Director: Rohit Shetty

Producers: Rohit Shetty Productions and Red Chillies Entertainment

Writers: Yunus Sajawal and Sajid-Farhad

Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon

Music: Pritam

Genre: (??)

Rating: * *

Review By: Keyur Seta

In today’s era, earning Rs 100 or 200 crore has become a result of a single formula – sign big stars, include larger-than-life elements like colorful romance, crazy humor and powerful action, market your film like desperados and, most importantly, book 20 or more shows in a single multiplex. Do this dedicatedly and you will get your blockbuster. Too hell with content! Rohit Shetty’s Dilwale is a product of such a formula.

The film tries to tell the story of Raj (Shah Rukh Khan) and his younger brother Veer (Varun Dhawan). They are running a garage in Goa and leading a simple life. Veer comes across a young girl, Ishita (Kriti Sanon) and instantly falls for her. Raj has had a dark past, about which neither Veer nor the people staying in the vicinity are aware of. Meera (Kajol) is an integral part of his past. All of a sudden, Raj’s dark past enters his present in a strange manner.

Picture: Indicine.com

Here are 7 reasons why the film doesn’t work (no spoilers here):-

– The basic storyline is illogical and unconvincing. In fact, some serious twists and story development induce unintentional laughter. Of course, one shouldn’t look for logic in such films. But when the root premise is so silly, it becomes difficult to accept. Plus, once the story is established, you can predict the entire film.

– There is no flow as the screenplay is all over the place. It seems the writers have mixed commercial elements haphazardly.

– As surprising as it may sound, gangsters form an important part of the tale. But that’s not the problem. The problem is that this is the most unconvincing portrayal of gangsters ever in a mainstream Hindi film.

– Rohit Shetty’s obsession for car stunts has reached an annoying level. Seriously, there isn’t much difference in the screentime given to humans and cars.

– You just don’t feel anything for Kajol’s character because of her acts. Other characters too face behavioral issues.

– There is blatant sexism related to the character of Sidhu’s (Varun Sharma) girlfriend.

– Now, the most important point. The love angle between SRK and Kajol’s characters lacks soul. We are just made to assume that they are deeply in love just because they are the most loved pair. Naturally, you don’t gain sympathy for their love story either.

 
The few good things include some mild entertainment and few jokes here and there. The scene about ‘Ramlal aur Pogo’ is the only paisa vasool element. The music isn’t up-to-the-mark either. The background score has a single theme music played throughout the entire duration. The camerawork is decent while the editing is average.

Coming to the performances, Shah Rukh Khan carries the film on his shoulders through a mature act. Kajol too displays her acting prowess. It is always good to see them together. However, as pointed above, the content and treatment ensures you don’t feel for the couple. Varun Dhawan once again proves his mettle. Kriti Sanon, Mukesh Tiwari, Pankaj Tripathi and Johnny Lever provide good support. Boman Irani is wasted.

Overall: Dilwale proves that having Shah Rukh and Kajol together isn’t enough to satisfy audiences. This won’t hurt the producers though as the film is on its way to becoming a blockbuster at the box office through some high collections despite the presence of Bajirao Mastani.