A surprisingly entertaining romcom

Director Tanuja Chandra’s Dushman was a humdinger but thereafter all her films flattered to deceive. This one though did not even seem interesting – given that the promos were so flaccid and unexciting to boot. But surprise! surprise! This rom-com about two unlikely lovers-in the tradition of (notably) Cheeni Kum,

Piku, Lunchbox, brings on the smiles – and quite easily at that.

The relationship between Vyogi and Jayshree starts off on the internet viz a dating website. A 30-something, emotionally shrivelled-up widow, Jaya (Parvathy) was prodded by her bestie and colleague to get on to the dating bandwagon. And she finds her frog in Vyogi (Irrfan) who is an unpublished Shayar (poet) with loads of money and no work to speak of.

Their coupling is rather contrived. It’s implausible that a highly cautious widow still reliving the good ole days of her decade defunct married life would just throw caution to the winds and go on a journey with a totally unsuitable man.

What follows is a highly entertaining, superbly acted, smartly written series of foibles and little fables that tickle your funny bone. The writing, manages to be light and effective-giving both characters free rein to let loose whenever required. And Surprisingly it works. This may not be a great film but it’s a highly entertaining one!