‘Do Aur Do Pyaar’ : A Charming Narrative Lifts this Familiar Saga
By Dhaval Roy
Story: A couple is having secret affairs to overcome the boredom in their marriage. A trip out of town rekindles their chemistry, and the tables turn. Torn between their lovers and spouses, will they resolve their issues or separate as they have quietly planned?
Review: Based on the film The Lovers, the romantic comedy introduces us to two couples: Kavya (Vidya Balan) and Vikram (Sendhil Ramamurthy) and Aniruddh (Pratik Gandhi) and Nora (Ileana D’Cruz). But the scene segues into Kavya and Aniruddh trapped in mundane domesticity as a married couple. The film explores their journey as they navigate separation plans and a trip to Ooty for Kavya’s grandfather’s funeral. This unexpected turn rekindles their own marital spark, forcing them to confront a difficult choice.
While the premise of rediscovering love or choosing between spouses and lovers isn’t groundbreaking, director Shirsha Guha Thakurta injects a refreshing perspective. The film avoids moralising or melodrama, opting for a lighthearted approach even when dealing with adultery.
Debutante director Thakurta and the writing team, Suprotim Sengupta and Eisha A Chopra, weave a light narrative peppered with humour, even during tense moments. Aniruddh’s nervous slip-up, calling his father-in-law “Appam” mixing Appa and Uncle is one of the many examples.
While the first half breezes by, the film stumbles slightly in the second half. Kavya and Aniruddh’s attempts to juggle their rekindled romance and their existing relationships become repetitive. The narrative also loses momentum in the second act, with the initial flashes of brilliance fading.
The film boasts of skillful treatment, the credit for which goes to cinematographer Kartik Vijay, ISC. A slick soundtrack by performers and non-film artistes like Lost Stories, The Local Train (Tu Hai Kahan sung by Lucky Ali), When Chai Met Toast, Abhishek-Ananya, and Subhajit Mukherjee adds loftiness to the narrative.
The film’s true strength lies in its lead cast. Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi share undeniable chemistry, captivating viewers with their passionate reunion, the portrayal of a failing marriage, or the brewing tension. Ileana D’Cruz, as a “whiny,” at times ditzy but easily pleased girlfriend, stands out. Sendhil Ramamurthy as the hotshot and artistic photographer is convincing.
Do Aur Do Pyaar falters with its uneven pacing, especially in the latter half. Despite this, the stellar performances, humour-infused script, and beautiful visuals make it a watchable romantic comedy. — Times of India