An idea so endearing that it takes you into a stratosphere of absolute sublimity. The frames so eye soothing that they transform the landscapes into a realm of delectable longings. The performances so astute and yet natural that they make you wonder 'is it all real?'. 'Hamari Adhuri Kahani' will make you feel this way.
Mohit Suri, as a director, has taken a big responsibility to transform a real life story into a movie after 'Woh Lamhe'. Why? If you have been following the tabloids then you will probably know that it is a real life story of Mahesh Bhatt's parents.
Thanks to Suri for beautifully handling the sharp delineation of unhappy married life. With a meandering screenplay, it is definitely a triumph.
'Hamari Adhuri Kahani' is poetic in parts, but the use of some clichéd dialogues deter the overall impact. The distinct use of camera and sound gives a delicate texture of sensitivity to an otherwise 'fluff'.
The cinematographer furnishes the film's framework with a distinctive blend of melancholy and modernity that it reminds you of duds like 'Aashiqui 2' and 'Ek Villain' in parts.
'Hamari Adhuri Kahani' is a story about women solitude articulated with a sparkling peculiarity which comes naturally to Suri. It's a tale of a neglected wife who could be either be related to Tabu in Mahesh Manjrekar's Astitva or Ayesha Takia in Nagesh Kukunoor's Dor.
What plagues the movie? The screenplay miserably fails to hold your attention. Bhatt and Shagufta Rafiq maintain a strong hold over the sequences in most parts of the movie but many of them seem 'stretched' and 'over-the-top'. On the other hand, the plot gets too convoluted because of over-dramatization of romance.
In narrating a romantic tale with an assortment of songs, Suri resorts to the formula of his earlier works.
The songs are too melodious. 'Humnava' and 'Hamari Adhuri Kahani' will make the time stop with top-notch tunes.
The movie rests on one powerhouse performer - Vidya Balan. Balan gets into the skin of character and gives a remarkable performances. She will force you to involve in her character. Once you dig down deep into the person she is playing, you will see a lot of pain and angst.
Full marks to Balan for this portrayal.
Emraan Hashmi, on the other hand, plays a role which is synonymous to his image. He tries hard to match Balan's level throughout the movie and gives a competitive performance. But, I will not call it a riveting performance. We have seen a better Hashmi in 'Shanghai' and 'Ek Thi Daayan'.
Rajkumar Rao plays a partly negative role will élan. The length of his character may leave his fans disappointed, but his power-packed performance makes up for the length.
Overall, 'Hamari Adhuri Kahani' is a beautifully made emotional drama that may not linger in your memory for too long, but will make you feel the emotional heft of the characters. The movie caters to the masses; therefore, a laborious screenplay will not bother the audiences. At the box-office, Suri will taste success once again and the movie will go stronger day by day - thanks to the blockbuster music and the star power of Balan and Hashmi.
