Vicky Vidya Review: A Promising Start Plagued by a Faltering Plot
Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video starts strong but falters with weak storytelling and subplots that dilute the impact. Read the full review here.
Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video Review: A Film Marred by its Own Ambition
Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video (VVKWWV) begins with high energy and a captivating humor that catches the audience’s attention immediately. Set against the quaint backdrop of Rishikesh in 1997, the narrative follows Vicky (played by Rajkummar Rao), a spirited mehendi artist, and his ambitions to marry Vidya (Triptii Dimri), a newly graduated doctor. The plot, which is introduced as a ‘work of fiction inspired by true events,’ hooks the viewer with witty dialogue and fast-paced storytelling. But, as the saying goes, “What begins well must end well.” Unfortunately, this film fails to maintain the charm it promises early on.
An Engaging Start with Strong Characters
The opening sequences in the film are nothing short of delightful. Vicky, with his quick wit and cheeky persona, contrasts beautifully against Vidya’s calm and grounded demeanor. Their chemistry and humor draw you into the story almost effortlessly. Despite family pressure and societal norms, they choose to carve out a path of their own, embarking on a honeymoon in Goa instead of a Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.
But what sets the initial moments apart is the bold subplot that revolves around a stolen intimate video. The unique premise feels like a breath of fresh air, daring to touch upon sensitive themes while keeping the tone light and humorous. However, the film’s promising setup is soon derailed by a series of unnecessary twists.
The Downward Spiral: Weak Subplots and a Lost Focus
As the story unfolds, the initial crispness fades. The director, Raaj Shaandilya, along with co-writer Yusuf Ali Khan, lose control of the narrative, introducing a flurry of subplots that seem out of place. A nosy photographer, a bizarre politician’s scandal, and a confusing supernatural element—none of these additions help the film. Instead, they clutter what could have been a tight comedy.
From a straightforward chase to recover the stolen tape, the story veers into side plots involving Vicky’s sister, Chanda (Mallika Sherawat), and a police officer (Vijay Raaz). The once engaging humor quickly becomes repetitive, making the audience wonder where the narrative is headed.
Where the Film Falters: Inconsistency in Direction
Halfway through, the movie’s tone shifts dramatically. It’s as if a different director took over, one less equipped to handle the complex themes introduced early on. The pacing slows, the jokes become sparse, and the charm evaporates. What starts as an innovative comedy descends into a convoluted mess, with characters chasing one unconvincing storyline after another.
The film’s worst misstep, however, is its attempt to blend genres by introducing a supernatural sequence featuring Stree, a character from the Maddock Horror Universe. The poorly executed CGI and the irrelevant nature of this addition ruin whatever credibility the film had built until that point.
Performances: Strong Cast, Weak Material
Rajkummar Rao, known for his versatility, shines in the first half. His impeccable comic timing and effortless portrayal of Vicky’s quirky nature make the film enjoyable. However, as the story deteriorates, his performance struggles to keep up. Rao’s natural charm and talent are overshadowed by a script that doesn’t do him justice.
Triptii Dimri, who plays Vidya, delivers a subtle performance that complements Rao’s exuberance. Yet, she is sidelined in the chaos of the second half, her character arc left underdeveloped. Mallika Sherawat, in a comeback role, is given little scope, and the same can be said for Vijay Raaz, who is reduced to a caricature. Tiku Talsania and Archana Puran Singh, veteran actors who could have elevated the film, are underutilized.
A Chaotic Conclusion and Missed Potential
The final act of the movie, intended to be a culmination of all the comedic and dramatic threads, falls flat. The much-awaited resolution involving the stolen CD ends up feeling anticlimactic. The narrative loses itself in a labyrinth of distractions, leaving the viewer more exhausted than entertained.
Sachin-Jigar’s music, while catchy, does not compensate for the film’s shortcomings. Even Daler Mehndi’s energetic track, “Na Na Na Na Na Re,” feels misplaced amidst the muddled plot.
Final Thoughts: A Wasted Opportunity
In essence, Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video is a film that could have been a compelling blend of comedy and social commentary but ends up being an example of how too many ideas can spoil the execution. Despite a strong cast and a bold premise, the film’s weak script and erratic direction pull it down, making it a forgettable experience.
For fans of Rajkummar Rao, this might still be worth a one-time watch, if only to appreciate his early scenes. But for anyone expecting a complete package, the film falls short, failing to deliver on its promise.
The tagline at the end teases a sequel: “Vicky Vidya will be back.” Here’s hoping, if they do return, it’s with a tighter script and a clearer vision.