Movie Review: Luka Chuppi...hides a few good laughs

Yet another case where the movie's biggest enemy is its own trailer. If you've seen the trailer of this simple, fun and light hearted comedy you know exactly what to expect and that's a pity because it would be so much more fun if you didn't. While the trailer's jokes felt forced and out of place, the movie does manage to hide a few laugh simply by how the plot progresses, the situation's develop and how its characters react.
Its to its credit that Luka Chuppi never takes itself too seriously. While it deals with a contentious matter, it does so in a light hearted, almost casual manner. There is more focus on the setting, the backdrop, the background chatter and the side acts. The writing is both good and bad. The good bits simply sparkle and the bad could be worse enough to make you cringe. Its like that little kid you don't expect much from and just when you are about to give up on them - they turn around and surprise you. You'll hardly expect to do so, but you'll be roaring with laughter in a few scenes and its those moments that make this one more enjoyable than you would expect.

If the movie doesn't do a lot more than it could, its because of its leads and under-written characters. Karthik Aryan and Kriti Sanon are average - their chemistry never really sparks and it doesn't help that their characters aren't well developed either. Most of Kriti Sanon's dialogue delivery seems put on and an effort save for one emotional scene where she appears a different actress altogether. Karthik Aryan may be doing well, but he's always seen as 'acting' and never a natural for the part. Its the side acts that make this movie more fun - especially Pankaj Tripathi who showcases amazing versatility in his rather colorful character (both literally as well as figuratively). Aparshakti Khurana is the other bright spark - he has all the best lines and plays his part particularly well.

The songs are just about average and a hindrance at most times. It helps that they are short, few in number and don't slow down the progression. Of special mention though, is the clever use of music from old comedies as background music to the more comic moments in this one. There is a bit of understated, social commentary - but it also, especially the treatment of the movie's climax, seems all in service of the plotline and the laughs than in terms of sharing a message or being preachy.

Despite a wafer thin plotline, average performance by its leads and an underwhelming climax, Luka Chuppi does end up being more fun that you'd expect it to.Its not a must watch like a Badhaai Ho or a Bareilly ki Barfi but also not a bad way to spend time at the theaters this weekend.