Dedh Minute Review: Dum Laga Ke Haisha

Dum Laga Ke Haisha is a charming film that will leave you with a huge smile on your face, says Aniruddha Guha is his Dedh Minute Review.

The first thought that comes to mind while watching Dum Laga Ke Haisha is how similar it is to last year’s gem, Ankhon Dekhi. The film oozes a similar old worldly charm, with simple, endearing characters and their not-so-simple problems. More importantly, there is a similar straightforwardness in storytelling. And there’s the excellent Sanjay Mishra once again.

Dum Laga Ke Haisha is about Prem, an underachieving but arrogant boy played by Ayushmann Khurrana, who gets forcefully married off to Sandhya, played by newcomer Bhumi Pednekar. Sandhya is a lot more lovable than Prem; more educated and intelligent, and a lot less complicated. Prem despises Sandhya because she makes him feel inferior, but mainly because she’s slightly overweight.

It’s a wonderful premise, and director Sharat Katariya never settles for a regular rom-com. Both Sandhya and Prem are well-etched. Khurrana should be given credit for taking on a character with no redeeming quality – if anything, he’s a complete loser. The film rests on Pednekar’s sturdy shoulders, and she does a swell job for a first-timer.

The film is set in the ’90s, and the production design and writing captures that era well, taking you down nostalgia lane with some fine detailing. That ugly-looking, oversized blazer, especially, struck a chord.

I liked Dum Laga Ke Haisha for most part, but in its last leg, I fell in love with it. The film leaves you happy, and tugs at your heartstrings without much effort. Don’t miss the delightful film.