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Wednesday, April 17, 2024
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BOLLYWOOD HAPPY BHAG JAYEGI
EDITOR'S PICK
Happy Bhag Jayegi': A light-hearted, feel-good film (Review By Troy Ribeiro, Rating: ***1/2)
Writer-Director Mudassar Aziz's "Happy Bhag Jayegi" is a loosely inspired, Indian version of the Julia Roberts starrer, Hollywood film, "Runaway Bride".
But unlike in the English film, the Punjabi bride Harpreet Kaur aka Happy (Diana Penty), in this romantic comedy, elopes to marry the person she loves.
After being spotted romancing with her college sweetheart Gurpreet Singh aka Guddu (Ali Fazal), Happy is forced by her father, essayed by Kanwaljit Singh, to marry the local politician Daman Singh Bagga (Jimmy Shergill).
But on her wedding day, the feisty Happy leaves Bagga stranded at the mandap, by jumping on to a truck, which is supposed to take her to Guddu.
But instead of landing her, at her destination, Happy gets transported to the residence of a reluctant politician Bilal Ahmed (Abhay Deol) in Lahore, Pakistan.
What follows is a series of manipulative and contrived negotiations along with situational scuffles that propel this tale forward.
But what makes the film intriguing apart from Happy's impulsive instinct to run away, is the fulfillment of her journey in a country that is at cross-purpose with India. This cross-border drama adds to the excitement.
It is also the stimulating and realistic performances that makes this film a treat to watch. Diana Penty as the lively, determined and bubbly girl, who would do anything for love, is the surprise package. She is simply natural and impressive as she lives her character to the tee.
Ali Fazal as Happy's unsure love Guddu and the Pakistani actress Momal Shaikh, who plays Bilal Ahmed's love interest, are both notably striking.
Abhay Deol slips into the role of an unenthusiastic son of an ambitious politician with ease. And his presence does not raise the bar of the film.
After a long time, Jimmy Shergill delivers a performance of some substance. As Bagga, he is rugged and stimulating.
Mudassar Aziz's writing is fascinating. His dialogues are packed with punch as he plays with words, in Hindi and Urdu. Also, the gags are taut, fresh and brilliantly inter-laid in the plot.
The graph of the narrative has its crests and trough but never is there a moment of equilibrium. Also his climax, though a riot, does not have the zing of a mad-caper.
Nevertheless, the film has a strong message which is emphasised in the song with the lyrics, "Sau qwaab hai, ek zindagi.' It significantly, encapsulates the premise of the film, "Follow your heart."
With moderate production values, the film is technically well-crafted. The visuals, back-ground score and music are of fine calibre and mesh well in the final flow.
Overall, "Happy Bhag Jayegi" is a feel-good, light-hearted drama
that does not need to be taken seriously.
The shooting of "Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi" has concluded and actress Sonakshi Sinha says it has been an amazing journey for her.Sonakshi on Tuesday night thanked ther film's director Mudassar Aziz and the entire team for the opportunity."And its a film wrap for 'Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi' It has been an amazing journey with an amazing team! Thank you Mudassar Aziz for giving me the opportunity to bring Happy to life! And the entire cast and crew for one of my funnest shoots! Cannot wait for August 24!" Sonakshi tweeted.Read More
Sonakshi brings 'ethics, dedication' to 'Happy Phirr...' setDirector Mudassar Aziz, who is currently busy with "Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi", says actress Sonakshi Sinha has a lot of work ethic and dedication which she brings to the film's set."So much work ethic, so much genuineness, such dedication that Sonakshi Sinha brings to a film set. Every shot, every take is given with a 'bring it on' attitude... Feel so fortunate directing you Sona!" Aziz tweeted on Sunday.Read More
Happy Bhaag Jayegi Team On The Kapil Sharma Show