Cast: Himansh Kohli, Serah Singh, Rakul Preet Singh, Nicole Faria, Dev Sharma, Deepti Naval, Gulshan Grover
Director: Divya Khosla Kumar
I personally like the films which highlight the problems of modern youth, but then the designer youngsters of the Hindi film industry don't seem to have one. Anyway, I think it's too early for this review to turn into a rant, so let's come to the point.
Misguided Sikkim kids
Here is a college which allows three of its male students to enter the girls' hostels without any real necessity, but surprisingly one of these guys is still to kiss a girl. May be, he is too innocent. After catching the 'about-to-kiss' guy at least three times, the principal (Gulshan Grover) picks him as the captain of the college team which will compete with an Australian college in order to save their plot in Sikkim. What? You said what's the logic? You think I know!
Now, the two colleges are at war, and only Lakshya (Himansh Kohli) can save it. Only if he finds the task motivating enough to leave the bikini clad girls around him. The story is chiefly about his 'hormonal locha' from here onwards.
The blue skirt
Yes, it looks good on screen most of the times, but the camera shouldn't fall in love with it, no? Once the chemistry gets into the scene it inevitably becomes biology of a wild kind. I don't think it was intended because the actors try their best to look innocent, even at the cost of looking utterly clueless. I am refraining from harsh words as most of these people are experiencing it for the first time and the director (Divya Khosla Kumar) is also a debutant. Glamour is a double edged sword you see, not every actor is meant to produce sexual undercurrent. And, innuendos don't help mostly. Oh, I forget what I started; I guess I am still under the influence of 'Yaariyan'. Every girl in the film makes it a point to wear that little blue skirt at least once.
The innovative credit sequence
I am not a Yo Yo fan, but he has got his beats at the right places. The credit sequence is innovative, and these things together fetch the film a good start, but it's just five minutes of nearly 140 minute saga.
The booby trap
Jia (Nicole Faria) was supposed to play Bharat Mata in a funny way in one of the scenes. She started well but soon got into the trap of looking sexy. My dear lady, being sexy is still not about flashing you know what. The boys' act of intaking some weirdly coloured liquid through straws doesn't look cool. May be I don't understand the box-office pressure, but there were catchy songs as well, you could have relied on them.
Style part 2
Ok, I am not going to give credit to 'Style' of initiating the trend of men playing women, but will that save you? No sir. The moment Saloni's (Rakul Preet Singh) father chew that apple, I had to consult the doctor. You took the apple, now who will keep the doctor away? Bad joke. But, you don't have the moral right to question me. One more thing. Rakul Preet has an expressive face.
The value addition
The whole racial thing in Australia emerges as the most touching part of 'Yaariyan'. The scene between Deboo and Laskhya in the hospital is probably the best crafted in the entire film. On a second look, I think I liked that scene because as a viewer I was constantly in search of a conflict which is not very strong otherwise.
The not-so-perfect mother
Deepti Naval, you are awesome but can I say the same after watching 'Yaariyan'. 'Mera beta jeet gaya' is not your kind of stuff ma'am. And, it ended at even a higher point with 'Tum bhi toh kisi ke bete ho.'
India-Australia mate-mate
Chak De India! How does it matter if a morning faced boy is copying Salman Khan? I am so sorry, I am again looking for logic, curse my job.
That impulsive kiss
It was tender but raw, very raw. I was just wondering if 'Raja Hindustani' was the reference point. Such intensity! Oh boy, you need to calm down.
Music and cinematography
This is one department in which 'Yaariyan' excels. Songs are foot tapping and go with the theme. The camera also captures some running shots beautifully.
Acting and direction
Himansh Kohli gets ample screen space but he needs to hone his skills, however, he is better than others who just fail to abide by the cues. As far as the direction is concerned, Divya Khosla Kumar has tried some new things but the story lacks cohesiveness.
Rating: 1 for the film. 0.5 extra for bringing out the issue of racial hatred towards Indians in Australia. Another 0.5 for songs. Total 2 out of 5.####
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