There was a time when Director Hrishikesh Mukherjee carved a niche for himself with his simple films about ordinary people living the day-to-day life; his films were light-hearted 
and the audience enjoyed them because they could relate to the characters. Most worked, some didn’t. This week’s Yash Raj film – ‘Bewakoofiyaan’ directed by Nupur Asthana (‘Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge’) and written by Habib Faisal (directed ‘Do Dooni Chaar’ and ‘Ishaqzaade’) is in the same vein as those small but pleasant true-to-life movies.
All is good for Mohit (Ayushmann Khurrana) – he has recently got a promotion and is going strong in his relationship with Myrah (Sonam Kapoor). Never mind if she earns more than him, Mohit and Myrah are perfect for each other. So when the guy wants to show off his newly acquired gold credit card and then comes to know his girl has got a platinum card the same day with more limit, he doesn’t hesitate in speaking his mind. Such is the chemistry between the two and we have a likeable and relatable couple here whose lunch-breaks are spent on shopping and eating out. Myrah herself loves to flaunt Zara or Mango and in a scene later on, complains to her guy that she hasn’t bought a pair of shoes in two months. Right after his promotion, Mohit proposes to his girl for the big leap in their relationship; she insists on him asking her father for her hand in marriage. Myrah’s Dad, Vinod Sehgal (Rishi Kapoor) is a retired IAS Officer, strict and very protective about his only daughter. He doesn’t approve of Mohit at 
first since he wants a millionaire for Myrah but then makes an attempt to know his daughter’s choice. While he begins doing so, recession hits and Mohit loses his job. He struggles to find a new job while Myrah supports him financially without the father knowing anything. Mohit now has to battle unemployment and at the same time, win over Mr. Sehgal while facing his own frustrations.
It’s yet another rom-com but has an interesting idea. Clearly, in a Yash Raj film the heart is hurt the most when there is recession and this could have been much more fun had the plot revolved around the couple and their issues post unemployment. But the director and writer focus more on the humour between the would-be father-in-law and son-in-law and somewhere in between, the chemistry between the love birds doesn’t sizzle. So, it doesn’t even help if Sonam dons a bikini and does a lip-lock or two with her hero. Rishi Kapoor’s Vinod Sehgal comes across as a rather confused man. While he is adamant about getting his 
daughter married to a rich millionaire, it doesn’t really take him much time to start accepting the guy in his daughter’s life. And yet, there is a certain freshness in the way the director co-relates love in today’s time with the pressures of having a good job and earning bucks. A few scenes stand out – like the one when Mohit and Myrah have a heated discussion about money matters, Mohit realizing he has spent all his money and has a three-digit figure in his account or even the one when he tells his girl that he might have to become a waiter; she smiles and says it would be okay but then walks away hesitant and sad. The climax will not really go down well with everyone but makes it quite mushy and warm making you understand love is most important. Music (Raghu Dixit) is a damp squib.
Ayushmann Khurrana is good at the way he shows his frustration and helplessness when he is unemployed but on the whole, it is just an ordinary performance and he is getting typecast. I’m afraid his movies might be nicknamed ‘The Adventures of Vicky Donor’ as he 
seems to act the same way. Sonam Kapoor looks lovely and makes the most of her chic image but it is like watching ‘Aisha’, this time with a job. Rishi Kapoor is getting some nice supporting roles in this phase and doing justice to most of the roles. He is good here though a little over-the-top at times.
Watch it or not: It isn’t unwatchable but not a must-watch as well. Go for it if you don’t mind watching a simple story told not very well.
At the Box-Office: It will start slow and ‘Queen’ will remain the preferred choice of cine goers. However, it is a solo release this week and has the extended weekend in its favour with Holi coming up. It should recover costs.
My Verdict
My Rating
‘Bewakoofiyaan’ doesn’t really make a ‘bewakoof’ out of you. It doesn’t fool you because you get what you expect – an average forgettable flick which is some fun till it lasts!
