Remember those pesky couples that we meet? The ones who keep tagging each other on Facebook and suffocate us with all that PDA…irritating right? And then we get a chance to spend some time with them, get talking and realise they actually aren’t so bad. That’s exactly the kind of reaction you’ll have after seeing these lovebirds perched on the Katti Batti tree of pyaar and mohabbat.
Imran Khan and Kangana Ranaut make an unlikely pair. She – the Rebel Queen of Bollywood. He – the sunder and susheel boyfriend. And yet the love is palpable. Both seem happily at home. Kangana in her various wigs and Boho chic dresses indulges herself as she looks super hot. Imran on the other hand aces the “loyal boyfriend” with ease. They share a brilliant chemistry and look every bit the madly-in-love couple they set out to be.
Katti Batti starts off in style. It’s quirky and fun and poised to be “hatke”. We learn that Madhav and Payal have broken up. The non-linear narrative ensures we are quickly filled in on the details.
The numerous flashbacks paint a charming picture of youthful romance punctured with silly fights and clashes. It’s all very well till director Nikhil Advani puts the film on auto mode and heads off presumably to finish the shooting of Hero, which we suffered last week. This can be the only plausible explanation for the rudderless first half fiasco. The romance becomes stale and the comedy non-existent.
However, it’s difficult to tear oneself away from the film. Madhav wonders what led Payal to break up with him, and we do too. Was she really never in love with him? Has she actually moved on? We seek answers but as they say, good things come to those who wait.
A little after the interval, things fall in place. Kangana reveals not just her side of the story but also her phenomenal acting skills. Imran endears himself as his emotional side tugs at our heart strings.
Katti Batti is not flawless. It takes too long to come to the point which eventually becomes its undoing. In dire need of good editing and funnier dialogues, the film nevertheless has its heart in the right place.
With MSG 2 looming large this one seems to be the perfect lazy weekend watch. I’ll give it 3 QUINTS out of 5.
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