Atrangi Re movie review: Starring Sara Ali Khan, Dhanush and Akshay Kumar in lead roles, Atrangi Re boasts of a casting coup which can just not go wrong.
Atrangi Re lives up to her title. Directed by Aanand L Rai, it is a refreshingly different, unique love story that breaks the clutter so beautifully. It's not far-fetched how we have or have seen romance on screen over the years. The film delves deeply into the relationships we hold on to, the feelings left behind, the denial we often live in and the acceptance that comes after a lot of pain. The story also touches on the issue of mental health in a subtle way but at no point does it get preachy. Starring Sara Ali Khan, Dhanush and Akshay Kumar, Atrangi Re boasts of a casting coup that can't go wrong. Though with energetic stars like Sara and Akshay, you would think the story goes a bit over the top, but the director maintains the balance so brilliantly that none of his characters overpower each other. Each one of them - even the supporting actors including Vishu's best friend (Ashish Verma) and Rinku's grandmother (Seema Biswas) - stand out in their share. Akshay allows Superstar, Sara to lead the way while Dhanush complements her energy.
The story revolves around the forced marriage of Rinku Suryavanshi (Sara) and Vishu (Dhanush) to each other. On their way to Vishu's hometown, they understand that they will go their own way because they are not meant to be together - and also because Vishu is getting engaged in two days. Now comes the entry of Sajjad Ali (Akshay Kumar) whom Rinku loves. How Rinku deals with the dilemma of being in love with Sajjad as well as having feelings for Vishu is what Aanand L Rai tells us through this film, but in an unconventional way.
After music, Atrangi Ray's screenplay is probably one of its USPs. Himanshu Sharma's writing takes you to a different world where love has a different meaning. The scenes are stitched in such a way that they make you cry and smile at the same time. Atrangi Re is free from any clichés of Bollywood movies. It doesn't stick to the tried-and-tested formula that we usually see in love stories. It is not normal that your boy meets girl is like a fairytale. Nor is it about a couple who forcefully get married, deciding to give their relationship a chance. This is far beyond what you and I can imagine.
In the climax, you really realize that the movie deserves a lot more attention than you would have given it by that time. The story unfolds at a fairly smooth pace without any unnecessary subplots. Although to be honest, I wanted to know a little more about Vishu's background, his parents and fiancé. I think this would have helped us connect better to her character like Rinku.
In the end credits of Atrangi Re, Sara Ali Khan tops the cast, followed by Dhanush and then Akshay Kumar. It pretty much tells that Sara is the soul of this film and holds her ground throughout. As Rinku, a small-town girl, she is paranoid, spirited, thick-skinned and quite rebellious, yet emotionally attached to her parents. This is Sara's fifth release, and you will be very impressed to see her range as an actor. The Bihari dialect she has chosen in the film is on point and she never lets it spoil her. Her performance in the song Chaka Chak is definitely her best performance till date. And not to mention her performance in the final act, which settles in your heart.
Vishu, a doctor, is there to calm Rinku's storm. Dhanush looks confident in his part and ever since his Bollywood debut with Raanjhanaa eight years ago, he has been quite a fit in all things Bollywood. Assign him some dance steps, add quirks to his character or give him some funny moves, and he'll master it. However, Sara and Dhanush don't really spark any spark with their chemistry as a couple onscreen together. It is quite soft to say the least. Then there is a dialogue in the film when Dhanush is talking and Sara says "Gali mat do (don't take oath)" to which he replies, "Tamil mein bol raha hoon (I am speaking Tamil)". Well, the time has come for Bollywood to end with this obsession of incorporating stereotypical humor to add a comical punch.
Akshay, who is a magician in the film, brings a Midas touch while playing an important role in the story. Call it extended cameo or whatever, he doesn't let that affect his performance on screen. Atrangi Re is Anand and Akshay's first collaboration and it has certainly raised the expectations for their upcoming projects - Raksha Bandhan and Gorkha.
Last but not least, Atrangi Re's music is just pure gold and all credit goes to AR Rahman's compositions and background score and lyrics by Irshad Kamil. Every song sets a different mood, the essence of which will make you want to take back home. From Dhanush's Love Me Little Li'l and Akshay's Garda Uda Diya to soulful tracks, Atrangi Re brings back the magic of musical love stories. Watch it on Disney+ Hotstar starting December 24.
Movie: Atrangi Re
Direction: Aanand L Rai
Cast: Sara Ali Khan, Dhanush, Akshay Kumar