Published On : Fri, Apr 18th, 2014

2 States Movie Review by Prashen H. Kyawal

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2 States : Sensibly directed beautifully made once a watch romantic film

2_states_movie

Director: Abhishek Verman
Adapted from: 2 States: The Story of My Marriage
Screenplay: Chetan Bhagat
Music composed by: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

Chetan Bhagat is a name which needs no introduction for avid readers of English literature. Though his criticised on many fronts, his books sells is in Millions of rupees and he has a dedicated fan following. Most of his books are basis for movie scripts like the all time highest grosser “3 Idiots” (5 Point Someone), a very well received “Kai Po Che” (3 Mistakes of my Life) and a flop “Hello” (One Night at Call Centre). This week’s movie release, “2 States” is latest adaptation from his book with same name.

The story is of 1 Punjabi IIT boy in IIM-A, Krish Malhotra (Arjun Kapoor) who falls in love with Economics Topper Tamilian Ananya Swaminathan. After 3 years of courtship in collage, they introduce their families to each other only to understand that making them like each other is a tough nut to crack. Arjun’s Mom, Kavita Malhotra (Amtria Singh) is a true blue punjabi mom who detest Ananya’s mother Radha Swaminathan (Revathy) from the go. Krish’s father, Vikram Malhotra (Ronit Roy) who has a next to zero relationship with his son, also does not approve of Interstate and Inter-community marriage. How the couple handles this situation and win everyone’s heart and make them agree to their marriage, is the story of 2 States.

Chetan Bhagat’s story is adapted into screenplay by Abhishek Varman with great success. I can say this is adaptation is most closer to Chetan’s book than any other movie based on his novels. It is a good screenplay which is into DRAMA genre with mostly dialog based scenes. Credit must be given to Hussain Dalal for good dialogues (not filmy ones but engaging type). Still, the screenplay lacks entertainment and excitement (mostly in second half) and is troubled by the curse of second half.

Director Abhishek Varman handles the content at hand with great sensibility and finesse. The narration is free flowing and interesting till the interval. In second half pace slows and movie drags. A sharper editing with the help of movie’s editor Namrata Rao would have resulted in crisper product. With better written screenplay, the director can surely give better products. I can expect better stuff from him in future.

Performances are key strengths of this movie and rests firmly on Arjun Kapoor’s strong shoulders. Arjun portrays the loveable, vulnerable, intelligent and still gullible character with aplomb. This movie will surely make him a hit amongst the girls. Alia Bhatt equally does great justice to her role however she gets a lot less to do except the initial love story portions in first half. She looks stunning in western and traditional outfits and acts good too.

Everyone in supporting cast has done superb work. Be it the introvert family of Ananya or Extrovert and complex family of Krish, all the actors named above did great job in their roles. Still, Amrita Singh as Krish’s Mother and Ronit Roy as Krish’s Father make a lasting impact due to their author backed roles. Revathy is pleasant surprise in an underplayed role.

This movie is a delight to watch due to excellent production design Amrita Mahal. Every location/set used in the movie is eye pleasing. The hero of this movie is Cinematography by Binod Pradhan who’s every frame is has DSLR/Instagram kind of look and is stunning. This movie must be seen for its cinematography and lighting. I bet even a layman can notice it.

Music By Shankar Ehsaan and Loy is peppy and apt. It may not be long lasting but does not bore at least. Background Music by Parik and Tubby is good too.

Overall, a well made movie with good performances and sensible direction. Its only problem is dragging script at some parts and a dull second half. Still it is once a watch.

3.5star
Recommendation : I say if you love romantic family movies, you shall watch it. Again, it is worth as a one time watch
Pvr Empress City Mall – empress city mall, opposite raman science centre gandhi sagar lake, Nagpur
‎12:30‎ – ‎1:30‎ – ‎3:40‎ – ‎4:40‎ – ‎6:50‎ – ‎7:50‎ – ‎10:00‎ – ‎11:00pm‎
Cinemax Eternity Mall – eternity mall, variety square, sitabudi, Nagpur
‎12:10‎ – ‎1:10‎ – ‎3:20‎ – ‎4:20‎ – ‎6:30‎ – ‎7:30‎ – ‎9:40‎ – ‎10:45pm‎
Inox Tuli Mall – kamptee road, nagpur, Nagpur
‎12:15‎ – ‎1:05‎ – ‎3:20‎ – ‎4:10‎ – ‎6:25‎ – ‎7:15‎ – ‎9:30‎ – ‎10:20pm‎
Inox Poonam Mall – poonam mall, Nagpur
‎12:00‎ – ‎1:00‎ – ‎3:05‎ – ‎4:05‎ – ‎6:10‎ – ‎7:10‎ – ‎9:15‎ – ‎10:15pm‎