New Delhi:
With big names in cast and a director like Vikas Bahl (best known for Queen), anyone would expect a high-class drama that is clever and fun-filled. Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt starrer ‘Shaandaar’ shatters all expectations as it proves to be an exact antonym of its title.
There is no ‘Shaan’ in this one.
Though, makers had successfully managed to project it via trailer that Vikas Bahl’s this offering won’t be as quirky as Queen was. None had expected such a drastic drop in storytelling and directorial skills.
The film is sloppily written, directed with no interest and comes with no motive to take their audiences anywhere.
From the first scene (animated), Shaandar gives fair warning of it being a movie that will require much of your attention to realize what all is happening. Naseeruddin Shah’s narration introduces Alia’s induction to Bipin Arora’s family, which is bankrupt and getting their other daughter Isha married to Fandvanis, the other rich family who can save their status.
On a simpler note, the film is a story of two sisters. One is adopted, bubbly and beautiful. The other is chubby, good at heart and is being used as a commodity by her mother and grandmother to secure a business deal.
Being India’s first movie based on distance wedding, it was expected that the film must have a different kind of offering. Apart from beautiful locations, stylish clothing and Pankaj Kapur there was nothing special about it. Shahid’s tuning with real life father Pankaj Kapoor and Alia Bhatt can also be a factor people would love to invest for. But, that’s not in ample amount.
The film turns out to be a mashup of Sonam Kapoor’s ‘Khoobsurat’ and Shahid’s ‘Vivah’ under the banner of Dharma productions at an international setup.
The best parts get featured in trailer itself. If you still convince yourself to watch full 145 minutes, then you will be left with many illogical questions. For instance, Why does Alia gets a panty when everyone else get breakfast? No reason. Why is Isha stripping down to her underwear at the mandap? How come Pankaj Kapoor is able to draw sketches that move in real world? Trust me there is more you can find in the film.
On a positive note, the film is a treat for girls. It comes with ever dashing and handsome Shahid Kapoor and those who love style, it is an inspiration! Be it boots or designer dresses, Alia’s wardrobe gets full marks.
Apart from Amit Trivedi’s brilliant music and background score, which is already rocking chartbusters, the other attraction is Shahid’s real life half sister Sanah Kapoor. She plays a major role and delivers some strong scenes while wearing her weight well. Rest falls nowhere and you will be left wondering, what was so ‘Shaandaar’ about it?
Final Verdict: Watch it only if you have a thing for either Shahid Kapoor or Alia Bhatt.
