What do you expect from a lavish wedding flick?

Film: Veere Di Wedding (A)

Rating: 2.5/5

Director: Shashanka Ghosh

Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar,Shikha Talsania, Sumeet Vyas

You know that it is not just another movie release when a large crowd of women have lined up outside the theatre to catch a first-day-first-show at 9 am. The gangs of girls, many with t-shirts sporting women empowerment quotes, were brimming with excitement to watch the much-awaited flick–Veere Di Wedding (VDW).

The sight was not a surprising one, considering the film was promoted as a fun-filled, unapologetic celebration of lives of today’s women, their friendships and turmoils. So much so that parallels were drawn between VDW and the cult hit Dil Chahta Hai.

The similarities between the movies end with the theme of coming of age of a bunch of friends.

Because VDW is not effortless and breezy like Dil Chahta Hai, but tries too hard to stir up a hornet's nest (a reason it was banned in our neighbouring country) and fails miserably with conversations around sex and swear words which are supposed to be scandalous. In fact, the film is too harmless to be banned at all.

Though the effort to be different is laudable, the narrative gets choppy as it tries to fit every problem that a young woman from an affluent family could face. Like Kalindi (Kareena Kapoor) who takes off to Australia when emotionally drained; Avni (Sonam Kapoor), a successful divorce lawyer trying to settle for an arranged marriage; Sakshi (Swara Bhaskar) who is headed for a divorce after a wedding that cost her ultra-rich parents Rs 3 crore or Meera (Shikha Talsania), who is disowned by her family for marrying a 'gora'.

These four friends, even while fighting their own demons, try to stand up for each other.

But none of it actually stands out or creates an impact. The situations look forced and the evolution of the characters is not at all convincing. It looks like the makers deliberately picked up stereotypical anecdotes from women's lives and stitched it into the film.

It makes the whole story predictable and gives it a "wannabe" feel. However, the actors' efforts keep the film afloat.

Kareena is graceful, while Swara makes a mark with her 'Sannu-Ki' attitude. But it is Sumeet Vyas as Kalindi's supportive fiance who surprises you with his effortless screen presence.

In all, the movie’s storyline is well placed between the not-so-subtle brand promotions and a girl-trip to Phuket. Maybe we just expected too much from a flick made around a lavish Delhi wedding!