The
pair first meet at the airport in London. Nikhil (the Pakistani pop
star Ali Zafar) has come to London for — what else? — film school.
Lalitha (Aditi Rao Hydari), a committed feminist, is on her way to New
York to study political science.
The film’s conceit is that they spend one day together in each of the title cities (which contribute little beyond touristy scenery). In London they fall in love. In Paris a few years later they consummate their relationship and fall out. (Is it her awful wig that drives a wedge between them?) In New York they’re older and wiser, but face new obstacles.
You can feel Ms. Menon seeking her own kind of freedom. She tries hard to take a fresh look at sophisticated young Indians and at love, but her film ends up being just as formulaic as a run-of-the-mill Bollywood romance and less emotionally engaging.
The beginning has promise, thanks to Ms. Hydari. She gives Lalitha a sweet seriousness, avoiding the petulance that too often stands in for character in Hindi movie heroines. And you’re right with her when she’s embarrassed by Nikhil’s “I’m a crazy guy” behavior. Must he insist on shouting “freedom!” as they wander London?
Mr. Zafar, who has been winning in the past, here seems too convinced of his own adorableness. When Lalitha falls for Nikhil, it’s hard to believe that it’s a time-and-geography-conquering passion. It’s more like business as usual for any old her and him out of Bollywood central casting.
“London Paris New York” is rated PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned). It includes moderate swearing, moderately tasteful sex and unnecessary vomiting.
London Paris New York
Opened on Friday nationwide.
Written and directed by Anu Menon; director of photography, Sameer Arya; edited by Shyam Salgaonkar; music by Ali Zafar, score by Dhruv Ghanekar; produced by Shrishti Arya and Goldie Behl; released by FIP. In Hindi, with English subtitles. Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes.
WITH: Ali Zafar (Nikhil) and Aditi Rao Hydari (Lalitha).
The film’s conceit is that they spend one day together in each of the title cities (which contribute little beyond touristy scenery). In London they fall in love. In Paris a few years later they consummate their relationship and fall out. (Is it her awful wig that drives a wedge between them?) In New York they’re older and wiser, but face new obstacles.
You can feel Ms. Menon seeking her own kind of freedom. She tries hard to take a fresh look at sophisticated young Indians and at love, but her film ends up being just as formulaic as a run-of-the-mill Bollywood romance and less emotionally engaging.
The beginning has promise, thanks to Ms. Hydari. She gives Lalitha a sweet seriousness, avoiding the petulance that too often stands in for character in Hindi movie heroines. And you’re right with her when she’s embarrassed by Nikhil’s “I’m a crazy guy” behavior. Must he insist on shouting “freedom!” as they wander London?
Mr. Zafar, who has been winning in the past, here seems too convinced of his own adorableness. When Lalitha falls for Nikhil, it’s hard to believe that it’s a time-and-geography-conquering passion. It’s more like business as usual for any old her and him out of Bollywood central casting.
“London Paris New York” is rated PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned). It includes moderate swearing, moderately tasteful sex and unnecessary vomiting.
London Paris New York
Opened on Friday nationwide.
Written and directed by Anu Menon; director of photography, Sameer Arya; edited by Shyam Salgaonkar; music by Ali Zafar, score by Dhruv Ghanekar; produced by Shrishti Arya and Goldie Behl; released by FIP. In Hindi, with English subtitles. Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes.
WITH: Ali Zafar (Nikhil) and Aditi Rao Hydari (Lalitha).
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