Movie Review: Dilwale

Director: Rohit Shetty
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon

The one big reason to watch Dilwale is Shah Rukh Khan's and Kajol's pairing. They're considered one of the greatest jodis of all time and when they do come together, as in Dilwale, the effects are mind-boggling. Their presence makes the film worth the effort. Their chemistry is an instant catalyst for euphoria. SRK's touched 50 and Kajol's into the 40s but put them together and the romance still seems fresh and young. This is also a Rohit Shetty film with other stars like Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon on board. But all that is simply second fiddle.

Dilwale might be an SRK-Kajol film but it's certainly not a Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai or My Name Is Khan. Their romance is enveloped in hatred and enmity. Unlike their usual on-screen self, SRK-Kajol play out lovers who are out to gun each other down. That’s the twist Rohit Shetty adds to proceedings. He brings in his unmistakable brand of filmmaking. The garish colour schemes, the swanky cars, the high flying action is all there. There’s enough masala here to last from Goa to Bulgaria. And that’s exactly what happens. The second love track between Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon is less action packed and more about comedy and errors. So you have suspense, action, drama, romance and comedy all packed into a two-and-half-hour package.

For all its frills and its entertainment value, Dilwale is still not Shetty’s best. He’s capable of much better; Singham Returns was proof of that. But Dilwale is nestled comfortably somewhere between Golmaal 3 and Chennai Express. It’s breezy and doles out enough of the SRK-Kajol charm to impress the average movie buff.

SRK and Kajol are the highlight of this film. She’s looking better than ever and the radiance on her face is the perfect complement to her likeable on-screen persona. Not to mention, every breathtaking frame featuring her, also has SRK in top charismatic form. Together they make romance seem like such an ethereal experience. Songs like Gerua and Daayre are a perfect setting for them. SRK also has the added responsibility of kickass action and casual comedy. He does a fantastic job on both counts. The action is really slick and intense. SRK brings in a lot of energy and passion. His gruff look adds perfect character to the role. The first time you see him grinding his teeth in anger really makes you sit up and take notice.  Shetty can surely design and execute Hollywood style action, but he needs to spend a little more time writing out the situations. 

The supporting department is led by Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon. Their romance is a lot fluffier and a lot less intense when compared to SRK’s and Kajol’s. It takes focus away from seriousness and puts the tone of the film to fun and frolic, reminiscent of the Golmaal movies. It’s familiar territory for Shetty and his team, so that’s where the movie really hits home big. Varun and Kriti make an adorable pair and their comedy infused romance is adequately sparkly. Ace comedians like Johnny Lever, Sanjay Mishra and Boman Irani bring in the laugh-out-loud humour. They’re ably supported by the likes of Mukesh Tiwari and Pankaj Tripathi. Varun Sharma seems a little too over the top though.

Dilwale is the quintessential popcorn flick. It’s colorful, bright and entertaining. It smartly keeps its play on the SRK-Kajol chemistry (watch out for the brilliant ending). It has fantastic music. Decent laughs too. Definitely worth a dekho.