Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

wogma rating: Beg or borrow, but do watch (?)

quick review:

An ode to unrequited love and its victims. Reminds them to bask in their one-sided love's glory. The film slices and dices emotional relationships in many, many ways. Watch but please not with cynical unromantics.

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Director: Karan Johar
Running time: 165 minutes
More Movie Info

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil - Preview

Friendship that turns into love though it can predict the heartbreak. Can there be a more soul-sucking theme than that? Must be dementors at work, right? Karan Johar picks all these themes that sound like they involve a lot of soul-searching. And then, the execution, the story just is a broad stroke and thus disappointing. This time however, the trailer promises more.

It promises some wonderful performances. Just that one shift of expression in Anushka Sharma's eye at minute 1:20 made my heart skip a beat. All her pain and disbelief captured instantaneously, before the character could mask it. And of course, Ranbir Kapoor's “I'm hurt, so I will hurt you with my look” look has always been a killer. Add on, Fawad Khan's voice and more. The only vulnerability in the performances might be Aishwarya Rai as femme fatale.

The trailer unfortunately gives away a lot of the movie. It made me wonder what is left for me to discover. Just which man and woman get together isn't remotely exciting enough. That leaves us with the details of how the relationships are built, go through strain and the various interactions. Actually, if done well, this would be more than enough for what one has come to expect from Karan Johar films.

- meeta, a part of the audience

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil gives one-sided lovers hope. Not the kind that says, "ask for something with all your will, and the entire universe shall conspire to make it happen". Ae Dil Hai Mushkil gives those stuck in unrequited love the hope that says, it's ok. Because it's yours. And because it's yours it's beautiful.

Had we known that this was the love triangle Karan Johar was struggling for all these years, we would have held our curses a bit.

I could go on and on about how Ae Dil Hai Mushkil has embraced and comforted relationships whole-heartedly. I want to go on and on. But let me get the unwanted out of the way first. The film does some very avoidable things. Some films use voice-overs; others use a character as a narrator; yet others have long-standing friends talk like strangers for the audience's benefit - all annoying tools; all indicators of lack of confidence in the script. This one uses an interview. *eyeroll* - *whatever* - *shrug off* - *move on*.

Then you have one too many film-y references, even if they are masked under characters who are self-confessing "Bollywood fantasy-livers". They are just about well-placed and stop before they get too many. Could they have cut down the 45 minutes beyond 2 hours? I bet, yes. Tributes, spoofs – notwithstanding. It also has the laziest cop-out out of a love triangle that writers take. A few more *eyerolls* and *oh-nos!* directed towards the writers. You also have the drop in pace in the first half. The couple of scenes after the "break-up song" saw my heart sink after an otherwise decent-ish start. It started treading towards the usual Karan Johar territory - tacky, slapsticky, and over-the-top. It thinks it is clutching at your heart, but it isn't quite there. But it completely recovers from this fall in the second half, even if after a couple of slips.

Had we known that this was the love triangle Karan Johar was struggling for all these years, we would have held our curses a bit through Kuch Kuch Hota Hai's superficial and simplistic take on love, Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham's devotion to family, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna's cringe-inducing take on extra-marital affairs and so on. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil doesn't go far from the one-line plot, but it goes deeper, much deeper.

Through various characters in these films, he has fleetingly touched upon the various kinds of love he has brought together in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. There's the love that exists yet can't resist the temptations of lust. There's love that's so self-aware that it refuses to fall into the trap yet another time and goes into self-preservation mode - pronto. Then you have love that is too precious to want to be lovers - friend-zoned, if you will. Alongside is the love that has lost all self-respect in the gamble. The mightiest of them all - the love that wants, nae demands reciprocation - 100% reciprocation. And they aren't mutually exclusive either. But, through this Ae Dil Hai Mushkil wants to say just one thing - it is all still love. Just different from one another.

Clearly the focus is the different forms love takes and not things that mortals have to worry about like – earning a livelihood, having other responsibilities and so on. The writers even write it off with a scene that declares them rich kids. Now, if you have a problem with rich kids who have difficulty dealing with their heartaches, you want to watch another film.

The understanding of and maturity in relationships is all they want to talk about. It could have gone all awry if it wasn't articulated well in words and their translation to film. From the captain of the boat to the different cogs that make a film work. This is not a film where one character is oblivious to the feelings of the other when it is so obvious. They are what people do in real life – in denial.

It could have gone all awry if it wasn't articulated well in words and their translation to film.

The film is sprinkled with actual conversations, something I find lacking in Hindi romantic films. The dialogue is snappy and you could miss out a witticism here and a good line there if you don't pay keen attention.

The two outbursts, one each by Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma, hit target - they are brilliantly worded, well-timed and enacted with conviction. One expresses the helplessness of having failed after trying everything to get over, to move on, to find a moment of peace. The other is a frustrated expression of a different perspective on love. And then there is a scene with wonderfully written lines for a cameo. If only the actor had played a character and not a charismatic personality which reminds us of the real-life star who wants to pass on the “romantic hero” baton.

Aishwarya Rai does femme fatale beautifully. Ranbir Kapoor holds the screen well, especially in close-ups. Something, I've admired Amitabh Bachchan do. Even though his pain-ridden eyes are all too familiar, they leave their impact. Again. Though there are times he goes over-the-top, something we rarely see him do. So, I'd blame the director. I absolutely love the way Anushka Sharma has grown into the roles she takes on - bringing an uncanny reality about them. Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma together too, make every bit of their relationship relatable. The ladies do goof up their diction every once in a while. And Fawad Khan's character is almost inconsequential to convince me about the hullabaloo caused by his presence in the film.

I am divided about watching this film again. My heart was beating hard while walking out of the theater for having watched a solid, good film. Enough for me to want to walk into the next show right away. But, what if I don't like what I liked about the film as much as I did in first go? I think I am eager to find out.

- meeta, a part of the audience

36 reviewers(?) - 13 yays 14 so-so 9 nays

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

Thumbs up, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ... Ae Dil runs about two-and-a-half hours, but there’s very little padding or pandering – it zips along. You sense confidence. You sense freedom. You sense a bit of the raised middle finger Ayan shows Alizeh. For the first time, Karan Johar comes across like a filmmaker who’s going to end up making love stories with a happily-never-after.... full review

Thumbs up, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole, AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL is a contemporary and a progressive take on relationships from the master story teller Karan Johar. It is a perfect Diwali entertainer which packages rich visuals, chartbuster music and an engrossing screenplay on a large canvas.... full review

Thumbs up, by Smita Vyas Kumar , Desi Martini : ...Stick with the movie. You will come back rewarded. ... full review

Thumbs up, by shefali.saxena12, Desi Martini : ...ADHM is a family movie and most of all a treat for all young hearts that’re fighting with their emotions and love lives. It’s a brilliant take on modern day relationships. Karan has come a long way as a director and sometimes you forget how intelligently he’s studied the psychology of modern day generation and their outlook towards relationships. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...Despite its hits and misses, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is an experience worth having. Karan Johar peppers this love story with countless movie references, some his own, some of his mentors at Yash Raj and others of his idols from Hindi cinema. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Josh, fullhyd.com : ...The music in these portions is particularly amazing. Bulleya is chartbusting material while Channa Mereya is stirring. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Vishal Verma, Glamsham.com : ...ADHM is all-good feel-good candy-floss and a nicely packaged new outing from Karan Johar but the big argument is why is Karan Johar still grappled with the temptations of repeating himself instead of forging a fresh path even after delivering the goods in MY NAME IS KHAN six years ago. ... full review

Thumbs up, Indicine : ...Conclusion: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil takes us back to the forlorn era of movie making where movies tended to rely on the drama of events and the punch of dialogues. It is not without its faults by any means. The characters are borderline frustrating and the second half is very heavy on the heart. Inspite of all that, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil flows fluidly and entertains all the way through. The music doesn’t provide a hindrance and the acting elevates the drama. Any and every lover of Indian classical movies should check out this classical tale of romance in a modern garb called Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Surabhi Redkar, koimoi : ...Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is all about accepting ‘I Friend You’ over ‘I Love You’. Trust me getting friend zoned never looked so good. I am going with a 3.5/5 for the film. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is by far Karan Johar's best film to date: mature, sure-handed and thoroughly entertaining. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Sukanya Verma, Rediff : ...As much as its protagonists look for perfect words to articulate their findings on love, friendship, a space in between and beyond, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil simply reiterates the nature of its unpredictability through a twist I didn't foresee or like. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Nihit Bhave, Times of India : ...That said, you usually come away from a Karan Johar movie dreaming of singing sweet tunes in the Alps; but ADHM makes you realize just how cold it is, up there. Go watch it for a relatable portrayal of modern-day relationships. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Raghav Jaitly, Zee News : ...'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' puts forward friendship before anything else. It will also make you realise the power of one-sided love. A classic Karan Johar film, 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' is the outing that your family deserves this Diwali. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry and, most importantly, it will make you celebrate life. ... full review

So-So, by Anna MM Vertticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...I neither loved nor hated this film. I neither liked nor disliked it. I simply did not mind it – and that is never a compliment. ... full review

So-So, by Tushar P. Joshi, Bollywood Life : ...Ae Dil Hai Mushkil has some really nice moments, but they are few and suffer the curse of a weak second half. Nevertheless watch it for Ranbir and Karan’s interpretation of love, loss and longing. ... full review

So-So, by Subhash K Jha, Deccan Chronicle : ...By the time ADHM gets into a full-on 'Devdas' mode we are in no mood for tragedy. But what to do? Karan Johar won’t let his characters enjoy their self-inflicted pain without a pay-off. These people love the good life and must pay a price for it. ... full review

So-So, by SUPARNA SHARMA, Deccan Chronicle : ...The film is, of course, pretty. And it has pretty people — Aishwarya looks gorgeous. Fawad Khan hardly had a role. In total he is probably on screen for all of three minutes. But man, he really does light up the screen — he is drop-dead gorgeous.Anushka and Ranbir have nice, boisterous chemistry, but that’s courtesy mostly him. She’s good, of course. But he is powerful and can make your eyes well up in seconds. He carries the pain of one-sided love in his eyes, and it’s powerful. ... full review

So-So, by Madan Mohan, Desi Martini : ...The movie dwells heavily on songs and signature dialogue of good old Bollywood. Fair enough since both are Bollywood crazy. Ranbir has diligently played a weak character of the sulking and weeping over sensitive young man who puts henna on his hands while he sings a sad song. Anushka convincingly goes through the whole range of emotions called for. Aishwarya plays the poetess seductress with flourish but doesn't sound true for some reason. Lisa Haydon amuses as the over sophisticated Londoner almost a caricature of sorts. ... full review

So-So, by Rahul Deo Bharadwaj, Desi Martini : ...Despite all such great on screen pluses in the movie , which will ensure that you do not come out feel cheated for the money that you would have paid for the ticket. You would have expected a super classy maker like KJ to have looked a little more into the screenplay. ... full review

So-So, by Sarita A Tanwar, DNA : ...Watch it for the gloss and shine and the superb camaraderie between Ranbir and Anushka. ... full review

So-So, by Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Gulf News : ...Kapoor steals the thunder from the two women. His anguish and his propensity to wail when he’s dumped makes him immensely lovable. Reserve this for a one-time watch. What’s not to love about a posh posse who are stupid and stubborn in love? ... full review

So-So, by Sweta Kaushal, Hindustan Times : ...Ae Dil Hai Mushkil offers little in terms of story and fails to get the audience empathise or feel for the characters and events in the movie. What it does offer is brilliance in the name of Ranbir and Anushka, some awe-inspiring shots of Aishwarya and Fawad and a very beautiful canvas as it is shot at exotic locales of London and Paris. ... full review

So-So, by Ananya Bhattacharyal, india today : ...All the songs of the film have been on people's lips ever since they were released, all plagiarism allegations apart. Channa Mereya and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil are both pleasant numbers... full review

So-So, by Uday Bhatia, Live Mint : ...Ae Dil Hai Mushkil has a run-time of 158 minutes, but there’s surprisingly little filler, and a better ratio of good to bad jokes than one might expect from a Johar film. ... full review

So-So, by Mayank Shekhar, MiD DAY : ...It's the common popular culture that keeps the love between borders alive. But, obviously haters of the wrong things, who were opposing this film, will never understand this.... full review

So-So, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...On the flip side, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil seems to be influenced by many past films-Rockstar, Tamasha, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kal Ho Naa Ho and Katti Batti, which may make you feel that Johar was serving the same old wine in a sparkling new glass. Granted that Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is more mature than Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, but the mere fact that some scenes of this film reminded us of Johar's debut, might adulterate your joy. ... full review

So-So, Sify Movies : ...Ranbir is adept at exhibiting designer-angst. But his feelings for the 'heartless' woman never rises beyond youthful desire. At heart, he remains a philistine who thinks Mohammed Rafi cried rather than sang. "Ae dil hai mushkil jeena yahan...". Read more at: http://www.sify.com/movies/ae-dil-hai-mushkil-review-a-good-looking-film-review-bollywood-qk2pM5dgichci.html#... full review

Thumbs down, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...In other words, AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL can easily be rated as Karan Johar’s soulless attempt to slip into the mode of director Imtiaz Ali – and that’s probably the best way to describe this Diwali misfire. ... full review

Thumbs down, by akashkumar.6095, Desi Martini : ...The Movie has a very slow start and it looks like that it will catch up the pace slowly and steadily but it doesn't.Some Scenes and characters have been forcefully put into the movie which are not required in the movie at all and hold no significance in the movie at all.So my final verdict is that it would be fine to avoid this movie and save your money. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Krishna Sripada, Desi Martini : ...Ae Dil Hai Mushkil tried too hard to be creatively cool. It was almost like a upper-class teenager talking about love and loss and pain while downing illegal vodkas in some pub with a group of equally rich friends. Just didn't fit! ... full review

Thumbs down, by Shailandera Randev, Desi Martini : ...Bakwaas is the word.... full review

Thumbs down, by Dev Raj Gulati, Desi Martini : ...All in all,ADHM being replete with any number of kisses and night club boozing ,and an adult theme,may restrict family audience to visit theatres. ... full review

Thumbs down, by ANISH MOHANTY, Kia Gia : ...The film has its heart in the right place but with a little less indulgence and some more thoughts, this could have been a much more fulfilling experience than it turns out to be.... full review

Thumbs down, by Kunal Guha, Mumbai Mirror : ...Extending the boundaries of his pet theme of love and friendship, Johar attempts to be Imtiaz Ali here. But in this regard, he fails miserably in drafting his character's journey. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Manisha Lakhe, Now Running.com : ...Alas, the film becomes more of a mushkil than a tale of dils. Suffering from a case of 'One-sided love'? Then rest assured, you will be cured of the affliction.... full review

Thumbs down, by Karan Bali, Upper Stall : ...The films looks mouthwateringly good, the songs work well not just in their admittedly catchy compositions, but also reasonably so in their filming. But ultimately, the film itself has little to offer, thereby making it extremely difficult and painful to endure. ... full review

109 tweeters(?) - 83 yays 4 so-so 22 nays

zoozhaqiqi: Ae dil hai mushkil❤️

WaddiSyedZaadi: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil can make anyone cry who loves their friends. *---*

umarnagi: Ae dil hai mushkil was worth it.

tweepeeep: Ae dil hai mushkil is nice

TheRealLaddoo: Ae dil hai mushkil was good

ThatRanbirFan: This feels so good :') Ae Dil Hai Mushkil ❤ https://t.co/yBPkX1BV5d

tanejamainhoon: Loved Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. A signature Karan Johar film after years, and probably his most… https://t.co/nGZJEOyZ0J

syedmub92918988: #Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Awesome

SunFatiima: Ae dil hai mushkil #marvellous #bravo

sonalpatel02: Ae dil hai mushkil is a beauts movie

sliiziio: Ae dil hai mushkil ❤️

shoaib9043: Ae dil hai mushkil! Superb movie... Ranbir Anushka Aishwarya

Shazeen_: I just watched Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and my life is shook @karanjohar it's amazing

sanihamody: be ready to shed tears in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, what a touching movie.

Sameehahaha: AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL WAS SO GOOD OH MY GOD

Sabrina_12345: Still can't get over Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

sabeera_: ae dil hai mushkil was an amazing movie

RijaKhan: ae dil hai mushkil is sucha beautiful film, even if you don't like the concept just go and see it for how hot everyone is in it boyyyyy

rehankh95775302: Ae dil hai mushkil#awesome movei

PrxckMode: Ae dil hai mushkil was pretty good tbh

Ppatel148: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil ❤ Literally one big emotional roller coaster! Absolutely LOVED IT!

PawanSainii: Ae dil hai mushkil is a brilliant movie.

patelchiragsrk: blessed to see u in ae dil hai muskil.....loved it that scene....ek tarfa pyaar vala @iamsrk

nuwairah_kidwai: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is hands down the best 2016 indian movie

nishxr: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil was soooooooo good im shook

NikitaRego: I love the movie ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’

NazishxAhmed_: Ae dil hai mushkil was by far the best movie I've ever seen.

Namratanamrvani: I loved ranbeer kapoor and anushka sharma in ae dil hai mushkil . Superlative performances . Clishey looks... https://t.co/Ju6u55Xpk4

muk_ankita: Don't watch Ae Dil Hai Mushkil for its story. Don't miss it because of Uri. Watch it for SRK. 5 mins make the movie golden. #loveyouShahrukh

MrsJassyBiebs: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is so good,I've never had my heartbroken but this movie made me feel the pain of a heartbreak @AnushkaSharma @karanjohar

mevishj_: Ae dil hai mushkil, one of 2016s best tbh.

maryambegum_: Ae dil hai mushkil was so amazing

Ma2or: I'll never understand why many people didn't like Ae dil hai mushkil movie it was amazing

liberosist: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is a worthy watch. Broke a few norms. Wrote a new kind of love story. Celebrated friendship above all :)

kulthoomshxikh: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil was so freaking good! @karanjohar @AnushkaSharma @ranbirkapoor @iamsrk @AishwaryaRaiWeb ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

KomolBhuiyan: I've Watched The Film ' Ae Dil Hain Mushkil ' #BestEst Movie Ever..

KhuloodJameel: 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' is actually a movie I'd suggest people to watch. So emotional I can't even..

karishmasinghk3: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil फिल्म हेरेरै मनाईयो आजको स्पेसल साझ ।

karishmaaaaa_: I give Ae dil hai mushkil a 10/10

justnadia_k: I saw Ae Dil Hai Mushkil yesterday and cried 5 times. I looooooooooooved that movie.

joaniemaloney: so, AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL was good. a bit melodramatic @ parts but hey, it's drama. & Karan Johar. um, everybody was so pretty. esp Aishwarya.

jagdeeshrao7: Ae dil hai mushkil, probably the most touching movie ever

izazkazmi47: Ae dil hai mushkil 10/10

itsamo_o: Ae dil hai mushkil was amazing, definitely the best Bollywood movie I've seen in a while!

IsratAdar: Ae dil hai mushkil <3

imransheikkh: Ae Dil hai Mushkil is such an excellent unconventional saga. Another masterpiece by Karan Johar after My name is khan . Full Marks!

iamananyasharma: #ADHM is a Fun Ride with Heartwarming Moments and a Beautiful Underlying Theme https://t.co/oe3tnW6DSn

humss_x: Ae dil hai mushkil was an AMAZING movie

HouseofGlib: Really enjoyed AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL, which I'm translating as "Everyone Gets Friend-Zoned Sometime" instead of "The Heart is Complicated".

hirahero4you: Ae dil hai mushkil, definitely worth the watch ❤

Hirahafeezz: Ae dil hai mushkil is such a perfecttt moviee

Forozzz: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil was so funny and cute and sad and SRK FUARKKKKKKKKK

FawadAdeelKiHir: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is watched & loved. If you've ever had your heart broken, this one's for you!

fatami_4683: 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' this movie is amazing

farrukhershad: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil got your boy super senti.

FareehaJahangir: Ae dil hai mushkil is such a nice movie. Damnn!

faha_sultan: I liked ae dil hai mushkil

eternalentity1: Fell in love with the character Alizeh in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Such a brilliant film. Can't stop crying!

EhsanZoya: Ae dil hai mushkil #best #closetomyheart #purestory #mystory

dwadiaghandy: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.....superb movie......Anushka And Ranbir are brilliant....makes you alive......

cOoLdUdE3214: Dont know what everyone say...Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is awesome ...Movie has some really memorable moments ...

CCabbas: Just watched Ae Dil Hai Mushkil - amazing unpredictable storyline. A beautiful love story that had me in tears

bezayoli: Ae Dil Hai Muskil is as beautiful as a poetry.

beingzourry: what an AMAZING movie Ae Dil Hai Mushkil was

BalochiWarna: Just watched "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" a must watch movie guys ❤️

AWR1227: Well Ae Dil Hai Mushkil was interesting

awesome_imran: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is 8/10. The performances were brilliant

authoranmol: #AeDilHaiMushkil is a fun ride with heart warming moments & a beautiful underlying theme. @AnushkaSharma @karanjohar https://t.co/rtKFyDSZic

atharrri: guysss if you haven't watched "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" youu MUST Watch it asap :(

Arman_Ariana: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is freaking good :') i cant stop thinking about it

AnushreeAgarwa5: Awesome movie ae dil hai mushkil... Just love it.... Ranbir❤❤ @karanjohar

AnmolLoonia: I loved Ae Dil Hai Mushkil guys because I solemnly swear I love what I do and the clothing is mindblowing. Its a fashion lover's delight.

aniabul: I loved everything about Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

AminaS__: Ae dil hai mushkil was so emotional

alyzasouprani: ae dil hai mushkil was so fucking good

AlaaTaqi: Added to my favorite bollywood movies "Ae dil hai mushkil"

abdulkhaliqkho1: I love the karan johar production the parfect production ae dil hai mushkil is a wonderful movie @ https://t.co/H4VjofuNti

Aati000: Just watched "Ae dil hai mushkil " What a classy movie ❤️

0121Do1Son: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil was good. Watched a Karan Johar film after so long and he did what he does best. Made me cry lol

_xzaynab: ae dil hai mushkil was the cutest film ever

_ninaneha: ae dil hai mushkil was one of the best films i have ever witnessed pls go watch it u won't be disappointed

_naywin: loved every frame of the mess that is Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. this movie is half a decade late imo but very well played. crie, brb.

__anushaa: Freaking LOVED ae dil hai mushkil

waqas4072: Review: Minus its controversy, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is a pretty average film https://t.co/C6ETqdVN9z

mdolmos: ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ Review: Bollywood’s Karan Johar Struggles to Tell a Good Love Story https://t.co/bg05b4QcGi

HammaaadKhan: Ae dil hai Mushkil was good. Not great. But good.

70Janat: While living in Pakistan, finally somehow watched it, ae dil hai mushkil and tbh it is a pretty average movie

warpedsoul: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is a piece of shit.

VarunBottle: Don't watch Ae Dil Hai Mushkil ☺️ Strong 4/10. Boring, awkward, cameos af, and worst of all: Spotify product placement.

TailorShift: Raise your hand if you've wasted your money on Ae Dil Hain Mushkil....

sureshnakhua: Sorry Friends Hv to confess Watched Ae Dil Hai Mushkil last evg Loved it for first 3 min 57 seconds https://t.co/6YlhdBGhYa

someaningless: ae dil hai mushkil whatayy disappointment

salmanalikh: Ae dil hai mushkil was such a drag ajeeb bakwaas thi

notoriousBAIG: ok the ending of ae dil hai mushkil. karan johar for sure ran out of ideas and was like well this movie will do numbers anyway who cares

noiseandtears: ae dil hai mushkil is the weirdest fuckin movie

nibedan_karan: World wrost movie "Ae Dil Hai Muskil" bullshit.. dam @india_boxoffice @karanjohar

nakashdixit: Ae dil hai muskil flim is good But aish's role is too short We can say little bit cameo Ending is missing Not good Disappointed

madtesers: Ae dil hai mushkil - A pointless and complicated movie giving us stress for 35dhs and 3hrs with overacting and selfish people in the movie.

ik_punjabi: #ADHM .....…....... ye movie jhel paana ae dil hai mushkil......

idyllmind: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil ★★ https://t.co/9lrs8Vx0em

drrajivsingla: Ae dil hai mushkil bakwaas movie

DharamDesai: Karan Johar pls stop making shitty movies like Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

deepalittmc: A love B, B loves C, C loves D, E loves A but F loves E ... uff!!! Is jalebi ko samajhna 'ae dil hai mushkil'

ChakrVyuh: Just watched ae dil hai mushkil- a poorly made film with a great cast.

bhavneetkaushal: Is diwali Ae dil hai mushkil naam ki phuski bomb se bachen — feeling bored

ASAPsharma: Ae dil hai mushkil was THE WORST HINDI MOVIE IVE EVER SEEN EVER

anandkumar13: This is the most honest review of #AeDilHaiMushkil......seroiusly #KaranJohar you can do better https://t.co/TkghOBoMwf

ahmedrockr: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil Disappoints.......!! https://t.co/BwcnHXXCSC

_Dark_Dex_: Ae dil hai mushkil.........what on earth? I am sorry but I didn't get a shit. What even.......... ·_· #aedilhaimushkil

6 readers - 3 yays 2 so-so 1 nays

Not Interested in Watching, by Anuj

Not Interested in Watching, by Fan : Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in desh drohion ko samajhna

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Anup : Transformation of Karan Johar

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Drama Online

Yay! Thumbs Up, by shivavarun : super

So-So, by Gokul

So-So, by NRI

Nay! Thumbs Down, by Rancho : Hopeless

This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.

Plot Summary

Boy meets girl. One loves the other romantically, the other well, kind-a, sort-a pretty much doesn't.

What Worked

  • It is interesting that a song from the 90s – when I was growing up – is now used to induce nostalgia, as a classic. Especially since it is used along with songs from 50s-60s that were used in films from 90s for the same effect.
  • The scene with two women talking about the same man – with Yash Chopra-ish finesse.
  • The following scene with awkward silence.

What did not

Note: This section simply lists the things that I did not like in this movie. This is not the overall impression about this movie. Please read the full review here

  • The occasional product placement (Saavn).
  • A reaction to a cheating partner.
  • The TV serial spoof.

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: None. A slap or two.
  • Language: Clean mostly. Abusive words muted out.
  • Nudity & Sexual content: A couple of making out scenes.
  • Concept: That of love – all kinds – reciprocated, unrequited, cheated on, submissive, and so on.
  • General Look and Feel: A crisp film that doesn't do anything gimmicky.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction:
Story:
Lead Actors:
Character Artists:
Dialogues:
Screenplay:
Music Director:
Lyrics:

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil - Cast, crew, links

Director:
Cinematography:
Background Score:
Music Director:
Running time:
165 minutes
Reviewer:
Language:
Country:

Comments (37)

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Fan

Now this is a movie that the makers would be better off putting in the freezer for some time till things cool off with a rogue state called Pakistan. Shrewd and selfish business attitudes will portray the businessmen as peaceniks and messengers of love and peace, and urge all to watch the film. It is up to the smart crowd to see through such pretenses and recognize the shameless undermining of national policy, policy that is aimed at permanently resolving a major security issue. On one hand the country in its vast and diverse majority wants the entire world to hit Pakistan with sanctions, and on the other hand shrewd businessmen want exceptions made to sanctions for selfish personal financial gains.

I register my protest against Dharma and all other who believe personal financial interests are higher than the sacrifices made by families of brave soldiers in giving the luxury and freedom with which Dharma can go about living their lives. A strict no for this film.

ehinome okojie

If Shivaay beats Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in its worldwide collections, I will leave wogma. I challenge Anuj to do the same should the opposite happen.

ehinome okojie

Lol Youngistaan ruling over 1991 star. Hahahaha. Footfalls tracked by box office india for ADHM/Shivaay is 11:5 .

Anuj

Footfall 11:5 only in Delhi/NCR, Mumbai/Pune, Chandigarh/Mohali. Mass circuits is exactly the opposite. Just like it was for SOS over JTHJ. Infactuated fangirls and roadside romeos would never chane taste, right from the times of the over rated DDLJ's, KKHH's to the times of outright trash like YJHD and ADHM.

Anuj

And of course its a different matter that the ever so secular (to the extent of shooting themselves on the foot) Hindus would provide equal footfalls to Khan's , Kumar's and Devgan's while the "not so minority" audience would outrightly boycott Shivaay only for its name and watch Sultan and PK 5 times over, but that's a different matter altogether.

ehinome okojie

Talking about one sided love, I may have fallen in love with Meeta for this review.

ehinome okojie

Shivaay 8.25cr
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil 13.25cr
Despite MNS and internet troll threats. If not for Uri attacks Shivaay would have been less than 5.8cr. There will be destruction this diwali, perhaps self destruction for Shiver.

ehinome okojie

Some people who bashed Ra One, Veer and Kites are in respiratory distress (The Devgun fans).

Anuj

4 cr difference in nett collection with just a 2.5 Lakh difference in footfalls. That too with the mass entertainer being impacted the most due to pre Diwali festivities. This is what happens when paid cronies of powerful production houses coupled with rich urban multiplex brats and braindead fangirls of chocolate heroes gang up in favor of one film against another. We witnessed something similar in 2012 when both JTHJ and SOS recorded similar footfalls, yet the media portrayed JTHJ to be a "clear winner" (lol). And of course, who can forget the media's endless rants about DDLJ being India's biggest blockbuster despite recording 2 crore lower footfall than HAHK (not that the criminal from a certain "minority community" deserves such viewership).

ha ha ha ha @ehinome I take that as a compliment. **aadaab**

ehinome okojie

The centres that supported Bajirao Mastani are supporting Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Monday will show the aukaat of Anti Pak viewers, lol bhakts and multiplex viewers are not on the same page as Dilwale vs Bajirao Mastani. When audience watched BM they were wise, they have become unwise for watching ADHM. love no matter how mushy is still better than destruction, oops destruction of Shiva with a y(a character that makes fun of Linga and Shiva by indulging in unwarranted kissing and fornication). Only anti hindus and anti Pak muslims will support Shiva with a y.
This Diwali is for Ae Dil Ki Diwali though an above average affair. A clean romantic film is better than a horny action film for family audiences.

ehinome okojie

Bribing film critics is better than retrospectively abeiting killing of Jawans by showing fake solidarity.

ehinome okojie

Some think having a good trailer is the same as having a good film, the people who praised Shivaay's trailer are the same multiplex viewers and overseas audience. Devgn has lost out due to his unethical gimmicks but he forgot KJo is no Chopra be it Yash or Aditya, yeah KJo got dirty in a smart way by roping SRK into his film just like Dev did with Salman for Son of Sardaar.This time Salman kept quiet despite Ranbir romancing his ex girlfriend.
Those people supporting Shivaay on IMDb are bhakts and MNS supporters. The longest finger will be thrown into their mouths this Diwali. Enough of nonsense by the Thackerays and their ilk.

Anuj

Look at this brainwashed secular/minority ranting his mouth off at a mere movie! This is the precise problem with the "majority" population of this nation. Most of them are either Nehruvian brainwashed commies who would support the thought that "art has no boundaries" and continue watching mushy romantic nonsense like YJHD and ADHM produced by corporate czars. The "majority" Hindu population would be split wide open between ADHM and Shivaay with mushy romantic noob girls and their romeo bf's preferring ADHM while the action junkies and one's looking for innovation preferring Shivaay. However, no such disparity among the "minorities" as they would obviously watch ADHM (even if they do not like the genre/film) only 'coz the other film's name is "Shivaay" and ADHM's been produced by the "partner" of a Khan. Damn easy to split up the excessively tolerant "majority" for the pseudo seculars and "minorities" with vested interests.

Anuj

To put it bluntly, our Hindi movie watching audience can be divided into an 80:20 ratio with 80% being the Hindus (coupled with Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs etc) and the 20% being the "minorities". Among this 80%, Shivaay would find favor among a good 60% of them, mainly from the interiors such as Rajasthan, MP, UP, Bihar, Gujarat and CP Berar. However, despite finding favor among the 60% Hindus, the low ticket prices in mass centers would ensure a lower figure for Shivaay as opposed to ADHM which would find favor among the 40% urban pseudo liberals and tolerant communist influenced intelligentsia along with bimbette fan-girls and romeo fan-boys. Despite being a 40% minority among the Hindus, the collections of ADHM would be significantly higher as most of this 40% comes from urban centers like Delhi/NCR, Mumbai/Pune, Bangalore and Kolkata. Add to that the 20% minorities who would not watch Shivaay at any cost and we have a 52:48 viewership/footfall ratio in favor of ADHM and a 65:35 ratio in terms of box office collections. All this hold true till Tuesday after which its all dependent on word of mouth for both the films among all sections of the audience.

ehinome okojie

If Shivaay crosses 105cr as per boi figures, i will not eat for 2 days.

ehinome okojie

Ae Diwali Ki Mushkil.

ehinome okojie

After supporting Dilwale and Mohenjodaro, it feels good to lead and possibly win.

ehinome okojie

Some people playing the religion card, so shameful. Which youngistaan star except Imran Khan is a muslim. These Muslims won the hearts of their fans by their talent, charisma, and hardwork not like HR and AD who need vote bank viewership.

Anuj

Vote bank viewership helped KNPH demolish "Phir bhi dil hai Pakistani" and "Mela" as a rank newcomer, give Mission Kashmir a bigger opening than Mohabbatein, deliver Bollywood's most successful sci-fi/superhero franchise which stood the test of time for over a decade, exponentially increase the value of the Dhoom franchise by 3 times, deliver Hindi cinema's most successful historical of the decade (unlike A-Mangal Pandey and A-dhoka). Darn, even ZNMD was a bigger commercial success than DCH...lol :P

Gokul Vijay

Anuj and Fan...Did you guys consider the SMALL possibility that the audience is disinterested and tired of watching masala films with glorified heroes single handedly taking on multiple villains???I personally liked Bahubali and can't wait for the second part manily because the first film was actually 'fun and entertaining' which Shivaay doesn't look like.Considering the all round bvad reviews Shivaay is getting doesn't help it's cause either.On the other hand,ADHM had superb music,presence of Karan Johar which guaranteed that the movie would be at least entertaining(His worst,Student of the Year was at least entertaining and watchable than the 'Masala entertainers' Rohit shetty and Prabhudeva make.)And Ranbir Kapoor is a plus considering the guy gives superb performances even in terrible movies.So it isn't a surprise that many people who isn't a fan of Ajay Devgn favouring ADHM.

Anuj

@Gokul : So a masala movie with word class action and brilliant camerawork/cinematography is a done to death formula while the same old Karan Johar nonsense that his production house has been dishing out for the last 20 years in fresh? Anyway, SHIVAAY will find more footfalls, if not collections as the audiences in the interiors would definitely prefer an action thriller than a romantic mushy pretty boy film. That would not show in the collections as ADHM would find an audience paying 4 times as that of Shivaay.

Ehinome Okojie

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil will kill Shivaay everywhere except Thackeraypur.

ehinome okojie

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil makes it to the top ten in the US weekend box office. The second film from Bollywood in 2016.

ehinome okojie

Youths will defeat buddhas at the boxoffice, so ADHM all the way. If Amitabh's Te3n clashes with Salman's Ready, all kinds of viewers will watch Ready forgetting it has no story, but will campaign for Shivaay for showing us what?

Annkur

One of the rare occasions when I go to watch a movie just on wogma reco and don't like it (at all). A little too much over acting and unable to relate to story. Good songs.

Aishwarya Rai's part was worth watching :)

ANuP

Its a total transformation of Karan Johar. The way of direction is nowhere close to old Karan Johar , he totally ignored the melodrama , even the most tragic scenes were turned into entertaining. Karan Johar is a very good director , the only thing needed that he would mold himself for the current generation of audience (which Yash Ji was not able to do in his last film) , and he did it. I guess producing movies like LUNCHBOX and KAPOOR & SONS have a positive effect on Karan.
I find this movie totally fresh (not tried and tasted). Yes the story is not new , but the screenplay is awesome , direction and acting at its best , Anushka is the best thing about the film , but not a single actor disappoints , not even Lisa Haydon in her small role.
Anybody who is judging it , without watching it that its just another Karan Johar usual film , is very very wrong.

@Annkur ha ha ha. Like we say around here, "to each his own". But sad that you didn't like it. :)

ehinome okojie

US Box Office (Opening Weekend)
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil - $2.1m
Shivaay - $0.33m
I am angry with YRF and SRK for not finishing this Flopmatwala.

ehinome okojie

Someone said at a single screen where ticket fee is 10 rupees, Shivaay was running housefull and we were dancing the 2Rs dance in honour of Shivaay.

ehinome okojie

Anuj and Ajax are the same person.

Rancho

The problems with the minority community is they look at everything with a religious eye. So, any rubbish dished out by the khans like chennai express and happy new year is lapped up by them. KJo, who seem to be in love with Shah Rukh, has practically become a muslim. So he is also supported. And they won't watch Shivaay because of the name. Yet, despite all paid reviews of ADHM and anti-Shivaay reviews, the word of mouth is very strong for Shivaay and very bad for ADHM. So, despite all the negatives against Shivaay and positives for ADHM, even in boxoffice money collection, Shivaay is only 10% less than ADHM. Based on latest figures, it looks like Shivaay will overtake ADHM even in box office money collection. The multiplex audience has been so upset with ADHM that now they are going to watch Shivaay (and liking it), and Shivaay should be able to beat ADHM.

ehinome okojie

Enjoying ADHM's victory this Diwali.

Ehinome Okojie

Shivaay - 62cr
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil - 78cr

NRI

I have been following wogma for years for two reasons.
No-nonsense approach to rating, where rating is not linked to film's business.
Parental Guidance - so that if I am watching the movie at home.

My friend advised me that this movie is so-so. I just looked at your review and based on your score, decided to watch the movie. I did not find it to be that appealing at all, which makes to wonder, if you guys are also influenced by producers or anybody else who has a financial motives, similar to new channels which are biased.

And if my doubts are true, then this is a sad that everything is on sale in India be it news or opinion.

I hope I am wrong and that there is something, I could not get.

@NRI: Isn't it sad that if we disagree on a movie, we directly suspect integrity?

NRI

I wish I am wrong and it is just a difference of opinion and no other consideration.

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