Socha na tha (2005) - movie review
Peanuts! That's probably what I could expect from a commonplace title like this one. I'd not even seen the trailer. And that could possibly skew my judgment either way. The cast was ordinary at the most. First timer Abhay Deol with two-films old Ayesha Takia. Dim prospects!
The movie proved me wrong and how. My thoughts resonated strongly with the title after watching the film. Finally an original, worth-a-watch script from our very own Bollywood. Courtesy debutante Imtiaz Ali (responsible for the direction, story, screenplay and dialogues). He proved he's here to stay. [Jab We Met (2007) only reinstated my belief in him].
SNT is an engaging love story of Viren (Abhay) and Aditi (Ayesha) who are introduced to each other through their families. Their families have met each other, gotten the kundalis (horoscopes) matched. Viren likes Aditi, but wouldn't marry her, he confides. He's been seeing Karen for three years now. The aftereffects of their conversation are d-e-a-d-l-y. The two families are up against each other. A war (well, almost!) is declared! Strangely enough, things are different for Viren and Aditi. Without giving away more, I'll say go watch it.
Something I look forward to in a film is a good story, executed well, with characters I can relate to. SNT has it all. The good part is it's not another hackneyed love story. Be it the not-so-perfect boyfriend Viren proposing (read: forced to) his girlfriend in the middle of a hundred odd people or Viren and Aditi's conversation in the middle of the night, away in Goa, where they discuss all things random -- their first meeting, ex-bfs, gfs, striptease -- at ease. Their chemistry speaks for itself and louder than words can express.
Those who have seen it know what I mean, those who haven't, don't miss it!
