AZIndia Baar Baar Dekho Review by Nidah Chatriwala

Main Cast: Katrina Kaif, Sidharth Malhotra, Sarika, Rajit Kapoor and Ram Kapoor
Director: Nitya Mehra
Duration: 2h and 27m
Movie Rating by Reviewer: 4/5 Stars
Music Review by Reviewer: 4.5/5 Stars

Plot:

Baar Baar Dekho is a high concept romantic film telling a story of a couple and their fears as well as ups and downs. Characters along with the main leads nail the lesson of enjoying every present moment life gifts instead of obsessing over the unknown future. Journey of Jai and Diya, played by Sidharth and Katrina, take the audience from their birth to college then wedding planning, honeymoon, temptations with cloud of divorce, career and family life complications, and then the opportunity of redemption arrives at the peak of desperation.

Having a happy ending has been part of the popular formula in Indian films. Director Nitya Mehra, the technical and editing teams have taken that pursuit to breathtaking locations,emotion-triggering rooms and even incorporated futuristic technology including a calendar that promotes planning moments when the core of this story is to value what is present and not calculatingly plan a day which may not arrive. In conclusion, balance is needed for a perfect equation of life.

Characters and Actors:

Katrina Kaif: Aside from hot party music videos, there are only a few select roles Katrina Kaif has brought to life on the screen and Diya can possibly be added to that list. Every phase her character endures from friendship to romance then having the strength to quietly step back in a relationship to losing patience as a pregnant woman going into labor were a treat to see. She excels at emoting vulnerability, especially as a mother juggling multiple tasks who is also lacking husband’s support for her very own professional goals as an artist. What will surprise the audience, visually, is the chance to see Kaif sporting an aged look to show evidence of time travel. Overall, she looked graceful and her acting was refreshing.

Sidharth Malhotra: Film after film, from stud to rogue characters, Sidharth Malhotra has proven his ability to justify the roles he plays. Indeed, he’s a handsome gentleman, but with brains and a heart which grip the viewer to stay connected to the very end of every movie. His evolvement touched new heights in this two and a half hour film. From a college student’s attraction to finding the formula for profession and passion to the change-phobic
and logic-driven math professor who is dragged into the circus of wedding events came live on screen. His facial
expressions were on point when it came to acting out nervousness of a groom who also desired to escape pressured moments to move forward followed by becoming a careerist family man transforming then into a regret-filled husband who later turns desperate to right his wrongs by pleading to turn back time. When the opportunity for happiness came to Jai, the audience in the hall cheered with him. That’s the power Malhotra has on his screen presence.

Sarika: Fans of Sarika will appreciate her return to Bollywood with this film. Her role of Jai’s mother was nothing less than virtuous with a subtle touch.

Rajit Kapoor: Rajit Kapoor played the role of a pundit but then anchored the entire tale of Jai’s time travel keeping every intertwined shift closely knit with random appearances providing lessons to the conflicted main lead.

Ram Kapoor: Ram Kapoor has a diversified television and film portfolio. In this film, his absurd character’s dreams and feedback as a father to Diya will leave audiences with stomach-hurting laughter.

Music: Soundtrack of Baar Baar Dekho is addictive! Every song's’ lyrics and onscreen illustrations fit perfectly with the stage of emotions characters were feeling at that time. Kala Chashma is already a staple in parties and rest too will continue to be played on playlists for few more seasons to come. Must also mention, the background score is orchestrated and paced to the pulse of every movement in the plot.

Thumbs up or Down: Thumbs up. Baar Baar Dekho is a film that should be seen at least once in a cinema hall or at home with ice cream. If seen once then maybe again and perhaps again staying true to its title’s translation; at least its music videos because this film carries a soundtrack with power to be on loop for months and events to come.

Kudos to the entire cast, writer, director, editor, technicians, musicians and producers for attempting to add freshness to the romantic genre.