By Troy Ribeiro
Rating: **1/2

“Befikre”: Director: Aditya Chopra; Cast: Ranveer Singh, Vani Kapoor, Akarsh Khurana, Ayesha Raza Mishra, Julie Ordon

“Befikre” is like old wine in a new bottle. A familiar story of friendship, love and realisation, a tried and tested premise that is predictable with the same landmark points or milestones that fulfil the dramatic quotient. Only the setting is different, in this case – Paris. And this plays a major part in contributing to the uninhibited lives of its characters.

The film begins on a dramatic note, with Dharam (Ranveer Singh) and Shyra (Vani Kapoor) fighting. In the heat of the moment Dharam calls Shyra a “French Slut,” who has not spared any French guy. Insulted and furious, Shyra walks out of her live-in relationship, back to her parents house.

Narrated in a non-linear format, the plot encapsulates three years of the protagonists’ lives, which reveal how Dharam, a stand-up comedian from Delhi, met Shyra Gill, an equally free spirited girl, on his first day out in Paris and how their, dare-to-live attitude binds them.

Watch : Befikre new song ‘ You and Me’ | Ranveer Singh, Vaani Kapoor

While every love story is based on the premise that the couple care a damn for society and are carefree, here the characters lead or at least pretend to lead a carefree life till realization dawns on them that they are inseparable.

As a love story this works at a mundane level and the treatment, in keeping with the times, is racy and perfunctory. The humour seems forced. Every scene is a nugget or a chapter that is juxtaposed with the past and present, a seemingly lazy method of screenplay. The characters too are poorly crafted, they are one-dimensional.

The dialogues by Sharat Katariya are taut, racy and bluntly witty and are smoothly mouthed by the cast.

Watch : Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor”s Befikre song Nashe Si Chadh Gayi

On the performance front, the actors live up to their reputation. Ranveer Singh is charismatic and charming with his abundant energy; he plays Dharam with conviction, but unfortunately appears stereotypical.

Vani Kapoor is competent as the “Psycho Chick” and she matches Ranveer in energy and histrionics. Her performance reasonates with the right attitude that makes her stand out. In fact she sways the audience with her impressive dance moves.

Armaan Ralhan, O P Ralhan’s grandson, in an unstated but impressive performance, makes his presence felt as Aneya, the investment banker who is supposed to marry Shyra. Akarsh Khurana and Ayesha Raza Mishra as Shyra’s restauranteur parents are restrained with their limited screen presence.

Also Read : ‘Befikre’ has more than just kissing scenes, says Ranveer

The first half of the film has its moments of exaltation, but the second half, though racy, gets predictable and drags in parts. The chaotic climax that takes place at the wedding altar accompanied with a loud screechy background score, does not add any chutzpah to the narrative.

The songs are beautifully choreographed, but they punctuate the narrative rather oddly.

Visually the film is all gloss and Cinematographer Kaname Onoyama’s frames are good. In fact his aerial-sweeping shots are rather impressive.

If only Aditya Chopra was not bogged down with the business of filmmaking and instead made a romantic film in a carefree manner from the bottom of his heart, his latest missive would have been a different tale to tell.

Overall, “Befikre” captures the “pagalpan and bachpana” that is the madness and childishness of its protagonists in a cliched and not classic manner.

IANS

Ahead of the worldwide release of “Befikre ” on December 9, Yash Raj Films along with Alexandre Ziegler, Ambassador of France to India, co-hosted a soirée to celebrate film along with leading star-cast Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor.

Extensively shot in Paris as well as in Cannes and Picardie, “Befikre” is steeped in the Parisian spirit of romance and celebrates sensual, carefree love.

Watch Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor”s Befikre song Nashe Si Chadh Gayi

Watch Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor”s Befikre song Nashe Si Chadh Gayi

Under the vision of Aditya Chopra, Paris becomes synonymous with Befikre’s contemporary love story. Keeping up with pace, the Reside nce of France came alive with the spirit of the film as the vibrant evening saw Ranveer Singh and Vaani giving a scintillating performance to the film’s song, “Khulke Dulke”.

The duo, dressed in exquisitely designed DIVA’NI couture, also sashayed down the ramp for the launch of “The Ivory Kiss”, Spring-Summer 2017 couture collection of DIVA’NI, which designed the actors’ costumes for the film also.

Commending the film, Ziegler said: “I’m thrilled to host a soirée to celebrate Befikre in the presence of talented stars, Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor, and congratulate them warmly for their performance.

“‘Befikre’ makes the most of the stunning locales offered by France, highlighting why, year after year, it’s the world’s top tourist destination as well as a favourite for romantic holidays and film shoots. I’m delighted that ‘Befikre’ was shot almost entirely in France and availed of the French Film Commission’s excellent incentives. I wish to extend an invitation to Indian film makers to come and shoot their films in France.”

Speaking on the occasion, Sanya Dhir, creative director, DIVA’NI said: “It’s surreal how things just come together and make perfect sense. The inspiration came through while we were in Paris shooting for ‘Befikre’.”

“We wanted to bring in the opulence, our love for Paris, the rooted Indian craftsmanship sprinkled with carefree joys of love and life. This collection is for the young at heart, bold in mind and for the ones who know how to live life carefree!”

IANS