Bachna Ae Haseeno – Ranbir Kapoor Aya
Reetu Bajaj ’12
One of the summers most anticipated movies was Bachna Ae Haseeno (Watch Out Ladies), directed by Siddharth Anand and produced by Aditya Chopra. If that title did not attract your eyes, then maybe the cast will: heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor, stylish Deepika Padukone, flirtatious Bipasha Basu, and charismatic Minissha Lamba. From the breathtaking sceneries of Switzerland, Italy, India, and Australia comes to you a story of a Casanova and his relationships and battles among three women.
Beginning in Switzerland, Raj (Ranbir) stumbles into Mahi (Minissha) who dreams of Prince Charming and a ‘happily ever after’ life story. After missing the train to Zurich, Raj’s persuasive and deadly appeal wins over the innocent heart of Mahi (sounds a lot like the classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge). Following some fun and games, however, Raj strands Mahi at an airport and moves on to Mumbai forming a very close relationship with Radhika (Bipasha). As they spend some months living under the same roof, Raj realizes Radhika is getting serious about their relationship but Raj is not ready for commitment (a little like the movie Salaam Namaste). So he runs away to Australia to find himself seriously in love with cab driver Gayatri (Deepika). The only difference with Gayatri is that she’s the one who does not believe in marriage. Raj’s assumptions and mischievousness are finally defeated when feisty and hesitant Gayatri dumps Raj. This rude awakening causes Raj to let go of his adolescent behavior. Full of guilt, he now sets a goal to trace all his ‘ex-flames’ and seek amnesty from them. However, it is not as easy as it seems. Would you ever forgive your ex who left you stranded in the rain on the day of your wedding? And as Raj tries to change his bad habits, we wonder, will Gayatri develop a change of heart?
Though it might seem like a confusing, cliché, and predictable story, with certain romantic scenes that break boundaries of Indian cinema, Bachna does have some underlying values that regard the respect and treatment of women. It also brings up the ongoing struggle in balancing one’s life with a marriage, career, and freedom. If not for its plot, however, then listen to its catchy and captivating tunes. The spunky opening song, ‘Bachna Ae Haseeno’ is re-vamped from 1977 film Hum Kisise Kum Naheen, composed by R. D. Burman. And if neither plot nor the music attracts you, see the movie for its cast. There is an impressive chemistry shown between the ladies and Ranbir. Plus the different personalities shown among Deepika, Bipasha, and Minissha are worth noting. Generally, however, the focus is given to Ranbir. Overcoming his flop movie Saawariya, Ranbir’s pleasant personality and boyish charm will win over your heart.