Shaadi Se Pehle
Subash Ghai’s Mukta Arts presents a film directed by funny man Satish Kaushik. Although the director’s last subjects have been serious, he does have an inborn knack for comedy as witnessed through his onscreen characters. Let’s take a look and see if he’s just as good behind the screen executing as he is on.
“Thinking too seriously is injurious to your smile” – that’s the warning denoted at the start of the film. With the first step in the right direction for a comedy, Shaadi Se Pehle has the got the mood and feel down! To put ‘sense’ in to humor seeps out all the fun! That’s why this film pre-warns you to get ready for some silliness.
Following this lead one would expect to be in a fit of rip-roaring laughter from A-Z. However, there are highlighted moments that evoke chuckles and other times where a mere smirk breaks. The storyline has a good framework but not such clean detailing. In other words the basic idea sits well, but the internal execution is not solid. Before a joke takes place you can predict what it is and so it feels you are simply waiting to hear the punch line even though you already know what it is. Satish Kaushik does an average job. The dialogues are creative and standout. Movement slightly lacks. Starting off at a good speed, the pace wears down with each scene. Technically the film proves to have quality. Locales of Malaysia have been shot with glitz. Himmesh Reshamiya’s sound track is foot tapping and quite enjoyable.
When comedy is in question, it is the actors that truly decide the direction of the film’s success. Luckily the film primarily focuses on Akshaye Khanna who is talented enough to keep the viewer glued. Akshaye is marvelous. The film is funny due to his comedic timing and delivery teamed with fresh expressions. His sidekick Rajpal Yadav shines as well, putting in kicks and punches right where they’re needed. Ayesha Takia’s role is basic in which she basically goes through the motions. But a piece of advice for both Akshaye and Ayesha …get a new stylist! Shaadi Se Pehle does not present them in the best of style and appearance. Speaking of appearances, Mallaika Sherwat on the other hand has been presented with style and class. Skin show aside, she’s indeed an actress. Perfect for her part, there’s no convincing needed when Ms. Sherwat is the temptress to prove whether she can succeed or not. Other actors like Suneil Shetty and Aftaab have poor character sketches. Suniel is the cool dude that he often plays. Calm and composed yet intimidating is the way his character shapes out. However he manages to ham and over do it in scenes. Aftaab, it seems, only plays a mere cameo. Besides just being there, he doesn’t add much. Anupam Kher and Gulshan Grover are wasted. Booman Irani’s contribution has been kept brief, however his scenes are among the finest. The sequence between Booman Irani and Suniel Shetty is the best.
Shaadi Se Pehle is a fluffy film. It keeps you smiling. Ritu laughs with or is it at, Shaadi Se Pehle with 2 ½ stars.