Amit Sahni Ki List

wogma rating: Watch if you have nothing better to do (?)

quick review:

Like its lead character, the film is a little lost. Which by itself isn't a bad thing, but difficult to make an interesting story out of.

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Director: Ajay Bhuyan
Running time: 110 minutes
Genres: Comedy, Romance
More Movie Info

Amit Sahni Ki List - Preview

We all have some criteria in mind for 'the one' of our lives. Some of us more romantic than others, some others more practical than others, most a combination of the two and a few of us would want to go with the flow instead of anticipate and stress over it. Amit Sahni doesn't look like he's in that last category for sure.

Note how the trailer makes you think and identify with the character rather than the actor. I admit, it's not that Vir Das is a "star", yet he carries his own kind of branding. Fortunately, that branding isn't overshadowing the character in this one. Especially since he seems to be like every other urban youth who wants to tick that item of their list - life partner.

I see this romcom connecting with its audience, yet I wonder if it'll spoil things by becoming repetitive. As I saw the trailer, the only thing that kept coming to mind was, it might work if it is short. That can be a good thing, because it seems to have piqued some interest. On the other hand, I am already looking forward to it being short. Let's just say, we'll know soon.

Music Reviews:
Milliblog - "Functional list for Amit Sahni."
Music Aloud - "7.5/10"

- meeta, a part of the audience

Romcoms by default have a fresh feel about them. They are light and fluffy and are intended to make you smile at the exaggeration. In that way, Amit Sahni Ki List fits the bill perfectly. It also tries to be different in the sense that it's all about this guy who is all set in his life and seems completely focused on finding the perfect woman. His search is built up reasonably well, but doesn't hold interest after a point.

A part of it might be because Amit Sahni doesn't quite know what he wants. But then again, who knows what they want? In that sense, it is realistic with Amit rushing towards the side that looks greener. My guess is, this would have been fine had the film been unbiased towards who Amit should pick. The film has clearly picked sides but wants us to believe that Amit is the decision-maker. And this is where the film looks like it has lost its advantage.

It has Amit Sahni represent the lost urban youth when it comes to love. That generation which thinks it knows exactly what it wants when it comes to a life partner, but has no clue when push comes to shove, also known as, when they fall in love. The pity is that there is no way the film could've ended right. Whatever Amit Sahni did would've done, it would've been a dissatisfactory call.

Fortunately, we have the performances in the right ballpark. Vir Das is aptly charming and confused. Vega Tamotia is her brand of cute and so is her character Mala. Anindita Nayar does the slick, businesswoman bit neatly. Kavi Shastri has the best lines of the lot and has a good comic timing to pull them off too.

The film tries its hand at being modern all to be more annoying than trying to connect with the audience. It has Amit Sahni's mom speak in SMS-ese. So she actually talks in abbreviations. Then you have SMS/chat exchanges show up on screen in call bubbles. All very slick but this distracts from the story, rather than blend with the narrative. It all comes across as very overt.

For all its modernity, Amit Sahni Ki List does keep the regular traps of relationship films. And it looks like a very deliberate attempt. So, while you do have the couple bond over the regular fun, filmy things, there is something very natural about the way they behave too. Interestingly, they keep sex out of the picture completely. The regular arguments related to friends and career are avoided too. Yet, you don't sense the chemistry except in a couple of scenes. A lot of it has to do with Amit Sahni breaking the fourth wall and talking to us, quite unnecessarily so.

Other than that, the songs are not too intrusive. I'd like to talk specially about the opening song. The film is called Amit Sahni Ki List - that is a film which includes the male protagonist's name in its title. It starts with an all woman song that has lyrics that claim that the women are more than just their bodies. But visually, it is like any other item number fully focused on objectifying their sexuality. It is disturbing. This song looked nothing like the trailer, so it was disorienting. I almost wondered if I walked into the wrong screen. Only to find out that it indeed had nothing to do with the film, and unabashedly so. The first line of the film claims that they did it for the producers! I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Off late, I am in a similar conundrum with respect to my overall opinion of a film. I don't like how the film was narrated or how they got to the conclusion or what specifically the conclusion was too. At the same time, story-wise I can't quite tell what would've been a fairly reasonable change they could've made. Maybe even fluffy romcoms, while staying within the realm of exaggeration they are allowed, have started representing life all too well. Maybe that's what doesn't work about these films - they don't take me to a fairyland and neither do they stay real enough for me to identify with them.

- meeta, a part of the audience

20 reviewers(?) - 3 yays 9 so-so 8 nays

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

Thumbs up, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...Kavi Shastri, as Sahni’s best friend Push-kar, Sahni’s talkative, acronym spewing, pole-dancing, mother, Natasha Rastogi, Anu Menon as the relationship breaking-up expert and Noni Singh, the canine with witty thought bubbles, helps keep the perkiness evenly spread-out. The songs do tend to put punctuations marks on the entertainment though. This one’s a fairly engaging dekho – not taxing in the least!... full review

Thumbs up, by Joginder Tuteja, Movie Talkies : ...A kind of film that may well have been a Valentine's Day release, Amit Sahni Ki List can be given a comfortable watch. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Subhash K. Jha, NDTV : ...Ditto the film. It has a heart and brains. Go for it.... full review

So-So, by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole, AMIT SAHNI KI LIST is a feel-good film that tickles your funny bone with its witty dialogues. Holds appeal more for the urban audience! ... full review

So-So, by Subramanian Harikumar , Bollywood Life : ...Though the film lacks the knockout punch to etch its impact on audience’s memory, Amit Sahni Ki List is a refreshing take on the age old love story and definitely deserves a one time watch. Go with minimal expectations and you will not be disappointed.... full review

So-So, by Kusumita Das, Deccan Chronicle : ...Give this one a watch. That’s the least you can do. Or should I say that’s the list you can do.... full review

So-So, by Krish Sripada, Desi Martini : ...A witty, well-made depiction of a confused but rigid-list-driven man with 'first world' problems - choosing between two awesome women ... full review

So-So, by Tushar Joshi, DNA : ...Likeable in parts, Amit Sahni makes a decent watch for those who don't expect too much from their movies. ... full review

So-So, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...For getting these bits just right, I'm going with two-and-half out of five for Amit Sahni Ki List. Go in with modest expectations and perhaps you won't be disappointed. ... full review

So-So, by Rahul Desai, Mumbai Mirror : ...Still, let me go out on a limb and be the first to call this: I see a fairly bright future for the director. He just about manages to make the most out of a soulless protagonist, half-line story and a one-line screenplay. But then again, which contemporary comedy ever promises to be more? ... full review

So-So, by Noyon Jyoti Parasara, Now Running.com : ...Amit Sahni Ki List is your film this weekend if you are looking for some fun. You should surely come out with some funny Virr Das expressions in your mind. ... full review

So-So, by Renuka Vyavahare, Times of India : ...Mismatch or Miss Right? Instead of waiting for that 'perfect rom-com', you can give this a try.... full review

Thumbs down, by Anna MM Vetticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...The final nail in the coffin of my experience of ASKL: for the most part, it is a bore. What does it say about the film that the funniest line comes about one-and-a-half hours into the story (it involves Doordarshan, I won’t say more). Das has a likeable screen presence that is wasted here. You just need to watch him in a village in Durg in Chattisgarh towards the end of the film, turning the simple act of scratching his way up a hillside into a moment of brief hilarity, to know what he’s capable of. But like stand-up comedians, actors too need solid written material to back them. ASKL’s screenplay (credited to Shiv Singh and Rohit Banawlikar) does not have that.... full review

Thumbs down, by aneela.zeb.b, Desi Martini : ...Looking forward to how many ways reviewers are going to play with the Delist Kar Diya Jai theme. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Sidhant Shori, Desi Martini : ...You can cross this movie off your list! ... full review

Thumbs down, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...his film lacks the intended humour besides showing, young, educated girls [who are far more ambitious that the protagonist and who deserve much better] in a frivilous manner. As an audience, we too deserve much better. Having said that, the pseudo intellects will lap this one up.... full review

Thumbs down, by Mohar Basu, koimoi : ...Amit Sahni Ki List isn’t exactly some excruciating film to endure but it doesn’t bloom enough to qualify as a crackling film. The director’s slapdash work is evident and that mortally harms the film. I am going with a 2/5. This Vir Das show isn’t exactly his best work.... full review

Thumbs down, by Divya Solgama, MoviezADDA : ...on paper has more potential than on silver screen. It's a decent romantic comedy with good story line attached to it. Sadly, the screenplay lacks the conviction as well as entertaining factor due to which this perfect list gets smudged, leaving behind blurry impressions.... full review

Thumbs down, by Paloma Sharma, Rediff : ...Funny on the surface with faults in its execution, Amit Sahni Ki List should probably come with a warning that says 'Burn after watching'.... full review

Thumbs down, by Anuj Kumar, The Hindu : ...Unfortunately, Ajay has very few items on his list. The message that like jewellery, love also demands some imperfection to be lasting, is more spoon-fed than heart felt. The soapy treatment makes it worth a wait for the film’s television premiere. ... full review

27 tweeters(?) - 15 yays 6 so-so 6 nays

vbollywood: 'Amit Sahni Ki List...a film that can be on your weekend 'list' http://www.vbollywood.com/2014/07/movie-review-amit-sahni-ki-list/

ShiviRKashyap: Amit Sahni Ki List is out today plz go watch it.

SherrylWShastri: The film is officially out today. Make sure you guys go watch. Amit Sahni Ki List listing today..July 18th. #AmitSahniKiList #worthawatch :)

revathi_roy: Amit Sahni Ki List releasing on 18th July. Fantastic film. Please watch.

Pejorative_: Amit Sahni Ki List is a funny funny movie. Vir Das should do series. #worththemoneyyo

NewYorkTNews: 'Amit Sahni Ki List:' Warm and Amusing Story of Self-Discovery http://zipzip.it/?url=http://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/bollywood/movie_reviews/amit-sahni-ki-list-warm-and-amusing-story-of-self/article_96761518-1020-11e4-973c-0019bb2963f4.html

MinorityReview: Saw Amit Sahni Ki List and I quite enjoyed it. Go watch.

LambaBhavesh: Amit Sahni ki List !! Nice different Entertaining Movie ! One time watch for sure !!

insertindian: Amit Sahni Ki List is funny and well worth a watch. @thevirdas is hilarious.

IndianMakeup: Had the most amazing evening today. Went to watch Amit Sahni ki List. The movie was awesome but what was more... https://www.facebook.com/fauxpasindia/posts/898187090196047

FilmyCurry: A light hearted entertainer, #AmitSahniKiList is a surprise package @thevirdas @vegatamotia @AmitSahniKiList Review http://www.filmycurry.com/amit-sahni-ki-list-movie-review/

certifiedqtiya: Leave all films but do not miss Amit Sahni Ki List. 4.25 / 5 . Refreshing film. SUPERB JOB BY @thevirdas and team.

bollywodcountry: Film @AmitSahniKiList is endearing 'roam' com about a restless Romeo looking for.ummm.love Rating: ***1/2 @thevirdas http://bollywoodcountry.com/?q=detail/latest-news/amit-sahni-ki-list-an-endearing-roam-com-movie-review/50887

amitation: just watched Amit Sahni ki List. Loved it! @thevirdas n @KaviShastri witty as ever! @vegatamotia is charming n @aninditanayar looks classy!

AliaActress: Amit Sahni Ki List quick movie review: Vir Das’ comic timing makes the film a breezy watch!: After doing a lot... http://t.co/Qar1eLGEZE

tbkdotcom: Amit Sahni Ki List scores 2.5 out of 5 in The Bollywood Khans Critics Score Board

Reliance_media: 'Amit Sahni Ki List' review: Fresh, enjoyable but falls short due to director's conservative ... http://t.co/AcszIDsfIU

MovieReviews001: Movie Reviews : Pizza : 1/5 Amit Sahni Ki List : 2.5/5

kkbharvad: ‘Amit Sahni Ki List’ tweet review: Predictable in parts but a feel good film http://bharatpress.com/?p=55058

gauravkrai: my review of @AmitSahniKiList @thevirdas makes it watchable @KaviShastri http://kyaraihai.blogspot.com/2014/07/amit-sahni-ki-list-notwithstanding.html?spref=tw

dhaivatraval: Watched Amit Sahni Ki List !! Nice movie 1 time watch !!

vathsanatheart: My take on Vir Das's #AmitSahniKiList, not an ideal bet for your list. http://www.cinegoer.net/telugu-cinema/movie-reviews/amit-sahni-ki-list-movie-review-190714.html#.U8qJwQDV0gA.twitter

minicac: Just watched Amit Sahni ki List! Only highpoint was that yummy magnum ice cream

jayantadas10: Amit Sahni Ki List Review : Inconsistency in the script and also poor execution plus no awareness will make the... https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=666165403498848

bollyfusion: Amit Sahni Ki List - A Must Skip http://t.co/OdfbpZu14I

ArvindAnthia: Amit sahni ki list is a ok Movie..nothing spl..my ratings 2/5

_SanaSharma: Amit Sahni ki List review: Vir Das stars in a boring, shallow rom-com

2 readers - 2 yays 0 so-so 0 nays

Yay! Thumbs Up, by anunaad : 100

Yay! Thumbs Up, by michael masini : Philadelphia

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

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: None
  • Language: Abusive language silenced out
  • Nudity & Sexual content: Women in skimpy dresses. A couple of lip-to-lips.
  • Concept: Finding "true" love
  • General Look and Feel: An attempt at making it look modern with call-out bubbles and breaking the fourth wall, etc.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction:
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Amit Sahni Ki List - Cast, crew, links

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Running time:
110 minutes
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