Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui review: Ayushmann Khurrana and Vaani Kapoor star in Abhishek Kapoor's latest romantic comedy.
Ever since the trailer of Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui has come out, there has been a lot of secrecy about the plot of the film. The trailer gave us a hint but kept a lot of it a secret. While we are used to seeing Ayushmann Khurrana taking up films based on taboo subjects, this time, it is Vaani Kapoor, who has taken a plunge and dives deep into the unknown waters. The film does not lose sight of the important things and hence, minor flaws here and there are easily overlooked.
Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui makes it clear from the very first scene that it is going to be a loud film, thanks to its set in Chandigarh and a lot of Punjabi in it. So, don't be happy if you've been fed up with T-shirts or some in-the-face quotes glowing on the walls (see personality skip the T-shirt, it's just against you, the hardest worker in the room), or People anywhere and everywhere using the most colorful language.
Manvinder Munjal aka Manu (Ayushmann) is a fitness freak, who owns a gym and is working hard for an annual local championship, which he is yet to achieve. Things take a turn when Maanvi Brar (Vani), a Zumba instructor, is hired to take classes at her gym. Manu with her body and Maanvi with her glamorous looks, are instantly attracted to each other and what happens is a romantic and passionate relationship between the two. But there is more to Maanvi than just being a beautiful looking woman and knowing the truth about her past that Manu is left in a state of deep confusion.
Watch Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui trailer:
Playing the story of a trans woman and portraying it on screen in a respectful manner, Abhishek shows utmost maturity, sensitivity and restraint. Something that our society has yet to accept, the film tries to break away from those stereotypes but not by relying on clichés. An out-of-the-box idea with a romantic story that has layers of passion, deceit, denial, dilemma and acceptance. I love that Abhishek didn't throw riddles to tell us about Maanvi's truth. About 20 minutes into the movie and it's clear where things are going.
For its nearly two-hour runtime, the story moves at a brisk pace and doesn't go off track. From the build-up to the twists to the climax, it sticks to its crux without bringing in unnecessary subplots. However, what actually happens in real life, when people go through such prejudices in the society based on their gender identity, Abhishek could have done a lot in terms of the story. Even the climax doesn't evoke any strong emotion or make you stand up and appreciate the message the film set out to deliver.
Ayushmann is on point with his character and he gets deep into Manu's skin. His physical transformation to play the role of Manu is insane to say the least. Trying to break free from the taboos that exist in the society, he has given a serious performance like most of his previous films.
Vani is indeed a revelation here. Courageous, brave and apologetic about her past, she lets Maanvi come across as a person who is not trying to change the mindset of the society, but is certainly acting as a catalyst in bringing about a change. Used to be. She is beautiful and unlike her earlier films, her acting, dialogues, performances are emphasized more than just her outfit.
Ayushmann and Vaani's onscreen chemistry is also charming and both complement each other in intimate scenes without making them awkward.
Here credit also goes to Supratik Sen and Tushar Paranjpe for their easy flowing script that doesn't look over the top. Even his dialogues are topped with humor but don't interfere with the seriousness of the subject.
In the supporting cast, Gautam Sharma, Gaurav Sharma (as Manu's twin friend) are funny people, while Manu's sisters (Tanya Abrol and Sawan Rupovali) are quite the typical goofy siblings who follow her to get married. Anjan Srivastava (Manu's grandfather) and Girish Dhamija (Manu's father), Kanwaljit Singh (Maanvi's father) lend a strong support to the story.
There are about five to six songs in the film every 20 minutes, but it was pleasantly surprising that they only furthered the story. While Tumbe Te Zumba and Khichte Te Nach are your party songs, Maafi sung by Ayushmann is heartbreaking. The title track in the end credits thrills you and leaves the theaters with a smile on your face.
Overall, Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui entertains you with the right intention of sending a strong message of inclusiveness.