Dono movie Review: If you’ve been keeping an eye on Bollywood, you might have heard about “Dono,” the debut film of Rajveer Deol and Paloma Dhillon. Directed by Avnish S. Barjatya, this romantic drama brings together two star kids in a tale of love and self-discovery. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in and find out!
The Plot
“Dono” is a story that revolves around two strangers, Dev Saraf (Rajveer Deol) and Meghna Doshi (Paloma Dhillon), who cross paths at a destination wedding in Thailand. Dev, a struggling entrepreneur, attends the wedding of his childhood crush, Alina, in search of closure. Meghna, a friend of the groom and recently single, is also present. Despite their differences, sparks fly between them, and the movie explores their journey of love amidst the chaos of a big fat Indian wedding.
A Familiar Recipe with a Twist
The film seems to draw inspiration from Bollywood classics like “Hum Aapke Hain Koun” but aims to present a modern take on love and relationships. However, it doesn’t quite break free from the shadows of its predecessors. While it attempts to blend tradition with modernity, it often leans towards the former, keeping the essence of Rajshri Productions intact.
The Good and the Not-So-Good
The Positives:
Direction and Screenplay
Avnish S. Barjatya’s direction, despite being a debut, is commendable. He sticks to the clean, family-friendly style that his father, Sooraj Barjatya, is known for. The film is a visual treat, with picturesque locations in Thailand serving as a backdrop for the unfolding romance. The wedding festivities are beautifully captured, adding to the overall charm of the film.
The screenplay, penned by Avnish S. Barjatya and Manu Sharma, offers engaging and relatable moments. It doesn’t rely on over-the-top drama but instead focuses on the subtleties of human emotions. The dialogues are sweet and simple, avoiding melodramatic one-liners. This approach allows the characters to connect with the audience on a more personal level.
Humorous Elements
Some humorous scenes, such as the cricket match and Dev-Meghna’s meeting at the pani puri stall, add to the film’s charm. These light-hearted moments provide much-needed comic relief in an otherwise emotionally charged narrative. The humor is situational and doesn’t resort to slapstick or crude jokes, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Exploration of Themes
The film successfully explores themes like unrequited love, the quest for closure, and societal expectations. Dev’s unspoken love for Alina and Meghna’s journey of moving on from her past relationship are portrayed with depth and sensitivity. Viewers can relate to the emotional turmoil that these characters experience, which adds depth to the story.
The Downsides:
Pacing and Length
At 156 minutes, “Dono” feels overly long and starts to lose its charm in the second half. While the first half keeps the audience engaged with the blossoming romance, the pacing slows down in the latter part of the film. Some scenes could have been trimmed to maintain a tighter narrative. This pacing issue might test the patience of viewers who prefer more concise storytelling.
Underdeveloped Subplots
Certain plot elements, like Dev’s distant relationship with his parents, could have been better developed. While the movie hints at his strained family ties, it doesn’t delve into this aspect in depth. Dev’s decision to attend Alina’s wedding and his subsequent interactions with his family are intriguing but underexplored, leaving unanswered questions.
Factual Errors
A few factual errors in the storytelling can be distracting. For instance, Dev casually mentions having a flight in two hours while being seated in his hotel, which is more than an hour’s drive from the nearest airport. Such inconsistencies, though minor, can momentarily take the viewer out of the narrative.
The Performances
Rajveer Deol and Paloma Dhillon, though showing potential, have room for improvement in their acting skills. As debutants, they manage to exude youthful charm in individual scenes. Rajveer’s portrayal of Dev’s emotional turmoil and Paloma’s depiction of Meghna’s resilience are noteworthy. However, there is room for growth in terms of the depth and range of their performances. Their on-screen chemistry, while promising, doesn’t always hit the mark.
Supporting actors like Kanikka Kapur, Aditya Nanda, and Manik Papneja deliver decent performances and add depth to the story. Kanikka Kapur shines as Alina, bringing a sense of warmth and authenticity to her character. Aditya Nanda’s portrayal of Gaurav, Meghna’s ex-boyfriend, is charismatic and adds layers to the narrative. Manik Papneja, playing Gopal aka Gappu, provides comic relief and raises several laughs with his endearing performance.
The Music and Cinematography
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s music, while not groundbreaking, includes a memorable title song that lingers in your mind. The music complements the romantic theme of the film and adds emotional depth to key moments. Songs like ‘Khamma Ghani’ and ‘Mann Mauji’ are pleasant additions to the soundtrack, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Chirantan Das’ cinematography is appropriate for a film set against the backdrop of a lavish destination wedding. The locales of Thailand are well-shot, capturing the beauty of the destination. The vibrant colors of the wedding celebrations and the picturesque landscapes add visual appeal to the film.
Final Thoughts
“Dono” is a clean family entertainer that offers simplicity and relatability. It explores the intricacies of love and relationships against the backdrop of a grand wedding. While it may not be entirely groundbreaking, it does have its moments of charm. If you’re in the mood for a light-hearted Bollywood romance, “Dono” might just hit the mark.
Remember, it’s the debut film for both Rajveer Deol and Paloma Dhillon, and they show promise. With time and experience, they could shine even brighter in the industry. So, whether you’re a fan of classic Bollywood wedding dramas or eager to see the next generation of stars in action, “Dono” has something to offer.
Disclaimer:
Opinions expressed in this review are based on the author’s perspective and may vary from individual to individual. Enjoy the movie for your own unique experience!
In conclusion, “Dono” is a film that attempts to strike a balance between tradition and modernity in the context of a heartfelt love story. While it has its share of strengths, including commendable direction, relatable themes, and some humorous moments, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing issues and underdeveloped subplots may test the patience of viewers, but the film’s potential for future growth, especially in the performances of its young leads, is evident. If you’re a Bollywood enthusiast looking for a light-hearted romantic escape, “Dono
