Few films attempt to bridge the gap between past lives and present-day romance as ambitiously as this one. Set in the vibrant backdrop of Budapest, Raabta brings together Sushant Singh Rajput, Kriti Sanon, and Jim Sarbh in a genre-bending tale that combines elements of reincarnation, romance, and action. Directed by Dinesh Vijan, this film seeks to intertwine two distinct timelines, blending a modern love story with a historical past, making it an intriguing mix of fantasy and contemporary drama.
The story revolves around Shiv (Sushant) and Saira (Kriti), two seemingly ordinary individuals who meet and fall for each other in present-day Budapest. Their chemistry is immediate, and they connect on an unexplainable level as if they have known each other for centuries. As the relationship deepens, it becomes apparent that their connection transcends time, leading to the revelation of their shared past from a previous life. This past brings with it a third character, Zakir (Jim Sarbh), whose dark obsession with Saira threatens their present-day love. The film unfolds in two parallel timelines, one in the present and another in an ancient kingdom, as Shiv and Saira grapple with their connection and try to understand the complexities of fate and reincarnation.
One of the standout aspects of Raabta is the dynamic chemistry between Sushant and Kriti. Their on-screen energy feels fresh, with Sushant’s playful charm balancing perfectly against Kriti’s poised and grounded performance. Sushant brings his usual flair to Shiv, portraying him as a fun-loving, cocky yet endearing man, while Kriti’s portrayal of Saira adds a depth of vulnerability and mystery. Together, their interactions feel genuine, and their evolving relationship keeps the audience engaged throughout the film’s modern-day narrative. However, when the film shifts into its historical setting, the acting becomes more intense and emotional. Jim Sarbh’s portrayal of the menacing Zakir also deserves recognition—he brings a raw, unhinged energy that makes him an unsettling yet fascinating antagonist.
The film’s direction is a mixed bag. Dinesh Vijan, in his directorial debut, succeeds in presenting a visually compelling story, particularly through the vivid cinematography that highlights the beauty of Budapest and the grandeur of the historical flashbacks. However, the transition between the two timelines feels somewhat disjointed. While the contemporary scenes are light-hearted and flow smoothly, the historical sequences often feel rushed and underdeveloped, preventing the audience from fully connecting with the reincarnation aspect of the plot. The pacing in these sequences feels uneven, leaving certain moments less impactful than intended.
Another notable aspect of the film is its music. Pritam’s soundtrack perfectly complements the romantic and fantastical elements of the story. Songs like “Ik Vaari Aa” and “Raabta” capture the emotional intensity and sweeping nature of the film’s central romance. The background score, too, adds an ethereal quality to the film, especially in scenes that transition between the past and the present. The music helps set the tone for both the light, flirtatious moments and the more dramatic, tension-filled sequences, making it one of the stronger elements of the film.
The film also excels in its visual effects and costume design, particularly in the historical timeline. The use of CGI to depict the ancient kingdom is impressive, with sweeping landscapes and detailed set pieces that create an epic atmosphere. The costumes in the historical sequences are grand and fitting for the era, adding authenticity to the reincarnation narrative. While some of the action scenes, especially in the past life sequences, border on the exaggerated, they add a fantastical element that aligns with the film’s themes of destiny and larger-than-life love stories.
However, where Raabta falters is in its screenplay. The film’s attempt to merge two vastly different timelines is ambitious but lacks cohesion. The reincarnation theme feels under-explored, with the past-life sequences often serving more as a plot device rather than a fully developed narrative. As a result, while the present-day storyline is engaging, the flashbacks don’t have the same emotional impact, making the central theme of reincarnation feel more like an afterthought rather than the core of the movie. There’s also a sense of déjà vu, as the reincarnation trope has been explored in Indian cinema before, and Raabta doesn’t offer anything particularly new or unique in its treatment of this theme.
In conclusion, Raabta is a visually appealing film with strong performances, especially from Sushant and Kriti, who carry the contemporary portion of the story with their undeniable chemistry. The film’s music, cinematography, and production design are commendable and elevate the experience, particularly for viewers who enjoy sweeping romance and fantastical elements. However, its uneven pacing and a lack of depth in the reincarnation subplot prevent it from reaching its full potential. It’s an enjoyable film for those who appreciate romance with a twist of fantasy, but the narrative could have been more tightly woven to make a lasting emotional impact. If you’re a fan of romantic dramas with a larger-than-life premise and are willing to overlook some narrative flaws, Raabta may just hit the right chord.
