Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Limited - A joyride worth the watch!
In today’s review get ready to jump on the bus because we’re going to Goa in Farhan Akthar’s Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Limited! This honeymoon isn’t between your sweetie and you, but is an adventure with six animated couples. Does director Reema Kagti bore or score, find out!
Multi-starrers generally mean a big budget film, larger than life sets, and more actors than the director can handle. Surprisingly even with the ad-tags reading, “from the makers of DON”, hence Farhan Akhtar’s involvement as producer, the film’s been made with a small budget, shot entirely in Goa with no fancy sets or designer costumes.
Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Limited focuses on pure enjoyment! A fun, frolic, frivolous ride that keeps you amused throughout. Each of the six couples has a unique twist in their story that dive in issues greater than what meets the eye. However instead of going about it with an intense angle writer/director Reema ensures the flow stays with in the binds of a romantic comedy. Far more cohesive than the lengthy multi-starrer earlier this year, Saalam-E-Ishq, each couple here gets their fair share of exposure UNDER 3 hours. Just goes to show what a director with a clear focus and vision can accomplish.
An unpredictable narrative, very bearable length, and concise editing, make it a favored watch. Flashback sequences and overall style of presentation have been executed with brilliance. Music by Vishal-Shekar sits well with the tone. “Saajna Ji Vari Vari” is a chart-topper and the choreography of “Pyar Ki Yeh Kahani” is exquisite.
As for the performances, Shabana Azmi and Booman Irani are excellent in their enactment of two mature lovers. Abhay Deol and Minnisha make strides in their career with their contribution as the unreal, sweet enough to make you diabetic, couple. In fact the writer secretly unfolds the irony of this too good to be true ‘perfect’ couple. Sandhya Mridul and Vikram Chatwal seem at ease with their characters and perform as naturals. Aamisha Patel and Karan Khanna seem a bit odd in the equation, but are passable. Aamisha succeeds in playing the role of aloof and bubbly ‘Pinky’, while Karan Khanna only has moments where he strikes a chord as ‘Vicky’. Ranveer Shorey has limited exposure, but is effective. Diya Mirza isn’t in the forefront but remains likeable. Kay Kay Menon and Raima Sen take most notice with their fine performances. Both are superb.
While all is great and glorious, the writer in Reema Kagti shy’s out in addressing a questionable situation she creates, develops, but never concludes. She scratches the surface and then walks away. The manner the film concludes seems almost abrupt and unresolved. Besides the end, certain audiences may reject the make, unable to connect with the humor.
Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Limited is innovative and crisp story-telling. A happy watch indeed with a well recommended 3 stars.
“Happy Honeymoon!!”