wogma rating: Add to 'must watch' list (?)
Easy-going situational fun with a conscience. Doesn’t diss on anything while passing a message as subtly as it can. Well and warmly written characters, situations, and a story.
Read moreYou know how you have a feeling that you are highly unlikely to like a film? And you start with confirmation bias looking for things to not like. Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’s title itself tested my bias. And then scene-by-scene it challenged the prejudices I had brought with me despite all my attempts of walking into the theatre with a clean slate. I wouldn’t have thought three hours* later…I would be walking out with a smile in my heart, feeling satisfied at having watched an entertaining and engaging film.
It chooses not to punch down. But, that would be giving it points for not doing what it is not supposed to do in the first place. Deserves a mention, though, doesn’t it?
What was so satisfying? That the writing department was serious about its job. Yeah, that might seem like having low standards. But, it is difficult. To write characters that are consistent; situations that are intriguing; and stories that keep your mind with your body, on the seat. Also, there was subtlety. Sure, the little speech in the last by a cameo performer could have been avoided. But, given the texture of the film, I would give it the benefit of the doubt—that it had more to do with the makers wanting to tell us what is coming next, rather than reconfirming their intent of what we just saw.
The writing walked a step beyond. Even if you haven’t watched the trailer, which I hadn’t, you know what the first 45 minutes of the film are leading up to. A smart-Alec robotics engineer-programmer, Aryan (Shahid Kapoor) is a smart-Alec man too…too cool, too polished, too ‘everything’ for the world around him.
They even go to the extent of him running out of domestic help because of his idiosyncrasies, shooing away the supposedly hottest woman at work who was hitting on him, and administering a questionable experiment on an unsuspecting person. Yes, hard agree—poor choices to set up an unlikeable character. And except for the last one, which subtly was made use of later in the film, I didn’t see the purpose of the other instances of crappiness…except to establish that our man loves black coffee and thinks little of people who add sugar to it.
As I cringed through all of that, I was also being pleasantly surprised by how much the film was showing and doing only very little telling. And then, the real story begins. Aryan finds himself in a situation which makes him question quite a lot about himself. I don’t think it was meant to be a big reveal, because the icon that replaces the ‘O’ in the title itself is a give away. The only reveal is that it is not a coming-of-age film.
So, the set-up is very intentionally obvious. That speaks loads of the confidence the writers have in themselves. Not only are they sure of their story. But they also have no doubts that they know how to show the ‘how’, even if the audience knows the ‘what’.
Once the film gets past its set-up though, the ride is really fun. The almost constant commentary about humanness and Indianness is fun because it is situational and a tad unexpected. Also, of course, because it chooses not to punch down. But, that would be giving it points for not doing what it is not supposed to do in the first place. Deserves a mention, though, doesn’t it?
The writers have no doubts that they know how to show the ‘how’, even if the audience knows the ‘what’.
Just like stars are required to dance well, but I have to say that I could watch Shahid Kapoor’s feet move all day. The fluidity and the choreography are mesmerising. If I didn’t mention that then, I would not mention the performances either. That both Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon are only robotic in their body language and expressions when needed, and are absolutely believable when they are not—would be expected of anyone claiming to act, right? But people who have seen their other films know that it needs to be said when they do regular ol’ romance with a lot more heart than we expect from them.
Yes, Teri Baaton Mein Uljha Aisa Uljha Jiyo (am I the only one worried that she will miss out a word from the title?) is as charming a romantic film as it is a nudge-nudge for us to think about the meaning of relationships and development—together and orthogonal to each other. Just enough to look over the initial hiccups and the awkward climax.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Subhash K Jha, Bolly Spice : ...For this Valentinian love story (echoing the Joaquin Phoenix 2013 starrer Her) to make a tidy profit won’t be difficult. Controlled budgets, tight work schedules and affordable locations…these make Dinesh Vijan’s films a treat …for the producer and the audience.Teri Baaton Mein… is no exception.... full review
Thumbs up, by Urmimala Banerjee, Bollywood Life : ...Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya is a great attempt to make a rom-com with a truly different premise. The movie is the perfect break from the deluge of action masala entertainers that made people complain if Bollywood has lost touch with other genres. With Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, the makers have hit all the right buttons to make an entertaining but memorable rom-com. Plus, there is a cameo and surprise announcement at the end of the film.... full review
Thumbs up, by Utkarsha Shriwasva, DNA : ...शानदार प्रदर्शन, लाजवाब कहानी और AI नैतिकता की समय पर खोज के साथ, यह फिल्म उन लोगों को जरुर देखनी चाहिए जो फिल्मों में कुछ नया देखना पसंद करते हैं.... full review
Thumbs up, by Simran Singh, DNA : ...There are a few shortcomings as well. Maybe giving more time to certain scenes, particularly the comic ones, would have made the film a lighter and better watch. But regardless, hats off to the conviction of makers for delivering a fresh family entertainer with a new jodi. Enjoy this mad-cap entertainer with your loved ones.... full review
Thumbs up, by Devesh Sharma, Filmfare : ...If you’re willing to overlook the serious aspects of it, the film is a laugh-a-minute masala spread. Shahid and Kriti look good together and have acted well. It’s a massy entertainer with some genuinely funny moments.... full review
Thumbs up, by Lachmi Deb Roy, FirstPost : ...As for Shahid Kapoor he should do more romantic hero roles the way he has done here along with layered roles that he is doing. This man is truly a bright craftsman who can fit in all kinds of characters which makes him stand out. Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiyais a one-time fun watch.... full review
Thumbs up, Glamsham.com : ...With its stellar performances, compelling storyline, and timely exploration of the ethics of AI, this film is a must-watch for anyone seeking something fresh and thought-provoking at the movies.... full review
Thumbs up, indiaglitz : ...Verdict : The film is a pleasant break from the heavy subjects and embraces a lighter side of camera promising a sweet delightful entertaining experience.... full review
Thumbs up, by Rishil Jogani, Pinkvilla : ...All in all, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya is a light and easy watch that makes you laugh through and through. While the third act of the film underwhelms, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya acts as a good filler in this otherwise dull movie period. You can watch the Shahid-Kriti starrer at a theatre near you, now.... full review
So-So, by Rohit Bhatnagar, Free Press Journal : ...TBMAUJ is a coming of age rom-com that is flawed upto large extent but somehow bounds to sustain your imagination of a light-hearted family drama entertainer. But, what if Sifra, Roohi and Stree meet in the alternate universe? Explosion!!!... full review
So-So, by Tushar P. Joshi, india today : ...'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya' had solid potential that isn’t fully exploited. Shahid and Kriti‘s pairing is fresh and gives us blockbuster vibes, but the half-baked writing and shoddy direction put a major glitch in this AI experiment.... full review
So-So, by Lekha Menon, Khaleej Times : ...At times, one needs a flick that is worth the money of your popcorn. It need not break any new ground but its purpose is solved if it is easy on the mind and on your senses. So if a light, stress-free watch is your idea of a good time at the movies, then Teri Baaton Mein Uljha Jiya, ticks the boxes.... full review
So-So, by TITAS CHOWDHURY, News18.com : ...Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya could have been a fresh, novel, out-of-the box narrative that could set a precedent and kick-start the genre of science fiction in mainstream Hindi cinema. But it turns out to be an unexciting, puzzling and a bit of a jarring experience. Nonetheless, it’s a good looking film.... full review
So-So, by Divya Raje Bhonsale, NewsBytes : ...Helmed by Amit Joshi and Aradhana Sah, this romantic drama is an honest attempt but fails to create the same magic that its music does. Released ahead of Valentine's Day, it appeals largely to a younger audience. And, it will pass off as an average family entertainer.... full review
So-So, by sukanya Verma, Rediff : ...For all its new age explorations, it's old-fashioned tropes of predictable outcome -- old folks and hospital scares, robots and software malfunctions, climax and special appearances -- never lets the script turn on its head.... full review
So-So, by Deepa Gahlot, Scroll.in : ...Here, the directors mine some humour from Sifra’s tendency to take everything literally and act accordingly. But the absurdity of the situation, or the attendant risks of letting loose a robot in an unfamiliar and overcrowded setting, is oversimplified and introduced much too late into the 143-minute narrative.... full review
So-So, by Anuj Kumar, The Hindu : ...अंतिम कार्य में एक स्मार्ट मोड़ और एक सारगर्भित उपसंहार हमें सिफ्रा के भविष्य के संस्करणों के लिए स्वादिष्ट संभावनाओं के साथ छोड़ देता है। फिल्म में एक सीन है जहां आर्यन कहते हैं कि पूरा विचार एक दिन समझ में आएगा। सच है!... full review
So-So, by Pratikshya Mishra, The Quint : ...The film that could’ve been an astute, humorous satire by just the simple act of giving all its characters as much agency as the hero ends up becoming a rom-com that leaves you feeling a little unsettled. This isn’t the end of Sifra and Aryan’s story though so if you’re an optimist, hold on to that hope I guess. Ummeed pe duniya kaayam hai, as they say.... full review
So-So, by Dhaval Roy, Times of India : ...At a time when mega-scale action films are ruling the big screen, this one comes as a refreshing concept packaged with humour and good music. The situational comedy gets repetitive and doesn't take off as smoothly, but when it lands, it proves to be an entertaining fare.... full review
Thumbs down, by Murtuza Iqbal, Filmi Beat : ...Overall, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya had the potential to be a great film, but it just turned out to be a below average movie. A great concept gone wasted! Read more at: https://www.filmibeat.com/bollywood/reviews/2024/teri-baaton-mein-aisa-uljha-jiya-review-ratings-shahid-kapoor-kriti-sanon-impossible-to-watch-384503.html?story=3... full review
Thumbs down, by Baradwaj Rangan, galatta.com : ...Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya is one of those films that’s content that it has a unique one-line. There’s zero follow-up, and it’s puzzling that an actor of Shahid’s calibre chose to star in it. Maybe he wanted a paid vacation after the heavy-duty lifting he had to do in Kabir Singh and Jersey – but still! The only sensible character here is Urmila, and Dimple Kapadia delivers a splendid, no-nonsense performance – but a supporting actor cannot carry a movie that turns into a sort-of ghost story by the end.... full review
Thumbs down, by Monika Rawal Kukreja, Hindustan Times : ...Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya is a rather bland and lacklustre affair that struggles to keep you engaged, and only tries to cash in on its good-looking lead pair. If anything, it's the three song and dance sequences in the film, and one in the end credit (title song) that might make it an enjoyable trip to theatres.... full review
Thumbs down, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...For a film which wants to be a family entertainer, there are risible sequences featuring men peering down low-cut blouses-and-bosoms, and tasteless wife jokes. Monty the Hero’s Best Friend does exactly what BFFs have done for decades, make the hero look good: when will this oldest, creakiest device be dumped?... full review
Thumbs down, by Pooja Darade, koimoi : ...Overall, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya has the lead stars delivering good performances. It makes you laugh sometimes but tests your patience a lot. There’s very little love story to enjoy amidst the cigarette talks, wedding drama, forced family jokes, and sexist remarks.... full review
Thumbs down, by Uday Bhatia, Live Mint : ...In the 1975 film The Stepford Wives, a newcomer to a small town starts noticing that all the wives are strangely subservient. Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya is so undercooked it misses the obvious satirical point—that Indian families wouldn’t notice a robot under their noses if it made their lives easier. Instead, we get jokes about chargers and motherboards and preset reminders. Stepford Wives is too ambitious, this film wants to be Small Wonder.... full review
Thumbs down, by Sameer Ahire, Movie Talkies : ...Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya has a good music album. Akhiyan Gulaab has such fresh romantic vibes, and moreover, Shahid’s moves with sexy Kriti. That’s some visual treat. Laal Peeli Akhiyaan is another good one from the album, but there are some flaws in the second half of it in the movie version. Tum Se doesn’t leave any impact. The lyrics are fine, with a good balance of traditional rhymes and modern-day words. TBMAUJ has some good one-liners, but nothing impressive. Some dialogues look too bad and forced. Laxman Utekar‘s cinematography is fine, and Manish Prashan’s editing is okay okay.... full review
Thumbs down, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...All the song and dance and the feeble attempts at tickling the funny bone do not yield much dividend. The film relies far too heavily on the chemistry between Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon to help it tide over its gaping crater-sized holes. But since its progress is akin to that of a substandard automaton acquired from the grey market, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya runs on empty and is not even mildly diverting.... full review
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Comments (2)
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Dear Meetu, Thanks for the review. Just by the name and tag of re-make, I wanted to skip this robo-rom-com. After reading your review I will watch it on OTT.
Yes, it fits that category.
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