Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, John Abraham, Bobby Deol

Director: Tarun Mansukhani

With everyone knocking around gay marriage these days, why should Indians be left out all those gay issues? It’s not as if being gay was illegal in India or anything…right? Appropriately enough Karan Johar (it’s only appropriate because he’s been responsible for other romantic comedies, not because he’s ambiguous about his sexuality) presents this romantic comedy between Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham and Priyanka Chopra (I’m confused already, who’s dating who?). Lets be honest, it was only a matter of time; has anyone ever noticed the wardrobe changes in film songs (tight leather pants for everyone!)?

A trend that’s blessed Bollywood of late has been a surge of first time directors making quality pictures (Neeraj Pandey – A WEDNESDAY, Abbas Tyrewala – JAANE TU YA JAANE NA and Rajkumar Gupta – AAMIR). Tarun Mansukhani, also the screenplay writer for DOSTANA, has a finished product that most veteran directors never achieve let alone by a first timer (then again most veteran directors spend their time watching basic cable television and stealing movie ideas).

Though never openly talked about in Indian cinema or even in the general public, this notion of gay relationships has always remained a taboo. Aside from all the seriousness, it is a topic that incites humor, especially when our leading lads are straight.

DOSTANA follows two dashing  young men living it up in the heart of Miami (where the nights are wild and Cuban immigrants are free). Upon meeting each other by sheer coincidence after coincidence Samir aka Sam (Abhishek Bachchan) and Kunal aka Kunal (John Abraham) find themselves interested in the same flat. The only problem is that the heroine’s Mausi aka Baby (Sushmita Mukherjee) does not want two bachelors living in the same place as her beautiful niece, Neha aka the hot magazine editor (Priyanka Chopra). Samir devises a plan to where him and Kunal can pretend to be a gay couple, so the aunty would allow them to stay. The two finally catch a glimpse of Miss World and go head over heels. Still vying for the apartment the two keep up their charade and eventually are allowed to stay.

Complications arise when Sam must confront his mother aka the mother (Kiron Kher) who without any knowledge is fooled by the “couple’s” shenanigans. Her conservative views come to a crash as soon as she pictures her son in a bahu’s veil. Her limited role was one of the biggest highlights of the film, she carried herself very well.

With a kamaal item cheez like Neha strutting around, the two were bound to fall for her. And after a KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI montage bigger complications arise for the two Village Boys when a third (not gay) character comes into play, Abhimanyu aka Neha’s boss with a heart of gold (Bobby Deol). Three Men and a Really Hot Baby, who does Neha choose?

The film gains full marks on every element. Tarun Mansukhani juiced out a strong performance from every character, whether it be the old white man on a hospital bed or the leading stars (for once the white Americans didn’t sound like cheaply dubbed British actors!). He allowed enough time for the characters to give us some background themselves without disturbing the flow. Normally that’s where most director’s falter, too much time spent on the characters and not enough commitment in the editing room. Mansukhani’s comedic situations were not in the cliché market (for all those who saw GOLMAAL RETURNS), his timing with the actors was brilliant.

While watching such disasters as DRONA and a good chunk of Abhishek Bachchan flicks, he was the runaway champion in DOSTANA. Someone throw him in jail, he robbed every actor that shared a scene with him. His comedic execution was beyond perfect, especially in the scene where he describes the first meeting between Kunal and himself. John Abraham too had his moments, but was overshadowed by Abhishek. Both truly excelled more when interacting with each other.

Priyanka Chopra was not responsible for creating any funny moments, but watching her getting pushed aside and knocked down by a glass door were unexpected, creating for a more comical circumstance. She filled her shoes well as the girl next door (in this case the girl living in their door). Bobby Deol is the trump card! If the silliness from the first hour wasn’t entertaining enough, Deol’s performance in the second half only solidified the plot. He may however want to do something about those bags underneath his eyes, its either a lack of sleep or a lack of AA meetings.

Overall Tarun Mansukhani’s DOSTANA is a winner all the way! The subtlety in comedy and the pace allow this to be a hilarious bout for the entire two plus hours. The only deterrent are the hardcore conservatives who won’t even bother to acknowledge that same sex genders can form a relationship. The film will appeal and will be understood by the younger crowd and NRI’s. It may be one of those typical love stories, but execution is everything. Tarun Mansukhani, feel free to stay.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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