Rating: 1/5 | Cast: Kartik Aaryan, Sara Ali Khan, Aarushi Sharma, Randeep Hooda and others
The trailer of the film was yawn-worthy, but when a credible name is associated with a film, any cinema lover would want to give it a benefit of doubt. Imtiaz Ali's 'Love Aaj Kal' is one such film where some loved the trailer and some did not. It's a revamped version of his previously acclaimed film with the same title, but unfortunately, this 'old wine in a new bottle' is a snooze fest.
The story is quite simple. It oscillates between two timelines - 1990 and 2020. In the 1990s, Raghu (actually Randeep Hooda, but played by Kartik Aaryan) and Leena (Aarushi Sharma) are in love with each other. Due to societal situations, they move to a new city, but with time, love fades and they part ways. In 2020, Veer (Kartik Aaryan) and Zoe (Sara Ali Khan) like each other, but their priorities are different. While Veer wants a serious relationship, Zoe wants to focus on career. This imbalance creates issues and that's when Raghu (Randeep Hooda) helps Zoe understand where they are going wrong. Spoiler alert: The climax is a happy ending where Veer and Zoe get back together.
One will feel the pain after watching Love Aaj Kal, but it would be in the head and eyes, and not the heart. While Imtiaz wants to convey a strong message through the film, I somehow feel that it does the opposite. The premise is simple, but Imitiaz's script only makes it complicated for no good reason. Youngsters today are quite clear about what they want and in the digital world, the definition of love and relationship has changed. It is a fast-moving era and a slow-simmering love story is not the right formula. Disappointment is an understatement for this film.
Talking about the actors, Kartik Aaryan tries hard and is fairly successful in showing two distinctive characters. His work as Raghu is worth appreciation, but Veer doesn't make a mark. The fault here, is unfortunately in the script, as it doesn't justify his efforts.
Sara Ali Khan, throughout the film, proves that she needs acting classes desperately. There are many instances where would you realise that casting her in the film would have been one of the many mistakes Imtiaz made. For a story like this which needs a lot of convincing, Sara barely does her part. Throughout the film, I was waiting for her to shed one tear while she was 'attempting' to cry. But, Sigh. She comes across as cute and chirpy, but that's it.
Randeep Hooda and Aarushi Sharma is the only saving grace of the film. While they do not have meaty roles, their presence is prominent and effective.
To sum it up, there's barely anything good in this film. Love Aaj Kal will leave you longing, not for love, but for entertainment. For Imtiaz, there is only one thing he needs to learn. Just like every bad relationship and phase in life, he now needs to 'move on' for something different.
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