It’s never too late to fall in love, and for a few men in their mid-30s, love comes knocking with unexpected twists. Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji, directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, stars Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi, and Omi Vaidya as three friends navigating the bumpy road of relationships. Set in contemporary Mumbai, this 2011 film delves into the rom-com genre, but with a more mature and quirky twist. The film moves through urban spaces, from swanky offices to cozy cafes, capturing the fast-paced yet lonely city life as the backdrop for these men’s romantic pursuits.
The plot revolves around three friends, Naren (Ajay), Abhay (Emraan), and Milind (Omi), who are all facing their own love-life crises. Naren, a recently divorced man in his mid-30s, is trying to rebuild his life while working in a bank. He finds himself attracted to his much younger, vibrant colleague June (Shazahn Padamsee). Abhay, a flirtatious gym instructor, seems to enjoy his carefree lifestyle but soon meets Nikki (Shraddha Das), a rich woman with ulterior motives. Milind, the hopeless romantic, falls head over heels for Gungun (Shruti Haasan), a struggling radio jockey who barely notices him. As these three men navigate love in their unique ways, they realize that matters of the heart are rarely simple.
Ajay, known for his intense action roles, brings a refreshing change of pace with his portrayal of Naren. His understated performance as the awkward, self-conscious man who’s trying to rekindle his youth is both relatable and endearing. Ajay’s restrained comic timing shines in several scenes, particularly when Naren fumbles his way through romantic situations with June, trying to bridge the significant age gap. Emraan, on the other hand, does what he does best—playing the charming, smooth-talking lover with ease. His character, Abhay, provides the film with its bolder, more playful moments, but even he is forced to confront the emotional complexities of love. Omi, as the innocent Milind, adds a sweet and naive energy to the film. His performance, though exaggerated at times, brings heart to the movie, especially in his interactions with Gungun. The three actors together create a good balance of different shades of love—idealistic, opportunistic, and innocent.
Bhandarkar, known for his more serious dramas, takes a detour from his usual fare with this romantic comedy. His direction manages to capture the essence of midlife love struggles without overdoing the drama. The film maintains a breezy tone with light moments of humor, although it does occasionally stumble when trying to balance comedy with the emotional arcs of the characters. The narrative remains grounded, though it doesn’t offer anything drastically new to the rom-com genre. What makes it stand out is how it addresses love from the perspective of men who aren’t exactly in the first bloom of youth, a theme that’s not often explored in Bollywood. The film’s pacing, however, tends to lag in the middle, as certain plotlines stretch out longer than necessary.
The cinematography by Ravi Walia complements the urban setting of the story, capturing the bustling energy of Mumbai while also showing the intimate spaces where the characters’ personal lives unfold. From office corridors to dimly lit bars and cozy apartments, the film visually reflects the modern-day struggles of balancing professional life with personal desires. The camera work is functional, with no overtly flashy techniques, but it effectively enhances the film’s lighthearted tone.
The music, composed by Pritam, adds a lively touch to the film. Songs like “Abhi Kuch Dino Se” and “Tere Bin” stand out, giving a romantic, slightly melancholic feel to Naren and Milind’s love stories, while Emraan’s character grooves to the more upbeat track, “Jadugari.” The music complements the overall mood of the film, making it catchy without being overly dramatic. The background score, though not groundbreaking, subtly amplifies the emotional beats of the movie, ensuring that the audience remains invested in the characters’ romantic pursuits. The songs also help in giving each storyline a unique musical identity, enhancing the narrative flow.
Costume design by Kunal Rawal deserves a mention, as it effectively distinguishes each character’s personality through their wardrobe choices. Naren’s corporate yet slightly outdated attire reflects his midlife crisis, trying to fit into a younger crowd, while Abhay’s trendy, casual clothes align with his carefree lifestyle. Milind’s simple, almost old-fashioned clothing mirrors his innocent and hopelessly romantic personality. The costume design subtly reflects the character arcs, adding depth without becoming a distraction.
The editing by Dev Jadhav keeps the film smooth for the most part, although some scenes could have been trimmed for better pacing. At just over two hours, the film feels slightly stretched, especially when certain subplots repeat themselves without much new development. The transitions between the three love stories are well-handled, though the film could have benefited from a sharper focus on character development instead of trying to juggle too many romantic angles.
One of the more interesting aspects of the film is how it plays with the theme of love at different stages of life. Instead of portraying love as something exclusive to youth, it looks at how men in their mid-30s experience romance—filled with insecurity, hesitation, and the fear of being left behind. The film touches on the emotional complexities of age-gap relationships and unrequited love, though it does so in a lighthearted manner. There’s an underlying message about the innocence of love, regardless of age, which resonates through the different stories.
Overall, Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji is a charming, if somewhat uneven, romantic comedy. It’s not Madhur Bhandarkar’s most polished work, but it offers a fun diversion from his usual hard-hitting films. Ajay, Emraan, and Omi carry the film with their performances, each adding a distinct flavor to the narrative. While the film doesn’t delve too deep into its emotional conflicts, it does provide enough entertainment with its witty dialogues and relatable situations. It’s perfect for viewers looking for a light-hearted film that explores love from a fresh perspective. Though it won’t leave a lasting impact, it’s a feel-good watch for a lazy evening, especially if you enjoy rom-coms with a bit of humor and heart.
