'Dil Maange More'

Article Updated 01 January, 2005 12:03:47 AM IST

'Dil Maange More'

‘Dil Maange More’ is a lighthearted comedy with some foot-tapping numbers, and a slightly predictable end. At least it does not pretend to be anything else. It is the story of Nikhil Mathur’s (Shahid Kapoor) quest for true love. His passion in life is his village Samarpur, and football. He is desperate to fall in love with one woman but ends up with three women in his arms ready to swear undying love for him.

The film begins with him being in love with Neha (Soha Ali Khan), his girlfriend of four years. Neha, an ambitious girl, leaves their village, Samarpur, to come to Mumbai to become an air hostess. Nikhil follows her to Mumbai to bring her back. But He does not succeed. As luck would have it, he lands himself a job in a music store exactly opposite the institute where Soha is training. He keeps trying to convince her but there is only rejection for the lover boy. He ends up falling in love with his colleague Sarah (Tulip Joshi).

However, fate has something else in store for him. He meets another girl, his neighbour Shagun (Ayesha Takia) in Mumbai. Their meeting is hilarious. But if you thought sparks flew at this first meeting then you are in for disappointment. Surprise, surprise, surprise. She is actually in love with him. Will lover boy jump at this opportunity? Just when you feel everything is finally working out, Neha and Sarah come back into his life and want him back! Yeah, so true to life! This is the charm of the film. Everything about the film looks real, be it the situations, the hero, or his three women. Almost every youngster will be able to relate to at least one of them.

Looks like director Anant Mahadevan might strike it lucky with his second film. He has handled the light moments very well. Thankfully the audience is spared any sort of melodrama that is so much a part of love stories. Even the tense situations are handled lightly.

Now for the performances: as usual, Shahid Kapoor walks away with the film. His screen presence and charm is terrific. He is a very spontaneous besides being a terrific dancer. While most people like to call him a Shah Rukh Khan clone, I like to say that he’s a refined version of the same. His sincerity and passion towards his work is amazing. He seems to be growing with every film and is surely one actor to watch out for.

Soha Ali Khan has done okay for a newcomer but she could have chosen a film with a meaty role as her launch pad. Tulip Joshi is okay. Ayesha Takia has done a decent job and also has the meatiest role. However, the three girls pale even in the looks department in front of their male costar. They had better do something about their makeup.

Gulshan Grover, who plays Shahid's boss, is impressive. Zarina Wahab and Kanwaljit Singh are competent enough. Smita Jaykar is okay. This love triangle seems set for a decent run especially in the holiday season.

Overall Rating: ***

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