Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Rakul Preet Singh
Director: Akiv Ali
What’s it about:
A 50-year-old man falls in love with a 26-year-old woman in London. Everything is hunky dory until he decides to introduce her to his family. That includes his wife, children, and parents. But he lands up with his age-inappropriate girlfriend at the most inopportune time.
Review:
When Ajay Devgn isn’t beating the baddies to the pulp, he is romancing women half his age. So far that aspect is just the part of the story, but in ‘De De Pyaar De’, that itself is the story. It’s a romantic comedy of errors and characters – namely three. Ashish Mehra (Ajay Devgn), who is repeatedly called Buddha and uncle despite being in the best shape. This even as a 20-something girl is equally enamored by his suave charm. But those are issues of a larger debate. In the film, it is used to generate fun moments. Debutante director Akiv Ali keeps the proceedings light until the end of the first half, which is when Tabu steps in and the madness begins. The actress then single-handedly propels the narrative with her powerful performance. Tabu uses her trademark restraint and measured expressions to convey difficult nuances with the utmost ease. The writers, however, fail to exploit her natural comic talent to the fullest and also rob her of some real action. They try too hard to ensure she stays the only voice of reason in a highly dysfunctional family.
It helps that all three actors deliver with gusto, lifting a story that has obvious flaws in execution. Rest of the characters do little more than adding to the noise, including Jimmy Shergill, who has nothing new to offer than being the extra lover, who is never taken seriously.
But overall, DDPD has many fun moments and it also treads along a few sensitive topics like live-in relationships, divorce, and single parenting. However, it doesn't get too overbearing or preachy. The proceedings get awkward and bizarre but also stay entertaining for the viewer.
So if you don't mind a little age-inappropriate romance and a discomforting situational comedy then DDPD is a mature love story, for all ages.
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