The makers unveiled the highly anticipated new look of the legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan as ‘ASHWATTHAMA’ in the upcoming epic sci-fi ‘KALKI 2898 AD’ this Sunday. The film boasts an ensemble cast including Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani in pivotal roles. Bachchan also shared his new look on his Instagram handle, featuring him seated inside a temple, gazing towards a radiant beam of light, dressed in all-white attire, with the caption “Samay Aa Gaya Hai” (The time has come). Earlier that day, he posted another glimpse, offering a closer look at the character, captioning it with his reflections on the unique experience of working on the project and the camaraderie among his esteemed colleagues. To heighten anticipation, the makers released a 21-second video, adding to the excitement surrounding the film.

Based on the film “The Lovers,” this romantic comedy introduces us to two couples: Kavya (played by Vidya Balan) and Vikram (played by Sendhil Ramamurthy), and Aniruddh (played by Pratik Gandhi) and Nora (played by Ileana D’Cruz). However, the scene transitions to Kavya and Aniruddh trapped in the mundanity of married life. The film follows their journey as they navigate plans for separation and a trip to Ooty for Kavya’s grandfather’s funeral, which unexpectedly rekindles their own marital spark, leading them to confront a difficult choice.

While the premise of rediscovering love or choosing between spouses and lovers is not groundbreaking, director Shirsha Guha Thakurta injects a refreshing perspective. The film avoids moralizing or melodrama, opting for a lighthearted approach even when dealing with adultery.

Debutante director Thakurta, along with writers Suprotim Sengupta and Eisha A Chopra, crafts a light narrative filled with humor, even in tense moments. Aniruddh’s nervous slip-up, calling his father-in-law “Appam” by mixing Appa and Uncle, is one of many examples.

While the first half breezes by, the film stumbles slightly in the second half. Kavya and Aniruddh’s attempts to balance their rekindled romance and existing relationships become repetitive, and the narrative loses momentum, with the initial brilliance fading.

The film benefits from skillful treatment, credited to cinematographer Kartik Vijay, ISC. A slick soundtrack featuring performers and non-film artists like Lost Stories, The Local Train (with “Tu Hai Kahan” sung by Lucky Ali), When Chai Met Toast, Abhishek-Ananya, and Subhajit Mukherjee adds depth to the narrative.

The true strength of the film lies in its lead cast. Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi share undeniable chemistry, captivating viewers with their passionate reunion and portrayal of a failing marriage. Ileana D’Cruz stands out as a whiny yet endearing girlfriend, while Sendhil Ramamurthy delivers a convincing performance as the hotshot and artistic photographer.

Despite its uneven pacing, especially in the latter half, “Do Aur Do Pyaar” remains a watchable romantic comedy, thanks to its stellar performances, humor-infused script, and beautiful visuals.

Potholes may seem innocuous, but they claim numerous lives each year. In India, whether in big cities or small towns, potholes are a constant menace on the roads. This problem worsens during the monsoon season, endangering lives due to the sorry state of the roads. ‘Kaam Chalu Hai’ addresses this pertinent yet overlooked civic issue that has not been the focus of any film before. The acute nature of the problem begs the question of why filmmakers have neglected it entirely. Thus, the effort and consideration to create a film on this silent killer are commendable.

Director Palaash Muchhal narrates the story through the lens of a simple middle-class family, the Patils, residing in Sangli. Manoj (played by Rajpal Yadav) is a manager at a local restaurant, while Radha (portrayed by Gia Manek) is a housewife. Their world revolves around their young daughter Gayatri, affectionately called Gudiya, who excels in studies and sports. Manoj harbors dreams of his daughter representing the country in cricket one day. However, tragedy strikes just a day before Manoj and Gudiya are set to depart for Mumbai for her cricket coaching.

Initially, Muchhal’s film presents a montage of happy family moments, with a slow pace and execution reminiscent of a dramatized social service advertisement. Performances in the first half appear superficial, bordering on caricature, and the familial banter feels contrived. The film only begins to deliver its message in the second half, highlighting the grave danger posed by potholes. The narrative effectively conveys the diabolical and life-threatening nature of these road hazards. However, the film falls short of delving deeper into the issue or holding those responsible accountable.

‘Kaam Chalu Hai’ had the potential to spark a significant dialogue on administrative apathy and the need for action. Unfortunately, it merely scratches the surface of the problem without fully exploring its complexities or the efforts of the real-life crusader it is inspired by. The film ends abruptly, leaving viewers with a few statistics and newspaper cutouts depicting pothole-related tragedies. Nonetheless, Rajpal Yadav and Gia Manek deliver poignant performances, capturing the grief of a parent.

In conclusion, ‘Kaam Chalu Hai’ addresses a crucial issue but ultimately misses the mark. With better-developed characters and a more nuanced narrative, this social drama could have made a profound impact by shedding light on a neglected hero and his life-saving cause.