`Aashiqui 2` review: Flawed direction and other nitty-gritty kill it! .......

Resham Sengar

Remaking the 1990`s hit, `Aashiqui`, was a bright idea, given the adulation for the film still exists in the hearts of the audience. But sadly, `Aashiqui 2` has not been given the kind of treatment that a classical on-screen romance should have been given.

Mohit Suri`s version of `Aashiqui` is about two singers – Rahul Jaykar (Aditya Roy Kapur), an alcoholic and falling singing sensation, and Arohi Shirke (Shraddha Kapoor), a wannabe songbird. Arohi catches the eye of Rahul while singing at a Goan bar and he spots the singing star of tomorrow in her. Rahul takes her under his wings to groom her for playback singing and helps her get a great platform to make her voice reach millions. In no time, she becomes a high-flying singer. And yes, the duo fall in love in between all these events. But circumstances hinder the smooth course of Rahul-Arohi’s relationship.

`Aashiqui 2` is quite a clean film unlike the ones that are churned out by the Vishesh Films` factory these days but the quintessential romance element is missing here. The passion between the lead pair is weakened mainly because of Shraddha Kapoor, who can neither emote nor act to intensify the romance. Instead, it is Aditya Roy Kapur who has tried to make things work in the film by being as real as possible while speaking his lines. He puts in genuine efforts to ignite the much-needed spark of passion between him and his on-screen lady love.

Of the supporting cast, Shaad Randhawa as Rahul`s friend has performed his art well. He is one friend in the film that everybody would wish to have in real life. Mahesh Bhatt, as Rahul`s `phone-a-friend father` also deserves a special mention here. Bhatt, the `invisible` father, calls up his son only twice during the film to give him some friendly advice and show that he is `around`.

Neither the story of `Aashiqui 2` is error-free nor is the direction by Mohit Suri unblemished. The scenes are dragged a bit too much at times and there are instances where the length of the sequences is abruptly shortened, which has hampered the quality of the entire film. The storyline’s logic does not go down well at several instances throughout the film.

Thankfully, the characters have been given a neat sketch in the film. The point is that one does not have to rack his or her brains to understand the people in the film, and that helps in relating to the characters and the story.

The soundtrack by Jeet Ganguly, Mithoon, Ankit Tiwari and lyrics by Irshad Kamil and Sanjay Masoomm have been given a modern touch and are as soulful and romantic as they can get. The song - `Tum Hi Ho` - sung by Arijith Singh is the best of the lot.

To sum it up, `Aashiqui 2` must be watched only for three reasons: a) If you love Aditya Roy Kapoor; b) If the songs are of your liking; c) Just out of curiosity. Otherwise, watch the one starring Anu Agarwal and Rahul Roy and save money.

Rating: