Damadamm! Review {2/5} & Review Rating
Like him or not, but there's something about Himesh Reshammiya. He may not feature on your favorite actor list, but you cannot ignore him. A braveheart in whatever he's dabbled into -- producing TV serials, composing music, singing songs or stepping in front of the camera -- Reshammiya now forays into film production with DAMADAMM [his company HR Musik presents the film].
A rom-com that comes across as a slice of life film, DAMADAMM takes you back to the times when simple stories were the order of the day, when ordinary looking people were grappling with not too complex issues and problems, when the focus was on delicate relationships. The 70s cinema, which witnessed a number of charming films by doyens like Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Basu Chatterjee, comes alive as you watch DAMADAMM. Of course, DAMADAMM is not as memorable as the films made in the bygone era, but first-time director Swapna Waghmare Joshi [a reputed name in tele circles] makes a sincere attempt to tell a tale that's not commonplace. Beneath all the song and masala that's integrated in the story, you will find characters you can relate to.
Notwithstanding its plusses, DAMADAMM doesn't rise to those levels for two reasons. One, too many songs in the narrative. Two, the plot gets predictable after a point and loses the steam.
Sameer's [Himesh Reshammiya] life is perfect, but for his over-possessive and constantly nagging girl-friend [Purbi Joshi]. To add to it, he gets drawn towards his boss' sister [Sonal Sehgal]. All hell breaks loose when the girlfriend returns from her hometown. Sameer is in a fix.
Though not a comic fare, DAMADAMM has light moments aplenty that do bring a smile on your face. When you're in a relationship, everyone likes to feel loved and wanted by their partner. But, quite often, the love and caring tends to suffocate you as the partner gets over-possessive. This kind of extreme behavior is exactly what Swapna Waghmare Joshi tries to highlight in the movie in a light-hearted fashion and that's what sets DAMADAMM apart from films of its ilk.
Swapna has avoided going over the top and remains faithful to the subject. I'd like to make note of at least three sequences that are strikingly filmed. One, the tiff at the interval point, when Himesh calls off the relationship. Two, Purbi explaining to Himesh why she behaves that way. Three, Himesh landing up at Purbi's office towards the final moments of the film.
But, like I pointed out earlier, DAMADAMM should've avoided the been-there-seen-that kind of situations that you get to watch in love triangles. Also, the makers could've done without a couple of songs. 'Madhushala', for instance, is a good track, but wasn't required in the first place. Also 'Mango'. Even 'Umrao Jaan', the best song of the enterprise, comes too late [end credits].
Himesh's dedication to his craft is well-known by now and the composer/singer/actor goes that extra mile to get the role right. Sonal Sehgal looks alluring and acts well. But it is Purbi Joshi who steals the show with a power-packed performance. Her confident portrayal stands out. Rajesh Khattar is impressive as Himesh's boss. The actor enacting the role of Himesh's friend/colleague is first-rate.
On the whole, DAMADAMM isn't bad, but it isn't great either. Though it has a hit score to its credit and some endearing moments, it will have to rely on a strong word of mouth to withstand a mighty opponent [RA.ONE].
