Indians love romantic movies, and no-one knows that better than Karan Johar. So, here’s a movie that touches on the magic of Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, without being as melodramatic. Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya is a fun family film, for the young and those still young at heart.
So how does it compare to DDLJ?
For starters, the chemistry between Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan is probably as good as Kajol and Shahrukh Khan. And then, it is the Punjabi wedding setting, with lots of family members, loads of dancing, and the not so perfect hero. Plus, the number of “dulhaniya” moments.Remember Amrish Puri as Bauji letting Simran go on a Europe trip with her friends? Here, Ashutosh Rana agrees to let his daughter go to Delhi to buy a designer lehanga for her wedding, but refuses to pay for it. The signs of changing times are seen when he also shares a smoke with Varun Dhawan, something that would just be impossible to imagine in the times of DDLJ. Shahrukh Khan happily helped with the wedding preparations in DDLJ on his own. Here, Varun Dhawan helps out, but definitely not happily.
Calling it a tribute to DDLJ actually makes the story more endearing. So you have a hero who cries while watching the movie, a heroine who drinks more than the guys and is very comfortable in her skin. Unlike the slightly unsure Kajol of DDLJ, Alia in Humpty Sharma knows she’s leading on the guy, but is cool about it.
If DDLJ gave us some of our most romantic numbers, Humpty Sharma’s music has also been touching records. A bit of romance, party numbers, and wedding songs – it’s a complete package that way.
And if you haven’t seen DDLJ, still go ahead and watch Humpty Sharma. There’s something very romantic about a guy who’ll brave all odds, including being bashed up repeatedly, for the sake of getting his lady love. The girl in question being someone who wants a Kareena type designer lehanga for her wedding, and that, too, one that costs twice what her friend has bought. And yet, when that very friend is in trouble, her emotional side is shown. Also, when she talks about not wanting to do her wedding shopping in front of her divorced sister. These are DDLJ type emotional moments, and make a great connect with the audience. Go watch Humpty Sharma get his “dulhaniya” – DDLJ style.