Get ready to travel back in time to the groovy 1970s with this time-travel comedy featuring Akshay Kumar, Aishwarya Rai, Aditya Roy Kapoor, and Neha Dhupia. Directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film takes audiences on a colorful journey between present-day India and a retro Bombay of the past, blending comedy, romance, and science fiction. Set mainly in the flashy, fun era of bell-bottoms and disco balls, the genre mixes romance with science fiction elements, all wrapped in a lighthearted comedic tone.
The story follows Bunty (Aditya), a young man who’s disillusioned with love because of his parents’ constant bickering. When his girlfriend proposes marriage, he hesitates due to his parents’ unhappy marriage, which he perceives as a consequence of mismatched love. Desperate to fix his parents’ past, Bunty travels back in time to when his parents, Kishen (Akshay) and Mala (Aishwarya), were young, in the hopes of creating a love story for them that never really existed. What follows is Bunty’s hilarious attempts to turn his nerdy, timid father into a dashing hero, while convincing his feisty mother to give Kishen a chance. The film explores themes of love, destiny, and family in a nostalgic yet modernized setting that adds its own charm.
Akshay’s performance stands out, especially as he embraces the transformation from the meek, awkward Kishen of the past to the character he is in the present. His comic timing is spot-on, bringing out the humor in scenes where he fumbles around trying to impress Mala, only to fail spectacularly. Aishwarya is captivating as the stylish and strong-headed Mala, showcasing her versatility in a role that balances glamour with a sense of comedy. Aditya provides a charming performance as Bunty, infusing energy into the plot with his frantic attempts to play matchmaker. Together, their chemistry creates a delightful and believable dynamic, with Akshay and Aishwarya successfully embodying the humor and quirks of their characters in a time-travel setup.
The film’s design deserves special mention, especially in its recreation of the 1970s era. The costume design by Manish Malhotra is spot-on, featuring vibrant retro fashion—bell-bottoms, polka-dotted dresses, and oversized sunglasses—that adds to the nostalgia of the storyline. These costumes don’t just act as aesthetic embellishments; they accentuate the characters’ personalities and bring the period alive in a fun and visually striking way. The set design captures the essence of the retro Bombay era, complete with old-style taxis, pastel color schemes, and vinyl records, which immerses viewers in the past and creates a delightful contrast with modern-day elements. This nostalgic recreation is further elevated by some striking cinematography that captures both the quirky details of the 70s setting and the emotional undercurrents of the plot.
Musically, Pritam’s soundtrack adds an energetic vibe that aligns well with the film’s lighthearted tone. The songs “Zor Ka Jhatka” and “Chhan Ke Mohalla” have catchy beats and are choreographed in a way that resonates with the flamboyant 70s setting, infusing scenes with a memorable energy. These sequences showcase the playful chemistry between the characters, especially between Akshay and Aishwarya, while also making the film visually lively. The score, with its mix of funky retro sounds and peppy modern beats, complements the light-hearted, whimsical nature of the plot. However, there are moments when the music might feel a tad overbearing, especially when it interrupts the flow of certain scenes, though this doesn’t significantly detract from the overall experience.
Where the movie stumbles a bit is in the coherence of its time-travel logic. The storyline presents an exciting premise, but the execution sometimes feels simplistic, with some predictable turns and lack of depth in exploring the nuances of changing the past. The direction focuses more on the humor and retro vibe rather than diving deeply into the emotional aspects of altering relationships or the philosophical implications of time travel. Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s direction leans heavily into comedy and nostalgia, but a more grounded take on the subject could have lent it a stronger impact.
Overall, the film is an enjoyable ride for those looking to escape into a nostalgic, colorful journey of romance and laughter. It doesn’t dig too deeply into its time-travel mechanics, but the charm lies in its entertainment value rather than complexity. Fans of light-hearted Bollywood rom-coms will enjoy the film’s comedic sequences, upbeat music, and vibrant aesthetics. Akshay’s comic timing, combined with Aishwarya’s confident, stylish performance, makes it worth a watch for anyone seeking a fun, breezy film that doesn’t take itself too seriously. While it may not be a masterpiece, it offers good-hearted entertainment that celebrates both romance and the playful quirks of the past. For those in the mood for some retro Bollywood flair with a sci-fi twist, this film is a delightful pick.
