Gori Tere Pyaar Mein (2013)

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

As soon as I saw the casting of this film, it immediately reminded me of Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu which I didn't like whatsoever, and unfortunately even though Gori Tere is better, it is not that far better. Kareena is a seasoned actress and should seriously consider some more tasking roles. She plays the role of Dia with ease, but her character is just becoming too common and predictable. Imran Khan is getting better and better with every film, and here he delivers a solid performance with some good comic timing, and decent romance with Kareena however he still lacks true hero material! Like, you can't put him in the same comparisons as Ranbir and Ranveer anymore. Shradha Kapoor is pleasant and is very likable in her role. It's great to see Anupam Kher in a negative role after so long and as always, the legend delivers a perfect performance. Overall Gori Tere is just average and nothing more. It lacks real content, and the story is way too predictable. The music is good, which does help the films cause however is not enough to save a sub standard film. My rating of 5 is more towards the acting performances than the script.

A film unlike any other, Bollywood has indeed out done itself this time. Very little romance, hardly any fights but lots and lots of really good catchy songs and fabulous screenplay are sadly not the ideal ingredients for a super hit. The film focuses a lot on the two sides of mankind - the typical narcissist and the one in a million good doer, showcases the struggles the backward illiterate section of India go through because of a few corrupt politicians. The film, before the intermission, is fun and care free with a little bit of typical romantic masala. After the intermission, however, the film takes a more serious documentaried style.Brilliant acting indeed by Kareena Kapoor, Imran Khan and the rest of the cast. Superb portrayal of the culture and weddings of Tamil Nadu. Bottomline - whether it is a box office hit or not, I would definitely recommend you go watch this flick. It is fun, vibrant and immensely thought provoking.

Is Gori Tere Pyaar Mein worth seeing? Short answer: Yes. The long answer, is also yes. Though its not going to challenge you or make your uncomfortable or leave you gobsmacked, Gori Tere Pyaar Mein is definitely worth your entertainment rupee. The film begins with our 'No do, no care' hero Sri Ram Venket (Imran Khan) the son of a wealthy Bangalore builder. Of course the family decides to fix their son the way countless desi parents vow to...marriage. The very arranged meeting and engaging with Vasudha, (Shraddha Kapoor) with close-ups of banana leaves and teak furniture, are framed with both wit and sophistication. Yep, there are a bumper crop of Punjus playing at Tamil Iyers in this film. Through their engagement and flashbacks we meet his first love Dia Sharma, (Kareena Kapoor), a feisty fighter for those who cannot defend themselves. She does everything, fighting for parks, for children, for sex workers. Dia has left her Delhi home and is matter-of-factly introduced to our hero as being much older. The second half of the film ends up in a small village in Gujarat. Where Tamil is used for humour and confusion in the first half, Gujarati has its turn later. Astoundingly there are not foreign shoots or even foreign dream sequences. Gori Tere Pyaar Mein, writer-director Punit Malhotra's first film I Hate Luv Stories did very well at the box office. I didn't see that film, but Mr. Malhotra's became best known for being his leading lady Sonal Kapoor's boyfriend, which may have been a step up from being known as fashion designer Manish Malhotra's nephew. I think judging by the deft handling and American sitcom type setups of this film, Mr. Malhotra will soon be best known as himself. Imran Khan has become the desi version of Hugh Grant. He usually manages to elevate rom-com material. This is his second film with Kareena Kapoor and the second film where Ms. Kapoor is a rabble rouser. Both Mr. Khan and Ms. Kapoor are pros and this role required no stretching for either one. They essentially played appealing characters which they probably are in real life. Shradha Kapoor is lovely but she too had no scope to do much. The songs particularly "Shake That Tooh," have already hit the airwaves are being played at weddings this winter. Dharma gloss is evident in every frame and costume, but it does not overpower, just makes us understand that our protagonists are upper middle class. Thankfully, the giant homes with spiral staircases have been retired. The cinematography is bright and polished. The story by Punit Malhotra and television writer Arshad Sayed presents the rom-com scenario in quite a fresh light. The writers also played around with structure to make the film more interesting, though it took away some of the 'will they,' 'won't they' element required by successful rom-coms. Punit Malhotra's direction is deft with supporting characters in both cities and villages used to build the humour. Anupam Kher brings life to the villain who is funnily menacing. A lesser actor would have had trouble walking the fine line. I'm just curious whether building a bridge was actually part of the filming budget or whether they found a village where a bridge was being built. The situations of helping society are woven throughout the story in a way never seen before in a Hindi film. That is impressive as the weakness of most Bollywood rom-coms, was that characters did nothing but fall in love. Love is not enough, it is never enough. The lover too needs to be worthy. Gori Tere Pyaar Mein delves into the aspect of being worthy of love in humorous manner, but the stakes are never that high. That is the film's strength and why it will stay on your mind longer than the average glossy entertainer.

Gori Tere Pyaar Mein is a full on Masala movie, RomCom as you can say. It has got some nice comic moments. Kareena Kapoor Khan is beautiful and has played her role well and so does Imran Khan this time. Its a One Time watch and enjoyable. Songs like Dhat Teri Ki will make your feet tap and Peppy Songs like Tooh and Chingam Chaba k are nice. Anupam Kher as usual has done exceptionally well with his role and makes him one of the reason to watch this movie. The serious moments in the movie have been played well by the actors. Punit Chopra directs the movie well and displays the village Jhumli very nicely. Eventually, you will enjoy the love story in bits and pieces.