Mujhse Dosti Karoge Movie Review

A Yash Chopra presentation, MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE, written-directed by Kunal Kohli, is a love triangle.

What would you do if the one you loved was actually not the one you loved? What would you do if your best friend was in love with the one you love? What would you do if you knew your best friends are sacrificing their love for you?

Meet Raj (Hrithik Roshan), Pooja (Rani Mukherji) and Tina (Kareena Kapoor) – three best friends thrown into situations that time, letters, love and separation have created for them.

A friendship that starts off in the picturesque, hilly town of Shimla and ends or rather continues in London. Much like Raj, Pooja and Tina, traditional in their values, yet modern in their approach and outlook towards life.

A bit of Hollywood flick THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND DOGS. A dash of KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI. And, to an extent, SAAJAN. Of course, there's a glimpse of HUM AAPKE HAIN KOUN as well. A wee bit of K3G too… That sums up MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE, which is as fresh as last month's newspapers.

A 'khichdi' of several films, MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE suffers primarily in that one vital department that is the lifeline of any film – script. Director Kunal Kohli, who has been credited with the story, screenplay and dialogues of the film, has chosen the easy way out by borrowing from successful films. And that's where it suffers, for there's nothing novel or innovative whatsoever that MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE could boast of.

What could've been an interesting love story of two friends falling in love with the same guy, loses out due to the predictability in the script. Besides the goings-on being humdrum, there're hardly any memorable moments (unlike Yashraj Films previous ventures!) that the viewer carries home after the show ends.

The first half has a few interesting moments. The communication between Hrithik and Rani and also the scenes when Hrithik returns to Shimla, can be singled out. They are well handled undoubtedly. The story moves at a smooth pace till Hrithik learns the truth in the church (the interval point!).

But, unfortunately, the film dips completely in the second half. The sequences are lengthy, besides being predictable, and the story is stretched to such an extent that the viewer starts getting impatient. The film also gets very talk-heavy at this point.

Moreover, the climax – with the 'sindoor' suddenly falling in Rani's forehead – is, perhaps, the most ridiculous end seen in a love triangle. Prior to that, the sequence involving the foursome – Hrithik, Rani, Kareena and Uday – could've been handled with maturity.

Director Kunal Kohli has handled a few sequences with sensitivity, but has relied too heavily on the tried and tested stuff, so much so that the outcome is tedious. Technically speaking, his shot execution is plain mediocre. How one wishes the critic of yore tuned film director would've come up with something fresh and original for his debut vehicle, instead of relying so heavily on clich? formula-ridden, stale stuff.

Rahul Sharma's music is another sore point. Yashraj Films has always been known for memorable music, but in this case, barring 'Jaane Dil Mein Kabse Hain Tu', none of the songs are worth mentioning. The parody, for instance, is so lengthy that the impact is lost. Actually, the lack of a strong musical score is another factor that takes the film down. Cinematography is alright. Dialogues are appropriate.

MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE clearly belongs to Rani Mukherji, who has the meatiest role comparatively. The actress is superb in a role that fits her like a glove. Hrithik Roshan does what he has been doing since his first film – flash the by-now-famous smile, look smashing in designer outfits and dance exceptionally well. That's about it!

Kareena Kapoor's role is an extension of what she did in K3G. Sadly, this time, the actress is relegated to the background completely. A good actor like Uday Chopra is wasted terribly. The likeable actor has been given a raw deal. Neither is his role a special appearance, nor is it the second lead.

On the whole, MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE has two strong points – the reputed production house's track record and an impressive cast – but a number of weaknesses [which includes an unoriginal script, a weak climax, uninspiring direction and a dull musical score] overpower the plusses completely. At the box-office, the film may not find many takers after the initial euphoria subsides. Disappointing!