2 States Review

There’s a golden rule in film-making that behind every great and blockbuster movie there’s a relatable character in it. Most of the cases its the protagonist himself but not always. Be it Harry Potter (Titular character himself), Lord of the Rings (Frodo or Samwise Gangee and many others), Star Wars (Luke Skywalker) and closer still, 3 idiots (Madhavan).  Many a times Bollywood tends to forget this rule. But the newbie director knew this very well and gave the character of Krish (Arjun Kapoor) a very relatable, everyday look. And it helped the movie to do things that Screenwriting couldn’t. In fact, 2 states is the best book written by Chetan Bhagat and Abhishek Varman did justice to that with his direction.

 

A Rightful adaptation

As far as actors are concerned, Arjun Kapoor gave an impeccable performance. He was never over-dramatic and never too dull to lose interest in. Playing a guy that you would root for till the end is very difficult, but he does it easily. He gave us a glimpse of the performer he could be in a very serious role. All he needs is a movie like Kaminey or Rockstar. In fact, he also carried on the whole film in a be-spectacled version, a first for Hindi movies as far as I remember!!

Alia Bhatt, reveling from a power-packed performance in Highway, was simply good. I always thought of her as one of those dumb actresses who stuck gold, in the category of Katrina Kaif and Sunny Leone after Student of the Year, but this movie has totally changed my perspective. Her chemistry with Arjun Kapoor is very interesting and keeps you on edge(if you don't know the story). She is pretty & talented; with hands of Mahesh Bhatt on her she has a long way to go.

Ronit Roy.. was angry in whole movie
for his career choices in 90s.

Ronit Roy and Amrita Singh as Krish’s parents were perfect and supplied their talents well to the story. Amrita Singh as Punjabi mother(in-law) was totally over-the-top yet believable. And Ronit Roy is one of those what-could-have-beens of the Indian Film Industry. In his second innings in Bollywood he is doing some great job.

Alia’s parents were played by Revathy and S Subramanian, and were good enough in their respective role. There was a subtle and excellent throwback to Revathy’s earlier work with song Saathiya Ye Tune Kya Kia appearing in between a Tamil Song.

Could have easily been '2 Corporates'
instead of 2 States

The movie had a lot lesser humor quotient than the book and lot more not-so-subtle advertisements. It becomes too much in some scenes. I can’t understand need to pitch in bank names and shampoos when you have 2 of the biggest production houses attached with the movie. Although life in IIM-A was pleasant.

Being the son of great art director R Varman, Abhishek Varman had given a nice touch to the scenes and it feels refreshing.

The second half was turning out to be slapstick-melodrama before it picked itself again. The movie touched the clashes of culture beautifully, but could have done without some offensive statements about South Indians. The movie is a family entertainer depending on level of awkwardness you feel while watching explicit kissing scenes with parents :).

7/10- 3 for Arjun, 2 for Alia, 1 for Amrita & Ronit, 1 for being loyal to the story.