Cast: Anushka Sharma, Diljit Dosanjh, Suraj Sharma, Mehreen Pirzada
Rating: 3/5
Some beloved people in our beloved India love superstition, which as they say brings bad luck to one’s life if left unattended. And so they approach some self proclaimed genius ‘God - men and women’ who, as they say, are well versed with the art of aligning the stars to get rid of the issue. Anushka Sharma starrer Phillauri also uses the same concept in the script to make you laugh.
The film opens with Kanan’s (Suraj Sharma) dream where he visualizes himself marrying a snake, finding himself nude in front of the guests and a lot more. Cut to reality. Kanan, the ‘Kanneda-return’ lands in India to marry his childhood friend, Anu (Mehreen Pirzada). But sadly, as there is a fault in his stars, the family pandit suggests that he get married to a tree first and then to Anu, so as to avoid bad luck for the rest of his life. This happens unwillingly after which the tree is cut, and Shashi (Anushka Sharma), the spirit who lives in the tree is set free. Shashi tells Kanan that they both are now married – and this marks the beginning of another story in Phillauri. Shashi recollects that she is from the pre-independence era and was in love with Roop Phillauri (Diljit Dosanjh), a singer from the village of Phillaur.
But why and how did she die? What happened to Roop Phillauri? What will happen to Kanan and Anu’s wedding? The answers for these questions make Phillauri.
Directed by Anshai Lal, the film is a decent attempt at making a ‘love story with a difference’. The VFX of the film is pleasing and so is the simple story. There are moments which will make you laugh, but the movie is full of mixed emotions. The scenes and moments interestingly swing to and fro from the flashback. The script and dialogues are mediocre. The first half of the film is crisp, interesting and filled with moments shown in the trailer. The second half is long, heavy and full of emotions. If only the unnecessary and repetitive sequences were edited, the film’s ‘fairy-tale like’ climax would have been worth enjoying. The songs are above average and seamlessly integrated in the film.
The characters in the film are well defined, including the supporting ones. Suraj Sharma seems to be skilled in the art of facial expressions and makes the moments light throughout Phillauri. So does Anushka Sharma. Both Kanan and Shashi share a likable screen space with interesting chemistry. Diljit Dosanjh’s character is just like him in real life - simple and beautiful. He portrays the role of a singer with ease and is highly convincing. Mehreen Pirzada as Anu, ‘rich but not a barbie’ girl, delivers the emotions really well.
Overall, the film doesn’t have anything exceptional to offer, but doesn’t bore either. A lot of credit for the same goes to Suraj and Anushka’s chemistry. Anshai and the team have given a try to create a fun-filled, light hearted, romantic film; and they have partly succeeded. Is it a one-time watch and worthy enough to spend few hours? Well, Yes! Take a chance.
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