Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Fawad Khan

Rating: 4/5

Bollywood film ho aur usme romance na ho, yeh ho nahi sakta...” we have heard this line at several occasions especially when BTown’s favourite Karan Johar releases a film. Almost all his films are rich in values, affection, emotions and relationships and this week’s much awaited release AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL also happens to be one such film high on love, romance and their ‘rocky road’ life.

Ayaan Sehgal (Ranbir Kapoor) is seen giving an interview  about the journey of becoming one of the popular singers and his successful career. As he starts answering the questions and narrating his life, we are taken back in time when Ayaan and Alizeh Khan (Anushka Sharma) meet for the first time at a night club. The initial stare and some ‘so called’ comfortable moment flourishes in no time. They begin to enjoy each other’s company and eventually become ‘bestest-est-est’ friends (as Alizeh says). One fine day, they plan a double date with their respective boy/girlfriend (Lisa Haydon and Imran Abbas), and ‘not-to-our-surprise’ an incident happens leading to their breakup. Now the two cool friends find a reason to ‘celebrate’ their break up, hence leave for Paris on a holiday, and have the best time of their life. In no time, Ayaan develops strong feelings for Alizen and repeatedly confessing his love, but on the other hand, the lady who is not able to reciprocate in the same way, maintains by saying that they are only best friends and cannot share a relationship more than that. Cut to a party again, Alizeh unexpectedly finds her ex-lover DJ Ali (Fawad Khan).

The shocked Alizeh, after some deep thought decides to spend time with Ali and tells Ayaan about the same and in just few days decides to marry Ali, the ‘only’ love of her life. The now heartbroken Ayaan randomly meets the Sabah (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), a divorcee and a poetess by passion. They instantly connect and plan to take their liking a step further, but not a relationship. Days pass by and despite having a great chemistry; Sabah finds something missing in their relationship. Soon, Ayaan gets some news about Alizeh which leaves him shocking. What is the news? What will happen to Sabah and Ayaan’s relationship? Have Ayaan’s feelings created issues for Alizeh? There are interesting answers to all these questions. But it wouldn’t be fair to tell them here.

Karan’s storytelling is always full of larger than life drama accompanied with many emotions, and we love it always. Ever since the release of the trailer, the movie has garnered interest and eyeballs and we can certainly say that the release is totally worth the expectations. What makes the movie enticing to watch is the relatability of the story, accompanied with the quirky, serious and dramatic dialogues by Niranjan Iyengar and Karan Johar. The metaphoric language used in the film is excellent and there are many well written one liners which will remain in the thoughts for long. The story line isn’t new, but it is certainly mature. If not you, at least someone you know must have been through the scenario depicted in the film. The other ‘filmy’ elements in the show will bring a smile on your face, for sure.

There cannot be any questions raised about the stellar star cast Karan has chosen for the film, and that’s the exceptional talent of this film maker. Casting is perfect and all the actors have impressed us both visually (by looks) and with their acts.  If performances are to be considered, Ranbir Kapoor steals the show. The story primarily revolves around him and he has totally justice as Ayaan. His ease in delivering any kind of emotions is what makes him loveable. He is exceptional both as a friend and as a lover, as a college kid and as a mature singer. Ranbir Kapoor makes a mark once again as Ayaan. Just like wake up sid, you will see two shades of Ranbir and it would be tough to judge the better one.

It’ll be wrong to say that the movie is all in all Ranbir’s film. Anushka Sharma as Alizeh complements Ranbir completely. If we have to put it in a line, Ayaan is incomplete with Alizeh.  The chemistry  shared between the two is superlative and extremely convincing, so much so that you’ll either want to hug your best friend or want a best friend desperately. The gorgeous Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has a limited screen space, but casts her spell. She looks beautiful and there won’t be a moment where you’ll not like her. In a scene where she meets Shah Rukh Khan, her look will mesmerize you. Fawad Khan unfortunately has lesser scenes than Aishwarya, but manages to impress even in those moments. And yes, Lisa Haydon’s character as Lisa, will make you giggle (a bit atleast).

The way the locations are captured and showcased is outstanding. However, the editing could have been better. There are moments in second half which could have been avoided and made the film a tad bit shorter. As far as music is concerned, Pritam’s songs are already a HIT. The songs are very well placed and not forced in the movie at all. Infact, the songs also enhance the emotions very well in the film and uplift the scenes thereby helping the film immensely.

On the whole, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is a wonderful entertainer. Karan’s contemporary take on relationships, emotions and love is bound to have an outstanding collection at the box office. The film is packaged very well, so much so that one might want to watch it multiple times. Dharma productions and Karan Johar have certainly given the audience a memorable Diwali gift.