Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story plot:

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Cambridge, this narrative chronicles the enchanting journey of Bobby (Kaveri Kapur) and Rishi (Vardhaan Puri), whose lives intertwine through love and chance encounters while they navigate unresolved conflicts, differing ideologies, and lingering concerns.

Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story review:

In the current landscape of Bollywood cinema, the emergence of romantic comedies serves as a refreshing reminder of the need for lighthearted narratives amidst a predominantly dark, action-driven, and propagandistic environment. These films often provide a flicker of hope, akin to a distant light at the end of a tunnel. However, this illumination is not always vibrant; frequently, it is merely a fleeting glimmer. The film Bobby and Rishi's Love Story adds to this metaphorical damaged bulb.

Under the direction of Kunal Kohli, this film joins his repertoire of romantic comedies that he has crafted over the years. It is widely recognized that a contemporary love story must either align with current trends or be helmed by a filmmaker who possesses a millennial perspective on modern dating culture. When Kohli directed Hum Tum in 2004, he was in his early thirties, which informed his understanding of relationships during that era. He adeptly captured the chemistry between couples who are fundamentally different, without overly stressing the contrast between emotional and practical approaches to life.

Now, two decades later, Kohli presents a love story centered on a Gen-Z couple who find themselves falling for one another after their flight is delayed in London, leading to a 24-hour encounter that culminates in love and subsequent separation. The film has a runtime of just one hour and 37 minutes, with the first half notably expanding upon the song "Ladki Kyon" from Hum Tum, originally featuring Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji.

Upon reviewing Kohli's body of work in romantic comedies, one can observe a recurring theme where couples experience an initial separation before ultimately reuniting. For instance, in Mujhse Dosti Karoge (2002), the narrative begins with a childhood love story that also incorporates elements of catfishing. Similarly, in Hum Tum, the protagonists encounter each other, part ways, reunite to nearly fall in love, and then separate once more, culminating in a final reunion marked by the phrase "January mein baarish." In 2012, Kohli directed Teri Meri Kahaani, featuring Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, which revolves around the concept of reincarnation, with separation being a fundamental aspect of the plot.

In a more recent work titled Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story, the timeline is notably condensed, with the couple spending just one day together after a two-year separation, ultimately leading them to couples therapy. The characters, portrayed by Kaveri Kapur as Bobby and Vardhaan Puri as Rishi, appear remarkably youthful. Upon their initial meeting with their therapist, played by Lilette Dubey, one might mistakenly perceive it as an intervention arranged by a college principal.

The portrayal of the couple as married does not resonate well; even within the context of storytelling, it is essential to cast actors who convincingly embody a mature couple grappling with trust issues. Instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue to understand one another, the pair opts to sing on the streets of Cambridge, as if this is a necessary element in contemporary cinema. They perform a song that has been remade countless times, leading to a sense of fatigue among audiences.

This film is indeed a musical love story; however, it distinguishes itself by incorporating songs that advance the narrative rather than serving merely as filler content due to a lack of action from the actors. The film contains numerous moments reminiscent of the romantic films produced by Yash Raj Films in the 1990s and early 2000s, which attempt to pay homage to that era but ultimately highlight the unparalleled quality of those original stories, despite Kohli's status as a trailblazer in the genre.

Regarding the performances, Kapur, the daughter of Shekhar Kapur and Suchitra Krishnamoorthy, displays a raw talent that indicates significant room for growth. It is important to note that this is her debut, and thus, it would be unfair to place all the blame on her. Conversely, Puri makes an effort to embody the quintessential charming lead, yet his portrayal does not leave a lasting impression.

Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story has joined the ranks of films that aim to demonstrate that love stories remain relevant in cinema. However, the execution lacks the depth and emotional resonance necessary, resulting in a film that feels akin to a clearance sale at a shopping mall.

Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story verdict:

In conclusion, Kunal Kohli's Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story attempts to evoke nostalgia but ultimately resembles a scratched record of recycled romance. With a narrative that fails to be either timeless or contemporary, this film represents a missed opportunity for connection.

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