I watched Break Ke Baad without expectations and it neither surprised nor disappointed me. It was quite a watchable movie but way too ordinary to be memorable. The film follows the relationship of Abhay and Aaliya, their love, friendship and differences. At times the movie manages to work with its light nature and looks quite believable and fun, but at others it's also too subtle for the story it tells and lacks the power to convince and captivate. The story is very simple, and it could have been more interesting had the direction and the script been better handled. Here, the narrative style is a bit dark and plain, and it often seems like it was taken too seriously by the makers, which is odd considering the fact that it does not really have much substance. The film's music is quite okay although, like the film, it is nothing particularly special. The main lead Imran Khan and Deepika Padukone are well cast, and frankly enough they are not really challenged by some great roles to begin with, so don't expect much. Imran is okay. Deepika is better in a performance that is pretty nice and more impressive than his but never particularly impressive in and of itself. She is undeniably pretty and attractive and something about her in this film works and may improve her prospects in the film industry, but she is far from being a glowing talent (like Anushka Sharma, for example). To sum it up, Break Ke Baad is overall an ordinary feature which does have its moments but after all can be watched only once, at least according to me.
23 Reviews
Fun, fresh romcom with meaningful messages
AishFan1 December 2010
Warning: Spoilers
With a rather simple plot, Break Ke Baad explores and examines the relationship between the lead pair Imran and Deepika. This fun, fresh, and light-hearted romcom contains some really nice themes and messages that are badly needed for today's times. In an age where break-ups are too common and used as an escape from life's troubles, a quick fix to a relationship going through a rough phase, or a convenient denial of one's own weaknesses, we end up losing and hurting our loved ones and well-wishers. It takes courage, patience, acceptance, and resilience to keep two people together. While we may not realize it in the pursuit of freedom and independence, it's these relationships that brings us the most contentment. The film doesn't downplay or discourage ambition; on the contrary, it does show it as necessary to developing oneself. However, one's means of achieving his/her goals should not be done through rebellious means or by despisement of others' attitudes, but rather by cooperating and understanding those who are closest to you. The film has a great starcast and direction as well as nice music.
Story has been done to death...
Sherazade10 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
...and the worst part is not only that BREAK KE BAAD is retelling such a clichéd tale but with poor execution and little to no direction. From the first five minutes you can already tell how the film is going to end but still the director probably assumed that its fresh and attractive cast, scenic locales, supposedly hip lingo and ambition could and would save his script. Sadly, he was wrong. The main leads (Imraan Khan and Deepika Padukone) end up looking foolish and wooden in their roles of lovebirds needing some space in their relationship, with a role reversal of the guy being the one who wants to settle down and the girl being the one who wants to find herself and defy society's norms. Sigh! It's all been done before and way, way better.
The makers should take a break too from giving us such lifeless movies made with a dualistic mindset.
bobbysing27 January 2011
After watching numerous mediocre romantic projects releases recently, here is one more similar kind of lifeless product from the house of Kunal Kohli. Once again coming from a debutant director, Danish Aslam, the film raises a valid question that why a first time director decides to make his debut movie on such boring, uninteresting and sleepy kind of script which has nothing new or fresh to offer to its viewers.
Apart from this I made two conclusions after watching "Break Ke Baad". One, that Imran Khan has stopped taking any advice from his perfectionist senior Aamir Khan, who earlier reportedly used to take a keen interest in his career. Imran's choice of projects after Aamir Khan's produced "Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na" clearly gives us the indication of his understanding and judgment of various projects & scripts. With no Hit Project post his debut movie, Imran now really needs to sit back and review his career seriously.
The second conclusion is about the leading lady Deepika Padukone, who I think is there in the industry only to make some quick money and then walk on to her marriage plans. With a lot more to learn in the acting department, Deepika looks almost the same in her every new movie and also has the same kind of act to offer. In fact its quite silly of both Imran and Deepika to sign "Break Ke Baad" which more or less revolves around the same kind of theme exploited in their previous movies such as JTYJN and LOVE AAJ KAL. So, after watching BKB one can only assume that either both the lead actors signed this movie without reading the script or they don't have any kind of script sense at all.
Apart from the completely outdated, overused and a routine storyline, the film hasn't got a single good scene to impress the viewer. Progressing at a very boring pace right from its first reel, the characters keep moving on the screen in their cool revealing dresses but you feel nothing for them till the end. The direction itself has so many flaws in it, which even allows you to have a little nap on your seat in its second half. For example, the story is set in Delhi and the lead pair reaches the mountains to have their adventures rides just in few hours and then return to their home in the same day itself (as if Delhi was a two hour drive from the mountains). And Deepika calling her mother by her name seems completely out of place and is quite irritating too.
Actually Danish Aslam has made the film keeping in mind the western culture and its casual relationship styles prevailing between a boy and a girl. But his attempt falls flat when it comes to the subject of sex between his two lead characters. His script shows a boy and a girl being friends from their childhood days. Even when they transform into a young boy and girl they still enjoy the same kind of cool relationship between them without any kind of shyness. Ironically both Imran & Deepika talk, walk and behave like two mature lovers throughout, wherein they can even touch, kiss and cuddle each other any moment as they like. But yet as per the Indian Tradition they still haven't gone physical. Now that was plain unbelievable considering the setting, background and narration of the movie. Had it been an English movie, they would have done that in the first half itself and that too without any guilt or regret. But since it was a Hindi movie, they cannot do that.
The point I want to make is that our directors are walking on a dual path today which doesn't allow them to come up with some bold and intelligent movies close to the reality. In the current BREAK KE BAAD, the director is OK with showing a western kind of relationship between a young boy and girl but at the same time he is not ready to show that they can even go physical. So at one end he wants to copy from the West, but on the other also wants to make a film for the Indian audience, keeping their cultural tradition alive, which is not an easy path to walk on. Falling in the same dilemma, BKB is a complete washout and has no relief moments even in its few songs. Vishal-Shekhar deliver an average sort of soundtrack which lacks the melody and is disappointing. Though the film scores fine in its Cinematography but in the casting department it fails to take advantage of many talented people such as Sharmila Tagore, Shahana Goswami, Lillete Dubey and Navin Nischal. Yudhishtir also overacts as the sex driven housemate.
As far as the lead pair is concerned I didn't find anything to write about the acts of both Imran and Deepika. They gave me nothing fresh or better than their last films. As a matter of fact in BREAK KE BAAD, the actors on the screen look as confused as the director and the writer standing behind the screen. Hence everyone should essentially take a break from watching this underworked venture and if you really want to see Deepika in her cools shorts then do watch it but at your own risk.
Apart from this I made two conclusions after watching "Break Ke Baad". One, that Imran Khan has stopped taking any advice from his perfectionist senior Aamir Khan, who earlier reportedly used to take a keen interest in his career. Imran's choice of projects after Aamir Khan's produced "Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na" clearly gives us the indication of his understanding and judgment of various projects & scripts. With no Hit Project post his debut movie, Imran now really needs to sit back and review his career seriously.
The second conclusion is about the leading lady Deepika Padukone, who I think is there in the industry only to make some quick money and then walk on to her marriage plans. With a lot more to learn in the acting department, Deepika looks almost the same in her every new movie and also has the same kind of act to offer. In fact its quite silly of both Imran and Deepika to sign "Break Ke Baad" which more or less revolves around the same kind of theme exploited in their previous movies such as JTYJN and LOVE AAJ KAL. So, after watching BKB one can only assume that either both the lead actors signed this movie without reading the script or they don't have any kind of script sense at all.
Apart from the completely outdated, overused and a routine storyline, the film hasn't got a single good scene to impress the viewer. Progressing at a very boring pace right from its first reel, the characters keep moving on the screen in their cool revealing dresses but you feel nothing for them till the end. The direction itself has so many flaws in it, which even allows you to have a little nap on your seat in its second half. For example, the story is set in Delhi and the lead pair reaches the mountains to have their adventures rides just in few hours and then return to their home in the same day itself (as if Delhi was a two hour drive from the mountains). And Deepika calling her mother by her name seems completely out of place and is quite irritating too.
Actually Danish Aslam has made the film keeping in mind the western culture and its casual relationship styles prevailing between a boy and a girl. But his attempt falls flat when it comes to the subject of sex between his two lead characters. His script shows a boy and a girl being friends from their childhood days. Even when they transform into a young boy and girl they still enjoy the same kind of cool relationship between them without any kind of shyness. Ironically both Imran & Deepika talk, walk and behave like two mature lovers throughout, wherein they can even touch, kiss and cuddle each other any moment as they like. But yet as per the Indian Tradition they still haven't gone physical. Now that was plain unbelievable considering the setting, background and narration of the movie. Had it been an English movie, they would have done that in the first half itself and that too without any guilt or regret. But since it was a Hindi movie, they cannot do that.
The point I want to make is that our directors are walking on a dual path today which doesn't allow them to come up with some bold and intelligent movies close to the reality. In the current BREAK KE BAAD, the director is OK with showing a western kind of relationship between a young boy and girl but at the same time he is not ready to show that they can even go physical. So at one end he wants to copy from the West, but on the other also wants to make a film for the Indian audience, keeping their cultural tradition alive, which is not an easy path to walk on. Falling in the same dilemma, BKB is a complete washout and has no relief moments even in its few songs. Vishal-Shekhar deliver an average sort of soundtrack which lacks the melody and is disappointing. Though the film scores fine in its Cinematography but in the casting department it fails to take advantage of many talented people such as Sharmila Tagore, Shahana Goswami, Lillete Dubey and Navin Nischal. Yudhishtir also overacts as the sex driven housemate.
As far as the lead pair is concerned I didn't find anything to write about the acts of both Imran and Deepika. They gave me nothing fresh or better than their last films. As a matter of fact in BREAK KE BAAD, the actors on the screen look as confused as the director and the writer standing behind the screen. Hence everyone should essentially take a break from watching this underworked venture and if you really want to see Deepika in her cools shorts then do watch it but at your own risk.
Real waste of watching
rakeshuever26 November 2010
I just saw the movie in theater, it didn't took much time to realize I'm wasting my time. The movie was really boring, i think director doesn't really know how to present the story, even though the story is old and it's already shown in many films. The dialogues between the lead pair are also old Hindi filmy dialogues, the dialogues pattern is same as "I HATE LOVE STORIES" movie. I think it would be better if we don't talk about screenplay. The cinematography and music are OK but they didn't add any good to the movie. Watching in theater is a waste of time and money. If you really want to watch, it's better to wait for DVD release.
Pretty but pretty bad as well!!
Shashiishere27 November 2010
The problem with this movie is the same which has been plaguing the so called romantic comedies in Bollywood recently- that it tries too hard to look fresh and cool and to the tune of the times.
It necessarily is just about two people who are in a long relationship since childhood with just marriage left on the cards when suddenly the female realizes she wants her space. Fair enough.But the guy doesn't want to leave her for anything in the world.
As per the movie modern males are insecure, too sweet, too nagging,have no real goals or ambitions and find cooking better suited than most other jobs in the world! not really.
Then there is the alpha female who wants her space, ambitious, risk taking, smokes in front of all elders in a wedding, basically wants to do whatever she fees like at any cost.Hmmm again little far fetched. Probably we would have more connected with the characters if the débutant director would have spent little more time in the character building than the unconvincing fights, quarrels and the break up which basically doesn't happen in the movie! in spite of repeated attempts by the characters.
The plot is thin, the climax is as predictable as it can get and though timed at a little under 2 hrs the movie gets so repetitive in the middle that when a character shouts Khatam kar dalo isko, about an hour into the movie we echo the same feelings.
Having said that, all is not bad. The biggest pus point of the movie is the music very hummable by Vishal Shekar,the witty dialogues which are the only cool things and the acting by the 2 leads Imran and Deepika who try to infuse some life into otherwise illogical characters.
Break ke baad doesn't really engage the viewer from the beginning to the end.If you want to see a modern bitter sweet break up story we still recommend Imtiaz Ali's Love aaj kal.
It necessarily is just about two people who are in a long relationship since childhood with just marriage left on the cards when suddenly the female realizes she wants her space. Fair enough.But the guy doesn't want to leave her for anything in the world.
As per the movie modern males are insecure, too sweet, too nagging,have no real goals or ambitions and find cooking better suited than most other jobs in the world! not really.
Then there is the alpha female who wants her space, ambitious, risk taking, smokes in front of all elders in a wedding, basically wants to do whatever she fees like at any cost.Hmmm again little far fetched. Probably we would have more connected with the characters if the débutant director would have spent little more time in the character building than the unconvincing fights, quarrels and the break up which basically doesn't happen in the movie! in spite of repeated attempts by the characters.
The plot is thin, the climax is as predictable as it can get and though timed at a little under 2 hrs the movie gets so repetitive in the middle that when a character shouts Khatam kar dalo isko, about an hour into the movie we echo the same feelings.
Having said that, all is not bad. The biggest pus point of the movie is the music very hummable by Vishal Shekar,the witty dialogues which are the only cool things and the acting by the 2 leads Imran and Deepika who try to infuse some life into otherwise illogical characters.
Break ke baad doesn't really engage the viewer from the beginning to the end.If you want to see a modern bitter sweet break up story we still recommend Imtiaz Ali's Love aaj kal.
Good for nothing, waist of time as well as money.
pradeepkrlko7 December 2010
When the movie started, I thought its gonna be a different story. But gradually it disappointed a lot. The story can be narrated in one line, its so simple and boring..it is a repeated story in Hindi movies. It was unbearable at most of the time. Imran has worked nicely according to his role, whenever he has appeared on the screen I felt relief. Shahana and Yudhisthir has done a good job too, both of them have done justification with their roles. Deepika should stop overacting, she is carrying the similar kind of acting in all of her movies.
I am giving 3 out of 10, for Imran, Shahan and Yudhisthir.
I recommend not to watch it.
I am giving 3 out of 10, for Imran, Shahan and Yudhisthir.
I recommend not to watch it.
Very unrealistic
riturajgupta_1115 January 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This was one disappointing movie, unrealistic and unreasonable characters, factually incorrect in the sense that Imran Khan just goes to visit Deepika in Australia and starts working there, its called illegal immigration! They showed a hindu-Muslim relationship with so much ease like its nothing and its an everyday thing! Has the director lived in India? why cant they make movies based in India, all these movies have to do with US,UK,Australia! Anyways this is a chick flick in disguise of a rom-com, which is not good in any of those category! Imran Khan really needs to step up his game, deepika is good, the side characters are what are pulling the weight! Sharmila ji is awesome as always!
Break is Good
kumbidosunmu11 January 2011
i for one enjoyed the movie, i don't know why yooou guys are giving it such bad reviews. i watched the movie with a clear mind. i don't think there is any movie in bollywood that hasn't been done before. Most bollywood storyline all fall in the same categories which is why it is important for the actors to try to deliver a great performance so they can stand out. i applaud deepika for her role in this movie and i encourage imran to try to get out of his comfort zone and explore different horizons. i could relate to break ke baad because i was once in that situation and i understood deepikas character wanting to take a break because being in a long term relationship could be suffocating. overall, i like the movie, hope to see more from the pair because they have great screen chemistry and a bright future ahead of them. TO IMRAN and DEEPIKA!!!!
this happens only in India
mathew318416 January 2011
what an horror,what a waste of money. total indictment to viewing sense of Indian community. how could they even release this movie. no more comment m having headache thinking about the movie.at least the songs were a lifesaver in this piece of crap.if u just look at the other works of danish aslam he was the Second Unit Director for swadesh,now that was a brilliant movie. looks like he never learnt anything from Ashutosh Gowarikar. say about bunking the class.on a second note the script...no enough these are the times...i realize...i...hate ....myself..thats two hours of my life gone down the drain.god save ........ bollywood
Miserable waste of my time
bollycritic19 December 2010
Imran Khan can't act to save his life. Sorry, but it has to be said. While his "performance" was engaging in his debut film (since he was new and Abbas Tyrewala had crafted a great screenplay), it seems like he's just sleep-walking through all his films since then. He has one horrible style of dialogue delivery in every scene, and doesn't deserve to be cast, let alone paid, for his movies. It doesn't help that Break Ke Baad is such a juvenile and boring story either. Deepika's selfish character in the film may be quite novel and realistic for Bollywood, but she's also super annoying and unlikeable. And if you don't like your lead heroine in a romantic comedy, why would you care for the movie? As an actress, Deepika is still improving with each film, but watching her mature is not enough to sustain this 2 hour stupidity train. The songs too are super-boring, near the worst of Vishal-Shekhar's career, and even casting super strong supporting actors like Shahana Goswami, Sharmila Tagore and Lillette Dubey doesn't help.
Average...
namashi_128 December 2010
Danish Aslam's 'Break Ke Baad' is an average attempt, which tries to be super-cool, but falls flat. The characters appear confused after a certain point, the writing gets hyper, so hyper, that it even culminates unconvincingly.
'Break Ke Baad' is about a couple, who take a Break from their decade old relationship. It's the chick who decides to do so. From there on, it's just how the boy tries to bring back things properly.
The idea is fresh, and to give the writer-director his due, he even successfully starts the film. The first 30-35 minutes to hold your attention, and you expect the graph to just go upper. Sadly, the second hour, is a total mess. The writing isn't tight from there on, and even it's characters begin to bore. As far as the climax, it's the weakest link. It leaves no impact whatsoever!
Music by Vishal-Shekhar is cool, and so is Deepika Padukone's performance. Imran Khan, however, doesn't leave an impression. The supporting cast lend able support.
On the whole, An exciting idea gone wrong!
'Break Ke Baad' is about a couple, who take a Break from their decade old relationship. It's the chick who decides to do so. From there on, it's just how the boy tries to bring back things properly.
The idea is fresh, and to give the writer-director his due, he even successfully starts the film. The first 30-35 minutes to hold your attention, and you expect the graph to just go upper. Sadly, the second hour, is a total mess. The writing isn't tight from there on, and even it's characters begin to bore. As far as the climax, it's the weakest link. It leaves no impact whatsoever!
Music by Vishal-Shekhar is cool, and so is Deepika Padukone's performance. Imran Khan, however, doesn't leave an impression. The supporting cast lend able support.
On the whole, An exciting idea gone wrong!
Terrible second half
bisprad8 February 2011
Debutant director Danish Aslam serves us disappointing fare in Break Ke Baad this weekend - a crisp first half followed by a damp and soggy second half. The teekha first half has Deepika's sizzling act as Aaliya - bringing some life & vitality to her usually expressionless face. Imran plays the chocolate boy lover Abhay – a role he has done admirably in the past and is the likable meethi chutney. Together, against my expectation, they both produce a very likable dish and have a crackling on screen chemistry. However, that spark between them is completely doused by the insipid writing in the second half.
The opening credits are a montage of two six year olds falling in love as they grow up, with a shared passion of Hindi movies. The girl grows up to be the impetuous Aaliya who is full of life, but sometimes does not care about anyone but herself. Abhay is the ultra-sweet guy who tolerates all her tantrums and still adores her. Maybe because he realizes he needs her more than she does. However, when Aaliya decides to fly off to Australia to study, the relationship cant take the strain and the 'break' happens.
This is where the movie goes to dogs – as it starts focussing more on other characters and side-plots more than the lead pair. Sharmila Tagore as Aaliya's mother heads a useless track about the ills of the world of showbiz. She also seals my belief that yesteryear's charming heroines lose their expressive faces in the process of ageing (maybe to botox). And hence are better staying alive in old movie reruns rather than acting in newer movies. Jaya Bhaduri, Hema Malini and now Sharmila Tagore – their faces struggle to convey different emotions – and end up looking almost similar in all scenes.
The movie meanders along for quite a while before becoming a coming-of- age movie for both Aaliya and Abhay. And this is the movie's biggest failure – since the scriptwriter clearly doesn't have the maturity to handle this topic as much as he has a handle on romance. The climax is stupid even by the low standards of rom-coms – and which is where you write the movie off as a failure
PS - Something struck me a couple of days after I watched the movie – when you watch the movie, you can tell me if I was wrong or right. I thought Aaliya's character and idiosyncrasies were heavily based on Jab We Met's Geet . None of the Bhatinda Punjabi madness, but a calculated effort by the makers to use that quirkiness and happy-go-lucky nature. But then again, Geet was a million times better than Aaliya would ever be.
You can read more of my reviews at http://bombaycinephile.blogspot.com
The opening credits are a montage of two six year olds falling in love as they grow up, with a shared passion of Hindi movies. The girl grows up to be the impetuous Aaliya who is full of life, but sometimes does not care about anyone but herself. Abhay is the ultra-sweet guy who tolerates all her tantrums and still adores her. Maybe because he realizes he needs her more than she does. However, when Aaliya decides to fly off to Australia to study, the relationship cant take the strain and the 'break' happens.
This is where the movie goes to dogs – as it starts focussing more on other characters and side-plots more than the lead pair. Sharmila Tagore as Aaliya's mother heads a useless track about the ills of the world of showbiz. She also seals my belief that yesteryear's charming heroines lose their expressive faces in the process of ageing (maybe to botox). And hence are better staying alive in old movie reruns rather than acting in newer movies. Jaya Bhaduri, Hema Malini and now Sharmila Tagore – their faces struggle to convey different emotions – and end up looking almost similar in all scenes.
The movie meanders along for quite a while before becoming a coming-of- age movie for both Aaliya and Abhay. And this is the movie's biggest failure – since the scriptwriter clearly doesn't have the maturity to handle this topic as much as he has a handle on romance. The climax is stupid even by the low standards of rom-coms – and which is where you write the movie off as a failure
PS - Something struck me a couple of days after I watched the movie – when you watch the movie, you can tell me if I was wrong or right. I thought Aaliya's character and idiosyncrasies were heavily based on Jab We Met's Geet . None of the Bhatinda Punjabi madness, but a calculated effort by the makers to use that quirkiness and happy-go-lucky nature. But then again, Geet was a million times better than Aaliya would ever be.
You can read more of my reviews at http://bombaycinephile.blogspot.com
Lacking in imagination
TriNitroToluene3 December 2010
I don't go into bollywood romantic comedies expecting much. Some charm is enough to suffice and real characters are simply a bonus. But, no matter what your criteria consists of, Break Ke Baad is bound to let you down. The characters in this movie are so annoyingly prototypical that they might as well be made of cardboard with a pullstring dialogue. Deepika's character is uninventive and predictably loathsome. I'm not sure how the director/penman fooled themself into thinking she could be stretched thin over a two hour runtime. Khan was such a stereotypically crafted polar opposite of her that the movie might actually give a viewer whiplash. To be fair, in the second to last 30 minutes of this movie, I almost stopped punching myself in the balls for sticking past the interval. But, the ending was so ridiculous and insultingly far-fetched that it took away any sympathy I had for myself. I'm basically an idiot that wasted a full 2 hours thinking that it could somehow provide catharsis for the $20 I wasted on our tickets. Don't be that idiot, there are so many more productive things to do with your day, like trying to see how many cc's of activated charcoal you can hold down while juggling bowling pins.
Absolute misogynistic trash
Rishad28 December 2015
Warning: Spoilers
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER (but not really, since it's so predictable) ***
OK, I should preface my review by stating that I'm not a huge, huge fan of Bollywood films, am not up to snuff on my actors, directors, and what-not, but do watch them on occasion (usually with my folks), and they can be fun, as in, "Singh is Kingg."
This film was without a doubt, the absolute trashiest film I've watched in quite a while, Bollywood or not. So bad in fact, that I couldn't even finish watching it, as I felt a nap would be more imaginative.
Not only that, the vaguely (and at times, overtly) misogynistic messages in this steaming pile was quite a shock. Sooooo ... stalking someone who's told you in no uncertain terms that they want a break (hence the title), showing up unexpectedly at their door, and playing on their emotions is totz kewl? ?:-/
Alrighty then. I guess I'm not up on my desi culture (and yes, I'm brown, in case it matters.)
OK, I should preface my review by stating that I'm not a huge, huge fan of Bollywood films, am not up to snuff on my actors, directors, and what-not, but do watch them on occasion (usually with my folks), and they can be fun, as in, "Singh is Kingg."
This film was without a doubt, the absolute trashiest film I've watched in quite a while, Bollywood or not. So bad in fact, that I couldn't even finish watching it, as I felt a nap would be more imaginative.
Not only that, the vaguely (and at times, overtly) misogynistic messages in this steaming pile was quite a shock. Sooooo ... stalking someone who's told you in no uncertain terms that they want a break (hence the title), showing up unexpectedly at their door, and playing on their emotions is totz kewl? ?:-/
Alrighty then. I guess I'm not up on my desi culture (and yes, I'm brown, in case it matters.)
A Refreshment in the age of clichés
prachi16908 March 2011
I am still wondering how this movie got bad reviews. This is of one of the better Hindi romantic movies I have seen lately.Yes ! It does have its cliché moments but it is still a fresh air.
Directed by first timer Danish Aslam, it is about a young couple. They have been together for it seems forever and they are growing out of the relation. They want to restore the relation so decides to take a break. And that's all there is to movie. But its being handle so well It has this very real young vibe to it. Also, it brings some real issues for the young generation of India. The movie's music adds to it.
Have to admit that I am not big fan of Deepiak Padoukone but her performance blew me away. She was so invested in the movie that it was hard to remember her glamor self. It was first time I felt she was acting. And Imran Khan was amazing. Inspite of what people have been saying he has some true potential to grow in very fine actor.
Overall, I would suggest this movie over any recent Hindi "love story". It is predictable but it does raises some interesting questions.
Directed by first timer Danish Aslam, it is about a young couple. They have been together for it seems forever and they are growing out of the relation. They want to restore the relation so decides to take a break. And that's all there is to movie. But its being handle so well It has this very real young vibe to it. Also, it brings some real issues for the young generation of India. The movie's music adds to it.
Have to admit that I am not big fan of Deepiak Padoukone but her performance blew me away. She was so invested in the movie that it was hard to remember her glamor self. It was first time I felt she was acting. And Imran Khan was amazing. Inspite of what people have been saying he has some true potential to grow in very fine actor.
Overall, I would suggest this movie over any recent Hindi "love story". It is predictable but it does raises some interesting questions.
Another movie with rich looks and poor content
lekuswati26 March 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Honestly, Break ke baad could have been a great movie.....but content-wise the movie fails miserably. Poor performance by the leads - Deepika Padukone and Imran Khan adds to your nerves....esp Imran's underacting and lack of emotions.
Positives of the movie -
Stylishly shot - Some of the locales are really nice....but it just feels wasted in a bad movie.
Good production values - The movie has been shot really well. Every frame is neat and looks-wise every scene feels complete.
Hard as I may try......there is nothing else positive in the movie.
Negatives of the movie -
Pathetic performance - The leads supposedly have been together for 10 years....but when they break up OR get back together OR meet each other as friends OR learn that the other one is getting married........there are absolutely no emotions on their faces.....which actually adds to the confusion in the story! When Aaliya and Abhay talk to each other...you really don't know whether they are talking as friends, or trying to get back together...or are they lovers again. Imran Khan needs to get rid of his smile....he seems to be smiling even in sad scenes!
Poor character development - Aaliya is supposedly a bitter person....because of her divorced parents (calls her mom by name)....but I just don't see why she is such a selfish bi_tch....even to the guy who has been so nice to her (Abhay). She suddenly takes off to Australia for MassComm....pray why not tell the guy you even sleep with about your plans to take up the course?? It's really not clear why they 'go on a break' or break up. One year is no big deal to be apart....why can't they wait or try long-distance? No reason, again, why she decides that they shouldn't even talk over the phone during their 'break'??
There is one scene (which makes Abhay rush to Aus) where she drinks so hard in a party that she wakes up the next day. During her drinking binge, she fights with Abhay and throws the phone and walk away. Next when Abahy calls, another guy picks up the phone and says that "He's in queue". Abhay panics and arrives at Aus. Seeing him, Aaliya breaks up, calling him "insecure" Honestly...if you are drinking with a few guys madly and a dude answers the phone and tells "you are in queue"....wouldn't that be a reason to panic???? Aaliya wakes up in the morning after her drinking binge in the party next to a guy and she wonders if she had sex with him...and starts beating him....her boyfriend joins in (surprise!)....and there is no surprise in Aaliya's face....instead she calls him "insecure". Wouldn't a guy feel insecure in such a situation....or at least concerned if the "woman of his life" is safe or not??
Supposedly his "insecurity" leads to a break up...and Aaliya says that she doesn't want to deal with his problems....heck lady...what is a relationship for....even if you aren't in one....wouldn't you help as a friend?? When Aaliya, after graduation, gets a movie deal...everyone is disappointed.....so much so....that she quits the role and heads back to India. Frankly...can't people make amends and continue with her movie? Afterall....that's what she studied abroad for!
Overall...Aaliya comes across as a very selfish person. I am far from the notion that heroines should be "perfect"....but in the end....they should realise their mistakes....even if they don't become perfect afterwards. Aaliya treats love like dirt....even after she makes amends with her mother and realises that "People don't love her because she's special, but she's special because people love her"....I see no reason why she doesn't try to get back together with her sweetheart with whom, she's been together for 10 years.
Abhay underplays his role to an extent....that it hardly seems like a character. Matter of fact....he seems like a defective person...who can't feel pain, sadness, anger, determination. His love for Aaliya is so strong that he still wants her back when she dumps him, declares that she doesn't want to deal with his issues, etc. Great going, doormat!
Disjointed script - The script just seems like a collage project where different scenes were stuck together with Fevicol. At one shot Abhay & Aaliya are buddies deeply in love. Next scene...she's in a flight to Australia. Suddenly Abhay is in Australia. Aaliya rarely is seen attending classes....suddenly she's graduating....then suddenly Aaliya's mom is in Australia....suddenly she's back home....suddenly Aaliya's back home after advice from mom.......suddenly Aaliya's back in Australia after mom suddenly feels that "Aaliya's much stronger than me"......suddenly Imran is heading home.......and suddenly he decides to marry......and suddenly Aaliya's back home.
There seem to be no lead for the action. The director has wasted space showing "how deeply Aaliya and Abhay are in love", he could have given space for scenes that leads upto the actions of main characters. At no point is it clear if Aaliya and Abhay are talking as friends or lovers or ex-lovers.
Senseless actions of Abhay and Aaliya - The film is break ke baad....but at no point does the break or break up feel justified...nor there seems to be any desperation for them to get back together. I frankly just don't understand that why they just don't try to work on their decade old relationship!!
There seems to be nothing between Abhay and Aaliya that suggests that they've known each other for 10 yrs. They literally are like strangers!!
So let me give a final score -
Story - 5/10 Screenplay - 2/10 Performance - 3/10 Direction - 5/10 Music - 6/10 (feels good with movie...but nothing memorable) Visual - 10/10
I do believe that the director is talented...but his first product is pretty amateurish.....it's too Americanised and frankly....10-year-old relationships don't end 'just like that'.....overall....I'd give the movie 4/10
Positives of the movie -
Stylishly shot - Some of the locales are really nice....but it just feels wasted in a bad movie.
Good production values - The movie has been shot really well. Every frame is neat and looks-wise every scene feels complete.
Hard as I may try......there is nothing else positive in the movie.
Negatives of the movie -
Pathetic performance - The leads supposedly have been together for 10 years....but when they break up OR get back together OR meet each other as friends OR learn that the other one is getting married........there are absolutely no emotions on their faces.....which actually adds to the confusion in the story! When Aaliya and Abhay talk to each other...you really don't know whether they are talking as friends, or trying to get back together...or are they lovers again. Imran Khan needs to get rid of his smile....he seems to be smiling even in sad scenes!
Poor character development - Aaliya is supposedly a bitter person....because of her divorced parents (calls her mom by name)....but I just don't see why she is such a selfish bi_tch....even to the guy who has been so nice to her (Abhay). She suddenly takes off to Australia for MassComm....pray why not tell the guy you even sleep with about your plans to take up the course?? It's really not clear why they 'go on a break' or break up. One year is no big deal to be apart....why can't they wait or try long-distance? No reason, again, why she decides that they shouldn't even talk over the phone during their 'break'??
There is one scene (which makes Abhay rush to Aus) where she drinks so hard in a party that she wakes up the next day. During her drinking binge, she fights with Abhay and throws the phone and walk away. Next when Abahy calls, another guy picks up the phone and says that "He's in queue". Abhay panics and arrives at Aus. Seeing him, Aaliya breaks up, calling him "insecure" Honestly...if you are drinking with a few guys madly and a dude answers the phone and tells "you are in queue"....wouldn't that be a reason to panic???? Aaliya wakes up in the morning after her drinking binge in the party next to a guy and she wonders if she had sex with him...and starts beating him....her boyfriend joins in (surprise!)....and there is no surprise in Aaliya's face....instead she calls him "insecure". Wouldn't a guy feel insecure in such a situation....or at least concerned if the "woman of his life" is safe or not??
Supposedly his "insecurity" leads to a break up...and Aaliya says that she doesn't want to deal with his problems....heck lady...what is a relationship for....even if you aren't in one....wouldn't you help as a friend?? When Aaliya, after graduation, gets a movie deal...everyone is disappointed.....so much so....that she quits the role and heads back to India. Frankly...can't people make amends and continue with her movie? Afterall....that's what she studied abroad for!
Overall...Aaliya comes across as a very selfish person. I am far from the notion that heroines should be "perfect"....but in the end....they should realise their mistakes....even if they don't become perfect afterwards. Aaliya treats love like dirt....even after she makes amends with her mother and realises that "People don't love her because she's special, but she's special because people love her"....I see no reason why she doesn't try to get back together with her sweetheart with whom, she's been together for 10 years.
Abhay underplays his role to an extent....that it hardly seems like a character. Matter of fact....he seems like a defective person...who can't feel pain, sadness, anger, determination. His love for Aaliya is so strong that he still wants her back when she dumps him, declares that she doesn't want to deal with his issues, etc. Great going, doormat!
Disjointed script - The script just seems like a collage project where different scenes were stuck together with Fevicol. At one shot Abhay & Aaliya are buddies deeply in love. Next scene...she's in a flight to Australia. Suddenly Abhay is in Australia. Aaliya rarely is seen attending classes....suddenly she's graduating....then suddenly Aaliya's mom is in Australia....suddenly she's back home....suddenly Aaliya's back home after advice from mom.......suddenly Aaliya's back in Australia after mom suddenly feels that "Aaliya's much stronger than me"......suddenly Imran is heading home.......and suddenly he decides to marry......and suddenly Aaliya's back home.
There seem to be no lead for the action. The director has wasted space showing "how deeply Aaliya and Abhay are in love", he could have given space for scenes that leads upto the actions of main characters. At no point is it clear if Aaliya and Abhay are talking as friends or lovers or ex-lovers.
Senseless actions of Abhay and Aaliya - The film is break ke baad....but at no point does the break or break up feel justified...nor there seems to be any desperation for them to get back together. I frankly just don't understand that why they just don't try to work on their decade old relationship!!
There seems to be nothing between Abhay and Aaliya that suggests that they've known each other for 10 yrs. They literally are like strangers!!
So let me give a final score -
Story - 5/10 Screenplay - 2/10 Performance - 3/10 Direction - 5/10 Music - 6/10 (feels good with movie...but nothing memorable) Visual - 10/10
I do believe that the director is talented...but his first product is pretty amateurish.....it's too Americanised and frankly....10-year-old relationships don't end 'just like that'.....overall....I'd give the movie 4/10
To break or not to break..
swagatam_8219 December 2010
Break ke Baad is not a movie that many people will be able to relate to but some definitely will. It is not particularly entertaining but in a juvenile way it does deal with some situations that are probably relevant with a lot of Gen Y couples. Aaliyah is a girl who wants everything in life without really bothering about anyone around her. This fact is shown by some irrelevant details like making her smoke a cigar, talk trash and get drunk in cinema halls but then bollywood movies have never been subtle. Diametrically opposite in personality is her childhood boyfriend who is sensitive , caring , selfless to the point that he spoils her completely - of course it was necessary to show his inclination towards cooking because businessmen are rarely sensitive. A very genuine rooftop scene reveals their very skewed relationship. Eventually Aaliyah wants to pursue with her ambitions so we know a break up is evident. She wants to move on he wants to hold on...and so it goes on and on...and you know it is getting confusing. The director drives home a lot of points all summed up in intelligent dialogues by everyone who seem to know whats up with the two protagonists except they themselves... Finally they decide to grow up so that they audience can call it a love story and go home...
Quite Okay
silvan-desouza24 October 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Break Ke Baad released few months after I Hate Love Storys which had Imran run away from love, in this he has to face Deepika who is confused. The film is a decent modern film about love and does work at many places however it does get predictable, slow paced and worst at times the comedy is too over the top.
Direction by Danish Aslam is decent Music by VS was quite popular, Adhoore, Dooriyan and Ajab leher are good numbers
Imran Khan reprises his romantic act which he kept doing in most films, he does well though, Deepika Padukone is good in her role Sharmila Tagore gets less scope but is good, Lillete Dubey is typecast Navin Nischol in his last film is good, Yudi is lively while Shahana Goswami is good as always, both however are sort of used to playing such roles,rest are okay
Direction by Danish Aslam is decent Music by VS was quite popular, Adhoore, Dooriyan and Ajab leher are good numbers
Imran Khan reprises his romantic act which he kept doing in most films, he does well though, Deepika Padukone is good in her role Sharmila Tagore gets less scope but is good, Lillete Dubey is typecast Navin Nischol in his last film is good, Yudi is lively while Shahana Goswami is good as always, both however are sort of used to playing such roles,rest are okay
Not the worst but a bad movie.
SBcriticImdb28 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Overall acting - 7
Deepikas acting - 8 Imran's acting - 9 Supporters acting - 5
To create drama they had to make deepikas character so disconnected to people that she knows and love and I just didn't get her character. She didnt tell her best friend/boyfriend Imran's character that she's following her dream to go to Australia to peruse acting because he will get emotional. Then her boyfriend (Imran) suddenly comes to Australia right when she is sleeping with a guy. Nothing happened between them because they were both drunk. She is apparently on a break with Imran. Idk get the story and the characters just didn't work. I couldn't connect with either character. No twist and turn. Plain boring drama. Waste!!! Deepika and Imran's acting was decent everything else just failed badly. It's not a horror movie but the movie was a horror to watch.
Not recommended!!
Deepikas acting - 8 Imran's acting - 9 Supporters acting - 5
To create drama they had to make deepikas character so disconnected to people that she knows and love and I just didn't get her character. She didnt tell her best friend/boyfriend Imran's character that she's following her dream to go to Australia to peruse acting because he will get emotional. Then her boyfriend (Imran) suddenly comes to Australia right when she is sleeping with a guy. Nothing happened between them because they were both drunk. She is apparently on a break with Imran. Idk get the story and the characters just didn't work. I couldn't connect with either character. No twist and turn. Plain boring drama. Waste!!! Deepika and Imran's acting was decent everything else just failed badly. It's not a horror movie but the movie was a horror to watch.
Not recommended!!
absolutely phenomenal and path breaking
biplabdebnath30 November 2010
the best Hindi movie ever made.this was truly a visual spectacle. after watching the movie i couldn't sleep for days. it just stuck in my mind. Imraan khan and Dipika was phenomenal. they truly deserve an Oskar performance for their role. must watch for everybody specially the mature people who loves watching path breaking movies. i think the movie should get entry as India's official entry in the Oscars. sadly it can compete only in foreign language category. otherwise i think that it could have given a serious challenge to inception. the screenplay was absolutely outstanding. a few more song and dance sequence in the movie could have been included. the editing was crisp which made the movie very fast. you just couldn't keep your eyes off the screen for a single second because you will feel that you missed something. Path breaking love story. the movie of the decade if not the century. hats off to you guys.
Mills and Boon
AvinashPatalay26 January 2011
"Break Ke Baad" is an ideal romcom catering to the segment of audience who bunk classes and chill out in the multiplexes. At the outset the plot might look "space issues" meets "coming of age". However the writers, Danish Aslam and Renuka Kunzru take the liberty of overloading layers for every character who makes an appearance on the silver screen. Imagine even the acid tongue landlady's brother has issues in life! On that note the overkill phenomena was last witnessed in "Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na".
Imran Khan delivers a restraint and matured performance. Deepika gets a lion's share in terms of characterisation. Her spontaneity is a treat to watch to the extent that would seem she has mastered the art of impromptu acting. Sharmila Tagore and Naveen Nischol were under-utilised. Lillete Dubey and Shahana Goswami get a few fiery lines to mouth.
If you set aside the shortcomings on the writing front, the movie excels in other technical departments. Songs are noteworthy (Kunal Kohli is renowned for a good music taste, so there you go). Costumes deserve a mention. The DOP has a fine job. The tongue-in-cheek lines ensures audience stay with the proceedings. Editing is slick. Lastly there was no need shifting the storyline to Australia. IIM-Ahemadabad would have been done the job.
Verdict: Not too bad for one-time watch.
Imran Khan delivers a restraint and matured performance. Deepika gets a lion's share in terms of characterisation. Her spontaneity is a treat to watch to the extent that would seem she has mastered the art of impromptu acting. Sharmila Tagore and Naveen Nischol were under-utilised. Lillete Dubey and Shahana Goswami get a few fiery lines to mouth.
If you set aside the shortcomings on the writing front, the movie excels in other technical departments. Songs are noteworthy (Kunal Kohli is renowned for a good music taste, so there you go). Costumes deserve a mention. The DOP has a fine job. The tongue-in-cheek lines ensures audience stay with the proceedings. Editing is slick. Lastly there was no need shifting the storyline to Australia. IIM-Ahemadabad would have been done the job.
Verdict: Not too bad for one-time watch.
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