A rather repetitive venture of Eros International and Illuminati Films. The trailers were enough proof that this film was yet another typical Saif Ali Khan movie, using the exact formula he seemed to have mastered in the past. HAPPY ENDING – movie review
So as far as the plot line goes, Happy Ending is a story about a commitment phobic Casanova – Yudi, a rich, handsome and charming, sadly aware of these qualities himself resulting in an endless trail of heartbroken women in his life. A goofy ‘stuck-in-his-married-life’ sidekick for a best friend (Ranvir Shorey) and the circumstantial entry of a charming new girl, so much just like him that this commitment phobic is now serious about her and ends up bending his nature and becomes ready to commit to this lady.
Yudi (Saif Ali Khan) is a ‘veteran’ author so to say, a ‘one-novel-wonder’, still cashing in on his singular success. He claims that all one needs in life are “fame, money and girls” which he already has and hence is discouraged to further his career for over five and a half years before reality dawns on him that he no more is as much a celebrity as he thinks he is. And this brutal realization strikes him in the form of Aachal Reddy (Ileana D’cruz) who gets a three novel contract in place of him. Aachal is a young, ambitious author who owes her success to the gullible believers of sappy romantic tales, whilst being a strong disbeliever in them herself.
Yudi wants to expose her, hampering her credibility and hence decides to pursuit her only to find how exactly similar they are, have a great time and realize that they both might actually have fallen for each other. There are many sub-plots to the film; Govinda plays Armaan, an Indian ‘superstar’ who comes to Hollywood asking Yudi to write a ‘Hollywood style Bollywood’ film for him and since Yudi is suffering from lack of work, he is forced to take up this opportunity even if it means dealing with a Bollywood maniac like Armaan and makes a story with the central plot being his story with Aachal.
Yudi’s life also has the daunting presence of his girlfriend/ex-girlfriend Vishakha (Kalki) who loves him ‘a little’ too muchto let him go. This film seems to be a product of confusion, whether or not it is a Hollywood attempted Bollywood film;wishes to mock the typical Bollywood clichés whilst incorporating them all; are some questions that remain unanswered. It is well endowed with the generic ‘relationship/marriage’ jokes which never fail to induce laughter along with typical ‘Saif Ali Khan’ humor, but is not sufficient to hold the entire film.
Saif plays a double role of Yudi, the author/ casanova and Yogi his twin who is the exact opposite, a stay at home who is always present to give Yudi his wise words. Surprisingly, Saif does better in Yogi’s role compared to Yudi even though that is his usual MO.
His presence in every frame is proof that this is an out and out Saif Ali Khan film, but is a hit and miss in parts.Ileana D’cruz as Aachal Reddy is underwhelming and even though there is no lack of potential, she fails to meet it.
The chemistry between the lead pair is lacking and rather feels like a forced friendship. Ranvir Shorey as Montu, the best friend is a refreshing change of pace in the film and even though he is a supporting character, he should be given more credit.
Kalki as Vishakha – the ‘overly attached girlfriend’ is fantastic and though should be considered annoying, is very charming in the role. Her bits in the film are what makes the viewers maintain their interest. Govinda’s presence can be considered as a cameo, but as always, he leaves his mark well and brings the necessary humor in the film.The album is passable for front benches. It is a good attempt by the director duo Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K. but is not held well together.To summarize Happy Ending in one line, it can be said that it is vaguely funny but wholly distorted.
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Credits:
Banner: EROS Entertainment
Directed by Krishna DK and Raj Nidimoru
Starring
Saif Ali Khan,Ileana D’Cruz, Govinda,Ranvir Shorey, Kalki Koechlin.
Cast:
Saif Ali Khan
Ileana D’cruz
Govinda
Ranvir Shorey
Kalki Koechlin
HAPPY ENDING – Film Review