Cast: Dhvani Bhanushali, Ashim Gulati, Rakesh Bedi, Supriya Pilgaonkar

Director: Saurabh Dasgupta

Rating: *1/2

If you've been following Bollywood's latest offerings, the film "Kahan Shuru Kahan Khatam" might give you a strong sense of d'j' vu. Progressive parents, a quirky relative, a cool grandmother who's all over social media, a conflict that's wafer-thin, and a predictable happy ending'sound familiar? Here's a breakdown of what works, what doesn't, and why this film feels like a mix of everything we've seen before.

Plot Overview: A Runaway Bride and Confusion Ensues

At the heart of Kahan Shuru Kahan Khatam is Meera (played by Dhvani Bhanushali in her acting debut), who runs away from her wedding because'wait for it'her father didn't ask her if she wanted to get married. Yes, the central conflict of the film is as thin as it sounds. Meera's objection isn't about the marriage itself but the fact that she wasn't asked. Soon enough, chaos follows when Krish (played by Ashim Gulati), who is being chased by Meera's relatives, crashes the wedding. Both of them end up running away together, leading to a series of predictable misunderstandings.

A First Half That Fizzles Out

The film's first half is a letdown. Packed with jokes that fall flat and dialogues that feel forced, it becomes a challenge to stay engaged. The writers seemed to think that naming two characters "Gautam" and "Gambhir" was the peak of creativity, but the humor never quite lands. The intermission mercifully arrives after 40 minutes, but by then, you might already be asking yourself, "When will this end?" Perhaps the film's title, Kahan Shuru Kahan Khatam, is a reflection of the viewer's sentiment rather than just the storyline.

A Slight Redemption in the Second Half

Surprisingly, the film's second half manages to salvage some respect. This is largely thanks to the supporting cast, who step up and provide some much-needed energy. Veteran actors Rakesh Bedi and Supriya Pilgaonkar stand out, with Bedi playing Krish's father and Pilgaonkar delivering laughs as his overbearing wife. Their seasoned performances bring light to an otherwise dull script, adding moments of genuine humor.

It's also hard to miss the influence of Laxman Utekar, one of the film's co-producers and writers, whose earlier work in films like Luka Chuppi and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke is all too apparent. In fact, certain plot elements seem to be borrowed directly from his previous films. For instance, the confusion about whether the lead couple is married feels like a recycled scene from Luka Chuppi.

Problematic Representation of LGBTQ+ Characters

One of the more disappointing aspects of Kahan Shuru Kahan Khatam is its handling of LGBTQ+ characters. In a film that positions itself as progressive with its message of treating women as equals, it's jarring to see stereotypical and tone-deaf portrayals of LGBTQ+ individuals. This regressive representation undermines the film's larger narrative and leaves a bad taste.

Dhvani Bhanushali's Debut: Room for Growth

For Dhvani Bhanushali, known primarily as a singer, Kahan Shuru Kahan Khatam marks her acting debut. While she has a pleasant screen presence, her portrayal of Meera lacks emotional depth. There's potential for her to grow as an actor with more experience and better scripts, but this film doesn't give her the platform to shine. Ashim Gulati, on the other hand, delivers a forgettable performance, failing to bring the charm that a film like this desperately needs.

Supporting Cast Saves the Day

If there's one thing that works in this film, it's the supporting cast. As mentioned earlier, Rakesh Bedi and Supriya Pilgaonkar are the saving grace of the movie. Their decades of acting experience bring authenticity to their roles and inject some much-needed humor into the film. Their chemistry on screen is delightful, and they manage to overshadow the lead actors in many scenes.

Lackluster Music and Unforgivable Song Remakes

One of the most frustrating elements of Kahan Shuru Kahan Khatam is its music. With forgettable tracks and a forced appearance by Dhanashree Verma in a song, the soundtrack leaves much to be desired. What's worse is the misuse of classic Bollywood songs like Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh and Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si. These iconic tracks are recreated, but instead of adding charm to the film, they are wasted in scenes that don't do them justice.

Final Verdict: A Disappointing Blend of Familiar Tropes

In the end, Kahan Shuru Kahan Khatam offers nothing new to the audience. It's a mishmash of recycled tropes, forgettable performances, and missed opportunities. While the film tries to deliver a message about gender equality, its problematic handling of LGBTQ+ representation makes it hard to take that message seriously.

If you're a fan of Rakesh Bedi or Supriya Pilgaonkar, their performances might make the film bearable. But if you're looking for a fresh, engaging rom-com, this one falls short.