Love at first sight: Robbie Bhatia (Abhishek Bachchan) shows his feelings for Rumi Bhagga (Taapsee Pannu).

Manmarziyaan by director Anurag Kashyap is a film that discreetly and subtly gives advice for women seeking a life partner.

The film tells the story of Rumi Bagga (Taapsee Pannu), who lives in a middle-class neighborhood in Amritsar, India.

Rumi is brought up by an aunt after her mother and father both die. Rumi inherited a talent for hockey from her father.

Like most modern women, Rumi has progressive values. This does not bode well with her aunt, who catches her red-handed in her bedroom with her lover, DJ Sandhu (Vicky Kaushal).

The altercation prompts Rumi’s aunt to give Sandhu an ultimatum to marry her niece. Sandhu, however, does not show up to propose to Rumi and she eventually agrees to an arranged marriage with Robbie Bathia (Abishek Bachchan).

Bhatia fell in love with her upon seeing her picture. After many complications, Rumi marries him, but both struggle to keep the marriage intact, while Sandhu attempts to win Rumi back.

Manmarziyaan is one of those “good films”, story-wise, where you have a realistic point in life, featured. It gives an insight into the headstrong younger generation of today who elders have to face and who insist on doing as they please without realizing the consequences of their actions.

Kashyap subtly relays the message of the film on the importance of using one’s head when choosing a life partner. This is portrayed in a scene in which Rumi and Sandhu are in a jeep in their first attempt to elope. Rumi asks him: “OK, where are we heading?” and Sandhu replies with “wherever”.

Our passion: DJ Sandhu (Vicky Kaushal) and Rumi Bhagga (Taapsee Pannu) confirm their love for each other.

Kaushal’s explosive performance is one reason to watch this film. He captivates the audience, especially in one scene in which he looks at Rumi from afar and cries inside his vehicle, knowing he is going to reject her on their second attempt to elope.

Pannu’s performance is also striking as a strong, impassioned woman who displays various emotions, such as anger, guilt and frustration. Her fiery performance makes her the lead star of this film, giving life to the true essence of Rumi’s character. There are some scenes in which she annoys the audience with her mood swings, prompting one to ask, “what the hell does she want?” Although her role requires her to sober up toward the end of the film, she manages to integrate it with the bubbly nature of her character.

Bachchan’s portrayal of an introverted rich banker is also excellent. He portrays a bottled-up man who would do anything for the woman he loves. Bachchan did not have to throw any tantrums, but he conveyed a powerful note through his facial expressions required by the calm nature of Robbie.

Manmariziyaan holds on to a well-versed dialogue of a well-written script. The film keeps up a good pace in the first half, with Rumi and Sandhu seen as strongly compatible, but at some point the screaming and love become repetitive. No doubt this is just a trivial matter, but this movie is surely a must-watch for the youthful reality it portrays. If you are a parent of older children, make sure they watch this.

— Photos courtesy of Eros International

________________________

Manmarziyaan

(Eros International; 155 minutes)
Directed by Anurag Kashyap
Starring Abishek Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu and Vicky Kaushal.