Whenever a Bollywood film director attempts a romantic comedy, he is influenced by some American romcom. Very few of them, present originality through their story. The happening of love between the two collegians, then the live in relationship, just to enjoy sex, with mutual understanding ,then, separation thereafter, over small issues; are readymade recipes for such films. Though such multiplex films, are targeted at chosen audience, these are certainly not the films for masses. The best example is latest released film ‘katti Batti’ starring kangana Ranaut , Imran Khan and directed by Nikhil Advani.
‘katti Batti’ begins with a young couple Madhav alias Maddy( Imran Khan) and Payal ( Kangana Ranaut) staying together in so called ‘live in relationship’ in Mumbai. With repeated flashbacks, showing their first meeting , during their college days in Ahmedabad, followed by subsequent happenings, the film proceeds with small misunderstandings between the couple. Marriage is not a big issue for them, as they promise each other, to be together for entire life. But, one strange happening, separates them and Payal moves to Delhi, ditching Maddy, who can’t live without her. His search for Payal goes on, through her friends; but it doesn’t work. Finally, Maddy is helped by a group of Band, who are all dumped by their respective partners; and who identify themselves as FOSLA( Frustrated One Sided Love Association).
As the group believes that Maddy’s love story is not one sided, they try to help him going out of the way, adopting illogical methods. There are many such happenings in this film, which are irrational presentation of this so called love story. But, ‘Katti Batti’ does score on account of its good music; with good picturisation of two songs , very well captured through the camera lenses of Tushar kapoor. Screenplay is not at all effective and so are the dialogues, which lack punch. The director has only paid more attention, on creating an emotional drama towards the end. He has been able to generate very little humour, through few other characters around. However, he has not used the proper locations , to indicate places like Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad. Hence, these locations don’t look realistic. Perhaps, he tried to cut down on film’s budget.
Kangana Ranaut has been typecast in such types of roles, where she has to separate from her partner. But, this is not her type of role, to exploit her acting potential. Imran Khan is just fine. There is nothing extra ordinary he has attempted, worth praising his performance. As expected, Nikhil Advani has failed to capture the attention of audience, during this little more than two hour long film. One expected him, to at least offer some light entertainment or a gripping story . Therefore , towards the end, we find the film, turning out to be neither a sensible love story, nor a romcom entertainer.
Rating (**)