Cast: Anil Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma, Shefali Shah, Rahul Bose, Farhan Akhtar

Director: Zoya Akhtar

Rating: ***

Zoya Akhtar is back! And the lady reminds you yet again, you can never doubt her credibility. In Dil Dhadakne Do, Zoya has explicitly narrated the story of a dysfunctional family of `the Mehras`. This film is classy and elegant.

Dil Dhadakne Do is not only a family drama, but it also digs deep into the relationship amongst the family. The film attributes to the various layers, that have been inculcating within the family for the past 30 years. The temper issues between the parents, `I don`t know what to do with my life` son, a daughter with a troubled married life and a dog who witness it all.


Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti have together written the film and they have done a marvelous job. Their projection of - a typical Indian family, being daunted about the norms of the society and keeping the norms above the happiness of the family members, like the `log kya kahenge` mentality has come across beautifully in the film.

The film is about Richie Rich Mehra family, who are on a verge of bankruptcy due to the loss in their company `Ayka`. Kamal Mehra (Anil Kapoor) is the father of the family, he is flamboyant and classy man, who still has the charm to woo any lady he wants. Neelam Kapoor (Shefali Shah) is the mother, conscious about her weight and she repeatedly gets taunted by her husband for her eating habits.

Ayesha Kapoor (Priyanka Chopra) daughter, married to Manav (Rahul Bose) runs a successful business but is unhappy with her husband. Neither does she love her husband nor does she want his children. She deems she may never be happy with Manav and offers a divorce. Apparently the fact is, Ayesha is still in love with her first love, Sunny Gill (Farhan Akhtar). Sunny Gill is Kamal Mehra`s manager`s son, who has become a famous journalist. Kabir Mehra (Ranveer Singh) son, is least interested in his family business, rather he wants to fly, he wants to become a professional pilot.

The journey takes off from Delhi to the European countries. Akhtar once again gives the audience a visual treat like `Zindagi Na Milegi Dubaara`, the cruise explores the territories of Europe, from Istanbul to Italy. The film has some captivating scenes that truly capture the beauty of the place.

On the occasion of Kamal and Neelam`s 30th anniversary, the Mehra`s invite their family and friends to join them on a cruise for celebration. Though, the Mehra`s are bankrupt right now, they plan to have a hidden motive of getting investment for their company, Neelam and Kamal try working out the unfavorable situations into their favor, very effectively.


Where Kamal and Neelam try to fix up their son, Kabir with their arrogant millionaire friend, Lalit Sood`s daughter, Noorie. Kabir, on the other hand, falls head over heels in love with the dancer Farah Ali (Anushka Sharma) who is an artist on the cruise. Farah Ali is a smart independent girl. She ran away from her home at a young age to pursue her dreams.

This voyage, however, helps the family to actually open up and talk about their problems. This journey turns out to be an eye-opener for Mehra Family. Now the question remains that would Kabir be able to convince his parents to be with his love or would Kabir be able to pursue his dreams?? will Ayesha divorce her husband and reunite with her ex-lover?? will Neelam share her insecurities with her husband?

Talking about the acting Ranveer Singh has been the show stealer in the film. His performance as Kabir Mehra was impressive. His confrontation with the family, the concerned brother, Ranveer has played it all wonderfully. Anil Kapoor as Kamal Mehra was overpowering and dominating just as the character demanded, terrific. Priyanka Chopra as Ayesha Mehra did connect, she had successfully emoted the frustration and misery of her life. Shefali Shah as Neelam Mehra was simply perfect, be it being a Punjabi mommy pampering her son or a giving a cold shoulder to her daughter. She played it with ease. Anushka Sharma and Farhan Akhtar were also a delight to watch.

The music in the film is average and in no way, whatsoever does it help in accelerating the story. The film is lengthy and seems to fall apart in the second half. However, Zoya does try to stick her cards together and take the film forward, but somehow she is unable to sustain it for long.

As a whole the film works, but this film is not for the masses. The film has a chic look and depicts the high society family drama. Although everyone should be able to relate to these family issues at some point of time or the other, it is a light-hearted family drama. My verdict 3 stars.

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