For some it is intimate, for others sisterly, and for many it is fun. But we have to accept the fact that female friendship is a necessity. And Shashanka Ghosh does some justice in portraying all the ups and downs of female friendship in his directorial Veere Di Wedding. Shashanka makes his female leads laugh and weep, lose cool and make-up, go on trips, talk about men, have fun like men, and share a genuine relationship with each other.
The film’s plot revolves around four childhood friends – Kalindi (Kareena Kapoor Khan), Avni (Sonam Kapoor), Sakshi (Swara Bhaskar) and Meera (Shikha Talsania) who meet in Delhi to attend the wedding of Kalindi and her boyfriend Rishab Malhotra (Sumeet Vyas). Since Kalandi grew up in a family environment that included abuse, and other unhealthy dynamics, she is happy living her life with beau Rishabh without commitment. Kalandi, who doesn’t feel marriage is necessary for contentment in life, is obviously taken aback by Rishabh’s impromptu proposal. But soon cajoled into giving her nod to be 'Mrs Malhotra'. And this kicks off her journey to adjust to myriad changes once placed in the set-up of a married life. From being extra cautious about what she speaks to Rishabh’s relatives to adapting to a completely different style of dressing, and giving special attention to in-laws, there is an endless list of adjustments and challenges which she never saw coming.
What’s refreshing about Veere Di Wedding is the fact that it doesn’t fall into any of the traps that most of the films of the same genre have succumbed to. None of the jokes made are loutish. The dialogues aren’t thoughtless. The situations aren’t unreal. And not even once do you feel the gags are being stretched infinitely.
The exceptionally talented Swara Bhaskar as a free-spirited and impetuous Sakshi shows no qualms in speaking her mind. She is a woman who is going through a failed marriage, loves to swear not because it makes her look cool or there is something inherently masculine about it, but because cursing is so much fun. Like a typical Delhi-ite, she is immune to the actions and opinions of cynics. Even though she had splurged parents’ money over her wedding, she isn’t ready to spend her life hiding under a rock for being a young woman dealing with a failed marriage.
Shikha Talsania does complete justice to her role of a young fanatical mother who is trying hard to be accepted by her family for marrying a firang. Considering the fact that she has excelled at comedy in VWD, don’t be surprised if she goes on to become the most versatile actor who is well equipped to venture into a variety of genres. She has the potential to make even the most mundane scene look wildly entertaining.
Sumeet Vyas is outstanding as the man who has no clue about what would happen next in life, but is ready to take on everything. If you liked his work in TVF's Permanent Roommates, you are bound to draw similarities between his characters Mikesh and Rishabh.
Vishwas Kinni as the frantic Delhi-ite chasing Sonam might appear a bit irritating, but definitely leaves an impact.
Going by the attention that has been paid to Sonam’s wardrobe, you are likely to feel she filmed VWD while shooting for Aisha and Khoobsurat. Even though she essays the role of a divorce lawyer, she can’t conceal her desperation to get married. But you do laud her for not looking apologetic for spending a night with a man, unintentionally though.
While we appreciate Shashanka for not making the viewers believe that womanhood is just about being righteous, we fail to understand if the heroine has to indulge in vices just to come across as more rebellious. The director has done a great job in maintaining the perfect chemistry between the leads throughout the film, but you can’t deny that VDW suffers because of its confusing screenplay and sloppy editing.
At two hours and fifteen minutes, Veere Di Wedding is an engaging film which is let down by its flaws. It is a film that could have been so much more.
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