Cast: Ajay Devgan, Tabu, Rakul Preet, Javed Jaffrey, Alok Nath, Jimmy Shergill, Kumud Mishra
Directed by Akiv Ali
De De De Pyar De is a movie on modern urban lifestyle, relationships and how one tackles with the problems that come with it. Ashish(Ajay Devgan) a 50-year-old Indian investment banker based in London is separated from his wife Manju(Tabu) and has a family back in India. Life moves steadily until he meets a 26-year-old Aisha(Rakul Preet Singh) in his friend’s bachelorette party. She is a fun loving, full of life girl who loves to explore new things in life, and falls for a much older Ashish, whose personality is exactly opposite to hers. What starts as a casual fling between the two turns out to be a deeply passionate love affair later?
When the question of marriage arises, Ashish, who is in his 50’s hesitates to settle down with Aisha, but gradually makes up his mind to marry her after being convinced of his feelings for her. Ashish then decides to take her to Manali(his hometown) to get his family’s approval and this is when the entire drama unfolds. An unannounced arrival, he meets with the wrath of his teenage daughter. Ashish has not been in contact with his family since years; hence, his family comprising his children(a teenage daughter and son), wife and parents are surprised to see him.
His daughter is set to marry a guy named Rishi, whose family is soon to pay a visit to her family. Ashish has never been around in her life, so she lies to Rishi, saying her father is dead. Now she is petrified by Ashish’s sudden arrival. Ashish becomes nervous, seeing so much of negativity in the family towards him upon his arrival. How he tries to pacify his family to seek their approval for Aisha forms the rest of the film.
Luv Ranjan, the writer of the film who is known for his witty writing and flamboyant themes, has come up with a unique love story. This time he dons the hat of a screenplay writer and producer and left his director chair to Akiv Ali who is also the editor of the film. Luv Ranjan, Tarun Jain and Surabhi Bhatnagar’s screenplay is very powerful and effective. They tried to depict the story catering to some serious issues in a satirical way which keeps the viewers glued to their seats for 135 minutes. Story writing is effective in the sense that it’s not only funny but also relatable. The audience will be able to connect with the story.
They have dealt with many socially sensitive topics like an age gap in relationships, separation, single parenthood, and who to blame for a broken relationship- a man or a woman.
The story dialogues and one-liners will make the audience laugh, but a few dialogues are full of abuses which is sort of a downer for the film. Two women are pitted against eachother and Aisha using the metaphor of an old car to bring Tabu down reeks of misogyni and sexism. Also, a particular scene where Ashish ties Rakhi to her wife Manju was unnecessary and could have been avoided.
First time director Akiv Ali’s direction is praiseworthy. He has wonderfully handled the plot of the story with finesse and sensitivity. The storyline does manage to stay or track and does not deviate from the theme.
Ajay Devgan has played his age in the film. In the first half of the film, he uses his eyes to emote his scenes. Which he does very beautifully as he is one of the few actors whose eyes speak volumes about his character in the film. He is subtle and underplays his part beautifully. He plays his character well and keeps it real and entertaining without going overboard.
Rakul Preet who is a famous name in the Telugu and Tamil film industry comes as a surprise package in the movie. She instils a breath of fresh air in the film. She shines bright with her confidence and boldness. She is an absolute delight to watch and has done justice to her role. With this film, she will get noticed in Bollywood and the audience will love to watch her.
Tabu is the soul of the film. She comes in the second half, but she excels steals the show with her performance with her powerful entry scene. She lifts the story up with her impactful presence and leaves the audience vouching for her character. She holds no grudges against her estranged husband for her failed marriage.
She is perfectly fine with the idea of her husband falling for a younger woman. Instead, she makes her family understand the fact that age should not be a problem when two people fall in love. In one of the scenes, she tells Ashish why it is only her who has to adjust in her life for the happiness of her family, why she can’t live her life for one day on her terms without thinking about others. In this scene, Ajay comforts her, and lend his support.
Ajay and Tabu chemistry in the film will depict a lot of things friendship of a husband and wife even after a separation. Understanding love and respect for each other etc.
While Ajay and Rakul chemistry is of a new found love, Tabu and Ajay’s relationship, on the other hand, adds maturity in the film.
Jimmy Shergill the admirer and the neighbour of Tabu, also adds to the humour of the film. Javed Jaffery, the therapist and friend of Ashish, have some excellent dialogues when he mocks his friend for his new found love. Alok Nath and Kumud Mishra have also played their parts well.
The songs of the film are all beautifully blended with the storyline. Arijit Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan, Arman Malik, Neha Kakkar and Mika Singh have lent their voices. It has three party songs, and others are soulful numbers. Chale Aana is a sweet melody and nostalgic song that will take you back to ’90s.
Shashank Tere’s production design is vibrant and appealing. Costume designers Niharika Bhasin Khan and Aki Narula have given a glamorous look to Rakul Preet. Chetan M Solanki’s editing is admirable as the pace of the story is neither too quick nor too slow.
Overall, De De Pyar De is an entertaining film and also enlightens the audience about some important topics which are very cleverly delivered through the intelligently designed script. This film is a must watch.