TANU WEDS MANU RETURNS
DIRECTOR: Anand L Rai
CAST: R Madhavan, Kangana Ranaut and Jimmy Shergill
CLASSIFICATION: TBA
RUNNING TIME: 128 minutes
RATING: ****
Anand L Rai creates some of the most thought-provoking films. It is interesting to note how his films Tanu Weds Manu and Raanjhanaa have revolutionised the mainstream Bollywood love story.
His latest offering is a beautiful and well-acted romance that tells a rather engaging story.
Plot: Almost four years after Tanu (Kangana) and Manu’s (Madhavan) marriage, the couple find themselves drifting apart.
Unable to reconcile their differences, Tanu returns to her hometown in Kanpur, while Manu travels back to Delhi.
It is here that Manu meets a Haryanvi athlete named Kusum (Kangana). The youngster resembles Tanu and instantly draws Manu closer to her. A love triangle develops between Tanu, Manu and Kusum.
Verdict: This movie is an exceptional example of how proper character study and a simplistic screenplay can make a movie entertaining.
Rai has a talent for writing dialogue and captures the essence of life. From relating the background of the Hindu marriage to highlighting the “forbidden” divorce, he brings it together delightfully on screen. Rai also develops the romance with ease and a subtle realism.
The timing of the dialogue is just right to make it flow naturally and nothing seems unnecessary or over the top. It helps that the two leading performances from Madhavan and Kangana are magical.
Madhavan brings a warm presence to the screen and captivates the audience with his gentle romantic tone.
However, it is Kangana who steals the show. She is a powerhouse and delivers a performance that is hard to resist. Her dual role portrayal is flawless and deserving of the highest praise.
Jimmy Shergill, Deepak Dobriyal and Swara Bhaskar lead the supporting cast with uncompromising performances.
Recommendation: Anybody who appreciates quality cinema will find their joy and comfort in this movie. It will surely leave you with a smile.
l Celebrity journalist and media personality, Varshan Sookhun, presents the popular lifestyle show The Midday Spice on Lotus FM, 92.5 to 103.8 FM, Monday to Friday, 12pm to 3pm. He also presents Bollywood Billboard from 2pm to 5pm on Lotus FM on Saturdays.