Nothing lovable about these lovers

Nonika singh

Many a star-crossed lovers have their names emblazoned in history of love ballads. One goes by the tale of passion and betrayal Mirza Sahiban. Another is Shakespearean love tragedy Romeo Juliet that continues to inspire makers till date. So, what does Mirza Juuliet, a cross between the two has to offer? Alas, it is a mishmash that is as unpalatable as unconvincing. 

In fact, as it is you expect little from a film that has diminutive star appeal and no big names associated in direction. What’s in a name.... indeed so said Shakespeare who gave us the love tragedy that forms the partial blueprint for this film. The director transposes it all to Uttar Pradesh, the land of volatile religious politics and misogyny where three men laugh devilishly at the wife of one. Perhaps, on this count the film gets it right. Only as the film puts its men and women together, the word that comes to mind is lackluster.

Right from the devil may care attitude that the heroine wears to the love between the lovers coming from across the religious and socioeconomic divide, nothing is even remotely appealing or compelling. The much-hyped phone sex scene or the raunchy talk, all attempts to sex up the film and make it irreverent, fall flat.

Darshan Kumaar, who has proved to be a fine actor in the cameos that he has played in Mary Kom and NH 10, is a total misfit as Mirza. Not because he is no swashbuckling hero but precisely for the director goes all out to make him one, all in vain. His action stunts bring him and his character down. The Juuliet (Piaa Bajpai) has some spark. Alas, it too fails to get ignited. Neither the love angle has any chemistry nor does the sibling love (remember Sahiba and her doting brothers) any emotional moments.

Incongruity anyway is the hallmark of the film. How a girl who single handedly beats eve-teasers to pulp falls prey to the unwanted amorous advances of her fiancé is as baffling as the rest of the plot that otherwise borrows from two great love legends. Of course, this desi Juuliet is more of a Sahiba and those aware of the story know what to expect and the films brings no surprise. 

Close to the intermission, Mirza makes a grandiose declaration and you expect some salvation. Only post interval a denouement begins that goes in a downward spiral. In between the classic case of love and labour lost, stand over the top antics of Chandan Roy Sanyal as a sex obsessed fiancé and Swanand Kirkire as his scheming  politician father and Priyanshu Chatterjee as the elder brother of  Juuliet. All of them good actors in their space but add little to the film which is beyond redemption anyway. If a succinct review works for you, read it as strictly avoidable. Unless you want to know which classic the film does a greater dis-service to. The film once again proves how legendary love stories are best confined to books.