Love that’s stuck somewhere between friendship and commitment is always a tantalizing space to explore. Based on Chetan Bhagat’s best-selling novel, Half Girlfriend attempts to dive into this emotional gray area, starring Arjun Kapoor as Madhav Jha and Shraddha Kapoor as Riya Somani. The movie, set against the backdrop of Delhi’s high society and the humble village of Simrao, follows Madhav’s journey as he navigates his complex relationship with Riya. The genre is romantic drama, laced with the complications of unrequited love, personal insecurities, and cultural differences.
The story revolves around Madhav, a boy from rural Bihar, who earns a sports quota scholarship to St. Stephen’s College in Delhi. There, he meets the beautiful and affluent Riya, and despite their differences, they strike up a friendship. Madhav is instantly drawn to Riya, but she insists on being just his “half girlfriend”—not a full-fledged romantic partner but more than just a friend. This ambiguous relationship creates an emotional rollercoaster for Madhav, as he struggles to understand his place in her life. The film then follows Madhav’s pursuit of Riya, his heartbreaks, and the eventual path they both choose, with destiny playing its part in a story full of longing, miscommunication, and hope.
One of the key aspects of the film is Arjun’s portrayal of Madhav. Playing the role of a rustic, simple guy with a Bihari accent, Arjun brings a certain vulnerability to Madhav. His earnestness in trying to win over Riya is palpable, but at times, his performance lacks the intensity needed to bring Madhav’s emotional turmoil to life. While Arjun’s attempt at capturing the language and mannerisms of a small-town boy is commendable, there are moments where his performance feels restrained, especially during scenes of deeper emotional conflict. Shraddha, on the other hand, plays her part well as the enigmatic Riya. Her portrayal of a free-spirited girl who is emotionally unavailable yet caring is effective, though the character’s complexities could have been explored better through her performance. There’s an air of aloofness in Shraddha’s portrayal, which fits Riya’s character but also creates a distance between her and the audience, making it harder to fully empathize with her struggles.
The direction by Mohit Suri deserves attention, particularly in how he brings out the contrasting worlds of Madhav and Riya. The film oscillates between the vibrancy of Delhi’s elite circles and the simplicity of Bihar’s rural life, creating a stark visual divide that underlines the characters’ personal conflicts. Suri handles the emotional aspects of the story with sensitivity, but the pace of the film sometimes feels uneven. Certain scenes, especially those focused on Madhav’s longing for Riya, drag on, while more critical moments of emotional revelation are rushed. The narrative, much like Madhav’s own journey, falters in its execution, making the film feel like an emotional marathon where the finish line is unclear.
Cinematography by Vishnu Rao plays a crucial role in establishing the mood of the film. From the sprawling campus of St. Stephen’s College to the picturesque landscapes of Bihar, the camera captures both the opulence and simplicity with finesse. The visuals of Delhi are sleek and modern, highlighting Riya’s privileged world, while Madhav’s hometown scenes are bathed in warm, earthy tones, reinforcing his grounded upbringing. A standout visual moment is when Riya and Madhav practice basketball together—the camera lingers on their silent chemistry, effectively capturing the tension between them without the need for dialogue.
Music has always been a strong suit in Mohit Suri’s films, and here, too, the soundtrack is a highlight. Songs like “Phir Bhi Tumko Chahunga” and “Baarish” are emotional and melodious, beautifully complementing the romantic tension between the lead characters. The background score is subtle and enhances the mood without overpowering the scenes. However, while the music is soulful, it sometimes feels like a crutch for the film, trying to evoke emotions that the screenplay alone fails to deliver. The songs are great to listen to, but they don’t always serve to push the narrative forward, making them feel somewhat disconnected from the storytelling.
Another area where the film shines is in its portrayal of cultural contrast. The difference between Madhav’s rural background and Riya’s cosmopolitan lifestyle is a recurring theme that shapes their relationship. The film touches on class differences, the challenges of communication between people from different worlds, and how societal expectations influence personal choices. Madhav’s struggle to fit into Riya’s world while staying true to his roots forms a significant part of the film’s emotional undercurrent. However, while this theme is compelling, the film sometimes oversimplifies these contrasts, reducing complex issues to clichés.
The editing, handled by Devendra Murdeshwar, could have been sharper. At two hours and fifteen minutes, the film feels stretched, especially during the middle act. The emotional depth that the narrative aims for is diluted by repetitive scenes of Madhav’s longing and Riya’s evasiveness, which could have been more concise to maintain the film’s momentum. By the time the film reaches its climax, the emotional investment in the characters feels somewhat worn out, making the resolution less impactful.
In terms of costume design, the film does a good job reflecting the characters’ personalities. Riya’s wardrobe is chic and modern, perfectly embodying her affluent, carefree lifestyle. Madhav, in contrast, is dressed in simpler, more practical clothing, reflecting his humble roots. The attention to detail in the costumes helps ground the characters in their respective worlds, even when the storyline feels a bit too fantastical at times.
Overall, Half Girlfriend is a film with its heart in the right place but falters in execution. The premise of a “half” relationship is intriguing, but the film’s narrative struggles to fully explore the emotional complexities of such a situation. While Arjun and Shraddha try their best to bring Madhav and Riya’s story to life, their performances are let down by a screenplay that lacks depth and subtlety. The film’s strong points lie in its music and cinematography, both of which add emotional weight to an otherwise inconsistent narrative.
If you’re a fan of romantic dramas and enjoy stories of unrequited love, you might find yourself drawn to the film’s premise and its heartfelt moments. However, for those looking for a more nuanced and emotionally layered love story, the film may leave you wanting more. It’s a decent watch for a lazy weekend, but not one that leaves a lasting impression.
