I Hate Luv Stories directed by Punit Malhotra (nephew of costume designer Manish Malhotra) is a take on some of the most popular love stories that you have seen. The promos were fresh and clicked big time with the audience, the music too was very popular and the film has immense buzz surrounding. Quite obvious since the film is produced under one of Bollywood’s most reputed production houses, Dharma Productions. The film stars Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor.
I Hate Luv Stories is about Jay (Imran Khan) and Simran (Sonam Kapoor). Jay basically hates love stories and for Simran its all about love stories. Both work in Bollywood, Simran is an art director, while Jay is an assistant director to Veer (Samir Sony), who is one of the most famous romantic directors in the Indian film industry. Unfortunately for Jay, he has to live in this world of love and unrealistic larger than life characters.
Simran is engaged to the man of her dreams, Raj (Sameer Dattani), who is well, Raj straight out of DDLJ. But the film isn’t about Raj and Simran here, as Jay’s dislike towards love soon becomes one of the main reasons for the two – Jay and Simran – to fall in love.
What works for I Hate Luv Stories
* First off, Punit Malhotra is a director to watch out for. Its his direction along with the performances that makes the film a good one time watch.
* The love story works big time and although Raj is engaged to Simran, you want Jay and Simran to fall in love and no matter how clichéd it might sound – live happily ever after.
* Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor are perfectly cast and its their sparkling chemistry that stays with you long after the credits roll. Both look amazing in every scene.
* The more important half of the film, the second, is well paced and while very predictable works very well for the film.
* The music by Vishal and Shekhar is awesome. Almost every song is a gem – Bin Tere, Jab Mila Tu, Sadka to name a few.
* The background score (Salim Sulaiman) is excellent. Cinematography (Ayananka Bose) is amazing. Dialogues (Punit Malhotra) are very well written.
What doesn’t work
* The first half is stretched too long. The film rests on a thin plot and there is nothing much to miss if you walk in a few minutes late.
* As mentioned above the film is very predictable and although the climax seemed to have worked big time with the audience, it wasn’t great.
Performances
* Sonam Kapoor is a revelation and should sweep most awards this year. Her character is immensely likable and her performance with a touch of innocence and plenty of charm makes it easily the best performance in the film.
* Imran Khan is brilliant and in form for the first time since his first film Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. The audience, especially girls, will love him in the film.
* Kavin Dave is very good. Sameer Dattani is wasted. Bruna Abdullah can’t act to save her life. Samir Soni is okay. Aamir Ali is good.
Overall, Punit Malhotra on debut gets most things right. His direction is top notch, the casting is perfect and the performances are superb. A good weekend watch.