HAPPY ENDING MOVIE REVIEW

CAST AND CREW

Production: Dinesh Vijan, Saif Ali Khan, Sunil Lulla
Cast: Ileana, Kalki Koechlin, Saif Ali Khan
Direction: Krishna D.K., Raj Nidimoru
Music: Sachin - Jigar
Background score: Sachin - Jigar
Distribution: Eros International

It seems that sugary candy floss romance films would never go out of fashion in Bollywood. And Saif Ali Khan has recently been at the forefront of this genre by periodically acting in and producing films like Love Aaj Kal, Cocktail and now Happy Ending. Credits to the teams behind all these films that they have all come up with definitely watchable products.

Saif is back as the commitment-phobic playboy who is a natural flirt but hesitates to take the final step with a woman. He plays Yudi, a writer who is living on past glory but is happy nevertheless in the company of his best friend, his girlfriends and his imaginary shaggy alter-ego who is always so full of 'gyaan'. He meets another writer, Aanchal and the sparks are slowly but surely ignited and the movie inevitably proceeds to the 'Happy Ending' that we all expect.

The films works due to the 'moments' that make such rom-coms standout. There are feel-good endearing scenes all over and there is an irreverent Hollywood sensibility with which the entire movie has been approached and treated by the directors. Slight adult humor has been integrated naturally and elegantly into the flick. Agreed that there is an element of deja vu and predictability, like all romance flicks but the end product is decent. That is why this genre has thrived for so long and will continue to.

Saif Ali Khan sports the best possible costumes, accessories, caps and his hair and beard have been styled in a cool manner. He is comfortable in this space of films and it shows. The lithe and shapely Ileana is charming and makes a good pair with Saif. She is another actor who is effortless on screen in whatever she does. And there are scenes for her male fans where she sports itsy bitsy clothes with the perfect attitude.

Govinda as the star desperate to make it big in Hollywood, is a highlight and the ease with which he performs is a revelation. His role and Saif's alter-ego add a certain element of parody and spoof to the film. In the end, when we see a hunky Govinda sporting fake abs and sculpted chests, you are bound to laugh out. Ranvir Shorey and Preity Zinta make their little contributions to the 'happy' outcome and Kalki Koechlin as the possessive girlfriend plays it in her trademark hippy style.

The movie almost completely happens in the US and it is a visual treat all the way till the last scene at the Marine Drive in Mumbai. Sachin - Jigar make sure that the music is peppy and likable. All the songs would grow on you with repeated listening, while a few catch on rightaway. The run time of 2 hours 16 mins is ideal for this genre but the movie does have its pace issues without ever driving the audience restless.
Verdict: A quintessential urban rom-com which works

2.75 ( 2.75 / 5.0 )