (not so clear).
Where did 'Aashiqui 2' score the most? If you have a look at some of the past romantic films, it can be seen that most of them have turned out to be major disappointments. The rom-com genre is clearly the most abused- exotic locations in South Africa and Australia are now sounding like cliches while some of those low-budget outings are nothing short of grating stuff. Pure romance does not apply any longer- the success of romances like 'Jab We Met', 'Band Bajaa Baraat' and 'Ishaqzaade' is more due to their relatable plots and storylines than the candyfloss essence. Anurag Basu's 'Barfi' came close to being a candyfloss and sweet romance, but its main problem was the distracting mystery which ruined the fun and romance. Last November, the late and great Yash Chopra rolled out his final film 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' amidst much anticipation. Contrary to the box-office reports, the film found a few real fans (one of them was me as well) because of the meandering storyline, the long running length and the incredulous elements- for instance, a visibly aging superstar playing a 25 year old.
So, maybe people noticed that 'Aashiqui 2' managed to deliver as a romantic film, albeit an old-fashioned one. In comparison to some of the recent candyfloss romances, 'Aashiqui 2' has some strengths. It is fairly economical at a running length of 2 hours, it has some effectivly conjured romantic moments and the music is perfectly used as well. Of course, one can point out some of the technical errors and snags. 'Aashiqui 2' is not necessarily a slick product, as some critics pointed out. The film lacks the technical polish of 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' or 'Rockstar', but the audience nevertheless laps it up merely because the film sticks to those old-fashioned conventions of romance pretty well. And yes, the narrative, while mostly one-note in the second-half, nevertheless remains firm and strong.
But to call it it a spectacular romance would be a bit of overstatement. Audiences, crazed by the film's music and fresh casting decisions, are willingly calling it a great romance, even going to the extent of calling it better than some of our modern gems like 'Jab We Met' and 'Band Bajaa Baraat'. This seems to be a bit far-fetched. Films like these are known for their clever writing, the romantic chemistry between their leads and their charming characters. Suri's film has a solid chemistry between its leads but it falls prey to the old-fashioned cliches and characters who are mostly caricatures.
Maybe it is because our audiences are badly starved of romance and there was nothing romantic on display in recent months.
Or it is just that our audiences continue to be as fickle as ever.
Whatever you may call it, there is no denying the sheer popularity of a film like this. People are going gaga over it while the lovely songs continue to be chart-busters. They clearly do not mind the predictable layout and many of them are even willing to shed a few tears at the end.
And of course, I will be there for the nitpicking as usual. But yeah, if it is just all about sharing a jacket in the rain with your loved one, then who cares?
Maybe the banner plans to extend the signature popularity of each of their movies in the heyday by launching sequels, which are not really sequels. So, the same purpose seems to drive 'Aashiqui 2' a movie which promises to be as romantic and melodious as the earlier film starring Rahul Roy and Anu Agrawal, the 90s yarn that you remember more for its music and romance than for plot.
So, how does the new movie stack up in comparison? Like in the 1990 movie, the music and romance seems to have propelled Mohit Suri's film to runaway box office success. It has been a full month since the film opened up and pretty much everyone is still raving about how good the film has been.
As for me, I was not that easily roped in. 'Aashiqui 2', for me, had a predictable layout, drawing similarities from superior romantic films like 'Rockstar' and 'Abhimaan' and Suri's direction, other than some captivating bits, falls short of making it refreshing. Much was said about how good the leads were and clearly Aditya Roy Kapur is the biggest takeaway, along with the chartbusting music which carries the film better than its plot. Kapur plays a twisted character with both charm and conviction- his silent moments of brooding and insecurity almost come close to Robert De Niro in 'Raging Bull'. The same cannot be said for the other Kapoor in the film- leading lady Shraddha manages to look good in the key scenes but she is eventually nailed as yet another wilting wall-flower.
But shoot me. I am simply one of the few who did not quite find 'Aashiqui 2' as spectacular as everyone claimed it was. I am here to talk about the people all over the country humming to its songs (which is perfectly valid) and those who are going to watch it again (not so clear).
Where did 'Aashiqui 2' score the most? If you have a look at some of the past romantic films, it can be seen that most of them have turned out to be major disappointments. The rom-com genre is clearly the most abused- exotic locations in South Africa and Australia are now sounding like cliches while some of those low-budget outings are nothing short of grating stuff. Pure romance does not apply any longer- the success of romances like 'Jab We Met', 'Band Bajaa Baraat' and 'Ishaqzaade' is more due to their relatable plots and storylines than the candyfloss essence. Anurag Basu's 'Barfi' came close to being a candyfloss and sweet romance, but its main problem was the distracting mystery which ruined the fun and romance. Last November, the late and great Yash Chopra rolled out his final film 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' amidst much anticipation. Contrary to the box-office reports, the film found a few real fans (one of them was me as well) because of the meandering storyline, the long running length and the incredulous elements- for instance, a visibly aging superstar playing a 25 year old.
So, maybe people noticed that 'Aashiqui 2' managed to deliver as a romantic film, albeit an old-fashioned one. In comparison to some of the recent candyfloss romances, 'Aashiqui 2' has some strengths. It is fairly economical at a running length of 2 hours, it has some effectivly conjured romantic moments and the music is perfectly used as well. Of course, one can point out some of the technical errors and snags. 'Aashiqui 2' is not necessarily a slick product, as some critics pointed out. The film lacks the technical polish of 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' or 'Rockstar', but the audience nevertheless laps it up merely because the film sticks to those old-fashioned conventions of romance pretty well. And yes, the narrative, while mostly one-note in the second-half, nevertheless remains firm and strong.
But to call it it a spectacular romance would be a bit of overstatement. Audiences, crazed by the film's music and fresh casting decisions, are willingly calling it a great romance, even going to the extent of calling it better than some of our modern gems like 'Jab We Met' and 'Band Bajaa Baraat'. This seems to be a bit far-fetched. Films like these are known for their clever writing, the romantic chemistry between their leads and their charming characters. Suri's film has a solid chemistry between its leads but it falls prey to the old-fashioned cliches and characters who are mostly caricatures.
Maybe it is because our audiences are badly starved of romance and there was nothing romantic on display in recent months.
Or it is just that our audiences continue to be as fickle as ever.
Whatever you may call it, there is no denying the sheer popularity of a film like this. People are going gaga over it while the lovely songs continue to be chart-busters. They clearly do not mind the predictable layout and many of them are even willing to shed a few tears at the end.
And of course, I will be there for the nitpicking as usual. But yeah, if it is just all about sharing a jacket in the rain with your loved one, then who cares?
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