Movie Review: Dream Girl..pretty in patches

Ayushmann Khurrana has carved out his own niche with offbeat comedies. Am sure though, even he would admit, that this is probably his most offbeat movie yet. Its also the one that gives him the maximum room to perform and he seizes it with both hands. While he may not look like a dream, his performance is probably the best reason to watch this one.

The premise itself is extremely weird. Kudos to the director to take up such a concept and build on it so creatively. In its treatment, Dream Girl is sure to remind viewers of Vicky Doner (that still being the better movie and by a mile). The hit pair of Ayushmann and Anu Kapoor also returns - though they don't sparkle as much this time around.

There are wonderfully quirky characters that build the side act - not just as a filler, but a complement to our protagonist. Sure they are all totally one-dimensional, but its a clever selection, being a subtle commentary on many issues that plague our society. Unfortunately, its the main message where the movie falters. There is so much potential but that is frittered away in a forced lesson that gets talked about only in its beginning and end and doesn't feel real. Especially the second half and the climax is where it gets terribly uneven.

The laughs are more due to the writing than the situations the characters find themselves in. At times, it even feels that the scene is added to serve the writing alone. You'll laugh and then you'll wonder  why that scene was necessary. Some twists get a bit much and teeter dangerously at the edge. Fortunately, the performances remain true in both the side and the main act, which makes this one still an enjoyable watch.

As the Dreamgirl himself/herself is the guy who has been having a dream run at the box office and only seems to get better and stronger with every performance. He embraces his character without a hint of embarrassment or hesitation though the nature of this character would have prompted both. He is completely in his element in both male/ female avatars and keeps the audience interested throughout. Nushrath Bharucha's character though in sharp contrast is woefully inadequate - looking  more like a pretty face rather than being fully fleshed out. Its the side act that comes to the rescue - with veterans like Vijay Raaz, Annu Kapoor in fine touch and having decently defined characters as well.

This Dreamgirl needed one final check in the mirror before she presented herself. That would've cleaned some extra make up, dabbed a few patches here and there and got her to showcase her inner beauty as well. As it stands though, you can still go see her, but don't expect to be captivated - you've probably seen better.